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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerApple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
For most users, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max takes the edge, especially with its stunning 6.9" display and professional-grade 48MP camera. The ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro is no slouch,. In real-world use, the iPhone's peak brightness of 2000 nits ensures outdoor visibility, while the ROG Phone’s 165Hz refresh rate makes gaming feel incredibly smooth. Both devices are flagship contenders, but the iPhone’s camera capabilities and software longevity make it worth the premium.
📱 Display: 6.9" vs 6.78"⚡ Refresh: 120 Hz vs 165 Hz🔋 Battery: 4685 mAh vs 5500 mAh
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Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
★4.7
(348)•Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Processor:Apple A18 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Graphics:Apple 6-core GPU (A18 Pro)
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ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
★4.7
(63)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:2 major OS updates and 4 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
Graphics:Adreno 750
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
6.9" (6.86" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less)Winner
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
6.78"
Refresh Rate
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz); Always-On display
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
1Hz–120Hz (Adaptive); 165Hz (Gaming mode)Winner
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Apple A18 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
RAMKey
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
8 GB (LPDDR5X)
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
16GB LPDDR5X (Pro Edition: 24GB)Winner
Storage
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe)
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
512GB UFS 4.0 (Pro Edition: 1TB)Winner
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
48MP Fusion (24 mm, f/1.78), second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP)
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.9, 6-axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 3.0Winner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
48MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), Hybrid Focus Pixels, 48MP macro photography
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Free-form lens
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
4685 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 33 hours video playback (29 hours streamed)
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
5,500mAh (Dual-cell)Winner
Wireless Charging
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
MagSafe up to 25W (with 30W+ adapter); Qi2 up to 25W (via iOS update); Qi up to 7.5W
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
15W Qi 1.3 Wireless Charging
Design2 specs
Weight
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
7.99 oz (227 g)
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
7.94 oz (225 g)Winner
Dimensions
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
6.42" x 3.06" x 0.32" (163.0 x 77.6 x 8.25 mm)
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
6.45 x 3.02 x 0.35 in (163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
iOS
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
Android
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; NFC with reader mode
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.4, NFC
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
★4.7(348)Best Buy
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
★4.7(63)Best Buy
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max | ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(348)Best Buy | ★4.7(63)Best Buy |
Operating System | iOS | Android |
Software Support | Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades | 2 major OS updates and 4 years of security updates |
Processor | Apple A18 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650) |
Graphics | Apple 6-core GPU (A18 Pro) | Adreno 750 |
RAM | 8 GB (LPDDR5X) | 16GB LPDDR5X (Pro Edition: 24GB) |
Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe) | 512GB UFS 4.0 (Pro Edition: 1TB) |
Display Size | 6.9" (6.86" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less) | 6.78" |
Screen Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Samsung E6 Flexible AMOLED, LTPO, 1,600 nits (HBM) |
Resolution | 2868 x 1320 pixels (460 ppi) | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz); Always-On display | 1Hz–120Hz (Adaptive); 165Hz (Gaming mode) |
Peak Brightness | 1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 2000 nits peak (outdoor); 1 nit minimum | 2,500 nits |
Main Camera | 48MP Fusion (24 mm, f/1.78), second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP) | 50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.9, 6-axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 3.0 |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 48MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), Hybrid Focus Pixels, 48MP macro photography | 13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Free-form lens |
Telephoto Camera | 12MP 5x Telephoto (120 mm, f/2.8), tetraprism design, 3D sensor-shift OIS, autofocus, 100% Focus Pixels | 32MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom (Not periscope) |
Optical Zoom | 5x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out; 10x optical zoom range | 3x Optical |
Digital Zoom | Up to 25x | Up to 30x (Hyper Clarity AI up to 10x) |
Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60/100/120 fps (Fusion); Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps; Action mode up to 2.8K at 60 fps; ProRes up to 4K 120 fps with external recording | 8K UHD @ 24fps; 4K UHD @ 30/60fps; HDR10+ |
Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps | 32MP RGBW, f/2.5, 90-degree FOV (Bins to 8MP) |
Battery | 4685 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 33 hours video playback (29 hours streamed) | 5,500mAh (Dual-cell) |
Wired Charging | USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher; USB 3 speeds supported | 65W HyperCharge (Adapter included) |
Wireless Charging | MagSafe up to 25W (with 30W+ adapter); Qi2 up to 25W (via iOS update); Qi up to 7.5W | 15W Qi 1.3 Wireless Charging |
Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; NFC with reader mode | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.4, NFC |
USB | USB-C connector with USB 3 speeds (up to 10 Gb/s); Native DisplayPort output | Side: USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (DisplayPort 1.4); Bottom: USB-C 2.0 |
Durability | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield (latest generation) front; Titanium design (Grade 5); Textured matte glass back | IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Front) |
