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Usually, I get five or six questions.

First, let’s offer a quick primer on what these new phones offer.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Hands on

Macro photos taken with Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are essentially the same smartphone in two different sizes.

I got so many questions about Battery Life.

Some iPhone 14 Pro owners reported the same thing.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max REVIEW

Macro photos taken with Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

iPhone owners are also hyper-aware of their battery’s overall charge potential.

They seemed eager to return to full capacity with phones that might offer better battery life than ever before.

They also asked about how these phone batteries performed during peak tasks.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max REVIEW

I think many are concerned that these batteries might drain more quickly when playing AAA games or editing videos.

I was happy to explain that had not been my experience.

Don’t these look just like the last model?

Apple iPhone 16 Pro REVIEW

This matters to consumers because they are looking for a fresh design and new features.

Is it time to upgrade?

I was shocked at how many people still have iPhone 12 Pro models.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max colors

I explained that, in these cases, the upgrades would be significant.

There’d be noticeable leaps in performance and camera quality.

Batteries are larger and chips are more efficient.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Review

Macro photos taken with Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

The screens are now bigger and offer higher resolution.

Many potential upgraders own iPhone 13 Pros and iPhone 14 Pros, though.

Here, obviously, I explained that the differences will be less noticeable.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max REVIEW

Is it big and heavy?

Most are aware that these phones are a little bigger.

They repeatedly asked me if the 6.9-inch iPhone 16 Pro Max fits in pockets and is comfortable to hold.

Are they durable?

Bigger screens, for real?

Which colors are best?

I felt similarly about all the color questions I got.

My test units are Desert and Natural.

I was asked if the Desert is more Rose gold or Brown.

I’m a tiny bit color blind but to me, it looks more brown.

I said the Black Titanium, and when they pressed for my color recommendation, I said Black again.

Of course, color is really a matter of taste.

I don’t know if the color I like will also appeal to you.

For what it’s worth, I really want some of the excellentiPhone 16colors on the Pro models.

Is the camera quality better?

Buying decisions were not just between older phones and the new models.

Is the Camera Control any good?

People are fascinated by Camera Control but don’t entirely understand it.

They asked how it works and if it would still function with a case on.

I explained that there are special cases from Apple and third-party cases with huge cutouts to support it.

Others asked about using the new control, concerned it might be hard to master and use.

Wait for iPhone 17?

I usually pointed to the amount and level of upgrades you’d experience coming from each of these phones.

It might be an upgrade driver, but not yet, and maybe not fully until next year.

Most people didn’t even ask about Apple’s brand of AI.

I did get one, though, about the experience of using it on the iPhone 16.

I answered honestly, “Interesting and somewhat useful but still limited.

Looking forward to seeing more.”

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