Dimensions | 6.42" x 3.06" x 0.32" (163.0 x 77.6 x 8.25 mm) | 6.45 x 3.02 x 0.35 in (163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm) |
Weight | 7.99 oz (227 g) | 7.94 oz (225 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Apple Intelligence support; Camera Control button; Action button; Dynamic Island; LiDAR Scanner; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Roadside Assistance via satellite | AniMe Vision (341 Mini-LEDs on back), AirTrigger buttons, 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual USB-C ports |
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Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Rating:★4.7(348)Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Processor:Apple A18 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Graphics:Apple 6-core GPU (A18 Pro)
RAM:8 GB (LPDDR5X)
Storage:256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe)
Display Size:6.9" (6.86" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution:2868 x 1320 pixels (460 ppi)
Refresh Rate:Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz); Always-On display
Peak Brightness:1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 2000 nits peak (outdoor); 1 nit minimum
Main Camera:48MP Fusion (24 mm, f/1.78), second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP)
Ultra-Wide Camera:48MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), Hybrid Focus Pixels, 48MP macro photography
Telephoto Camera:12MP 5x Telephoto (120 mm, f/2.8), tetraprism design, 3D sensor-shift OIS, autofocus, 100% Focus Pixels
Optical Zoom:5x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out; 10x optical zoom range
Digital Zoom:Up to 25x
Video Recording:4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60/100/120 fps (Fusion); Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps; Action mode up to 2.8K at 60 fps; ProRes up to 4K 120 fps with external recording
Front Camera:12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps
Battery:4685 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 33 hours video playback (29 hours streamed)
Wired Charging:USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher; USB 3 speeds supported
Wireless Charging:MagSafe up to 25W (with 30W+ adapter); Qi2 up to 25W (via iOS update); Qi up to 7.5W
Connectivity:5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; NFC with reader mode
USB:USB-C connector with USB 3 speeds (up to 10 Gb/s); Native DisplayPort output
Durability:IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield (latest generation) front; Titanium design (Grade 5); Textured matte glass back
Dimensions:6.42" x 3.06" x 0.32" (163.0 x 77.6 x 8.25 mm)
Weight:7.99 oz (227 g)
Biometrics:Face ID
Extras:Apple Intelligence support; Camera Control button; Action button; Dynamic Island; LiDAR Scanner; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Roadside Assistance via satellite
✓ Pros:
- • Largest iPhone display ever at 6.9 inches with ultra-thin borders
- • 48MP Ultra Wide camera improves macro and wide-angle detail significantly
- • Excellent battery life (4685 mAh), among the best in class
- • Dedicated Camera Control button mimics a DSLR shutter
- • Support for 4K 120fps Dolby Vision recording for professional slow-motion
✗ Cons:
- • Large physical dimensions can be unwieldy for some users
- • Fastest charging speeds (MagSafe 25W) require purchasing a new puck and adapter
- • US models lack a physical SIM tray (eSIM only)
- • Base storage starts at 256GB, raising the entry price
- • USB-C cable included in the box is limited to USB 2 speeds (pro transfer speeds require separate cable)
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ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
Rating:★4.7(63)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:2 major OS updates and 4 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
Graphics:Adreno 750
RAM:16GB LPDDR5X (Pro Edition: 24GB)
Storage:512GB UFS 4.0 (Pro Edition: 1TB)
Display Size:6.78"
Screen Type:Samsung E6 Flexible AMOLED, LTPO, 1,600 nits (HBM)
Resolution:2400 x 1080 (FHD+)
Refresh Rate:1Hz–120Hz (Adaptive); 165Hz (Gaming mode)
Peak Brightness:2,500 nits
Main Camera:50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.9, 6-axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 3.0
Ultra-Wide Camera:13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Free-form lens
Telephoto Camera:32MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom (Not periscope)
Optical Zoom:3x Optical
Digital Zoom:Up to 30x (Hyper Clarity AI up to 10x)
Video Recording:8K UHD @ 24fps; 4K UHD @ 30/60fps; HDR10+
Front Camera:32MP RGBW, f/2.5, 90-degree FOV (Bins to 8MP)
Battery:5,500mAh (Dual-cell)
Wired Charging:65W HyperCharge (Adapter included)
Wireless Charging:15W Qi 1.3 Wireless Charging
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.4, NFC
USB:Side: USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (DisplayPort 1.4); Bottom: USB-C 2.0
Durability:IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Front)
Dimensions:6.45 x 3.02 x 0.35 in (163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm)
Weight:7.94 oz (225 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:AniMe Vision (341 Mini-LEDs on back), AirTrigger buttons, 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual USB-C ports
✓ Pros:
- • First ROG phone with IP68 water/dust resistance and telephoto lens
- • Incredible performance with advanced thermal management features
- • Brightest-in-class 165Hz LTPO AMOLED display (2,500 nits peak)
- • Includes 65W charger, case, and braided cable in the box
- • Retains enthusiast features: 3.5mm jack, notification LEDs, and AirTriggers
✗ Cons:
- • Software support (2 OS updates) lags behind Samsung/Google flagships
- • Battery capacity reduced (5,500mAh) compared to previous generation (6,000mAh)
- • Cameras, while improved, still trail top-tier photography flagships
- • Thermal throttling can occur earlier than previous bulky models without the cooler
- • No dedicated macro mode (uses Ultrawide) unlike previous iterations
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Which one is better?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is the better buy for most people - its 48MP camera crushes the ROG Phone's 50MP in real-world photography.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max if: you love photography with its 48MP Ultra Wide camera, appreciate a vibrant 6.9" display, or want long-term software support with guaranteed updates for 5+ years.
Choose the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro if: you game frequently with its 165Hz refresh rate, need a larger battery for extended use, or want a customizable gaming experience with features like AirTriggers.
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max excels if you value largest iphone display ever at 6.9 inches with ultra-thin borders. ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro is better if you prioritize first rog phone with ip68 water/dust resistance and telephoto lens. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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