The breakthrough foldable iPhone Duo might have hogged the spotlight at this year’s major product launch, but the iPhone 18 series is still the line-up most users are returning to.
Honestly, it’s been a hot minute since I bought an Apple flagship but this year the upgrades to the battery, camera – and let’s be honest, burgundy colourway – have reeled me back in.
Naturally, as a Libra, I can’t decide whether the iPhone 18 Pro* or iPhone 18 Pro Max* is worth getting.
Thankfully, I’ve been lucky enough to test both so check out my early two-week first impressions below.
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P.S. If you’re looking for a more wallet-friendly alternative with a good camera, all the review photos were taken with the iPhone 17e (unless stated otherwise).
Quick linksKey specs: iPhone 18 Pro vs. iPhone 18 Pro Max
Both powered by the new A20 Pro chip, here’s a quick rundown of a few main specs on the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
DisplaySizeBattery
The two devices support MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W with a 30W adaptor or higher.
For fast charging, a 60W-capable adaptor (or higher) can boost both smartphones up to 50 per cent within just 15 minutes (or 30 minutes if you’re using a 35W adaptor and MagSafe Charger).
Camera
Both the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max have:
18MP Center Stage front camera48MP Pro Fusion camera 48MP Fusion Main with variable aperture 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide48MP Fusion Telephoto Up to 8x optical zoomSetting up
While I’ve stuck to buying Samsung phones for years, I’ve been using MacBooks and iPads for even longer so there wasn’t a massive learning curve. Much like the phones’ designs, the box keeps things minimal with just the handset, ejector pin and USB-C charging cable.
Design
I’m a sucker for the clean and minimalist ‘Apple aesthetic‘, and one of the few who still likes the divisive “ugly” Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro. But I’m glad Apple has toned things back to more ‘classy’ options, including glaicer, black, silver and what fans are calling “sexy” burgundy.
But I can confirm fellow users’ crash out over the iPhone 18 Pro Max being a total fingerprint magnet. I started filming an unboxing and spent the majority of the time wiping smudges and airborne dust particles off the beautiful burgundy back. That said, it’s easy to remove with a microfibre cloth but it can get annoying after a while. I definitely recommend getting a clear case from Apple or other brands like Belkin and popping it on once you take the Pro Max out of the box.
While the two handsets technically both 8.75mm thick, the iPhone 18 Pro feels slightly chunkier and even heavier despite it being technically lighter. I personally love bigger screens so it’s no surprise I prefer the iPhone 18 Pro Max, especially when the screen is bright and beautiful.
If you don’t like using two hands, the iPhone 18 Pro might be the way to go.
Battery life
The iPhone 18 range has been given a hefty battery upgrade, bulking up the battery life from 27 hours to 34 hours on the iPhone 18 Pro and from 33 hours to a whopping 43 hours on the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Both can comfortably last me two days, provided I’m not doing anything particularly demanding like hotspotting Google Maps for hours or filming videos for an extended period.
Charging doesn’t take much time either and can move the needle a fair bit within 30 minutes. If you’re in a pinch and don’t have an adaptor or wireless charger, here’s how much the battery improved after just plugging the USB-C cable from the box into my work laptop.
Camera
The most exciting upgrade in the iPhone 18 line-up is the camera, with users now able to gain more control over the shot with variable aperture, improved Photographic Styles, and Cinematic effects for videos.
For any budding content creators travel vloggers, you can also now record time-lapse videos in 4K and Dolby Vision HDR as well as isolate music with the Audio Mix function.
While I’ve only had the two iPhone 18 Pros for a short time, I’m already having so much fun playing around with the settings and can’t wait to dive into more depth with our longer-term review.
Even if you’re not someone who knows much about photography, there are still plenty of presets to easily change up the tone, texture and depth of field. (I personally love the ‘bright + soft skin Photography Style’ for selfies.)
Is the iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max worth buying?
I feel like I’m cheating on my current Android companion by saying this but, the iPhone 18 Pro Max feels like the one. It has a gorgeous large display housed in a sleek aluminium body, plus it’s powerful, long lasting, and packs a fantastic camera.
The iPhone 18 Pro is also smooth to use and has many similar specs to the Pro Max, but without as much extra weight.
However, both handsets obviously carry the typical Apple premium price tag. A $2099-$2299 starting price is on the high end, but could be worth the investment if you haven’t upgraded in a while or need to replace a broken phone and want to invest in the latest iPhone.
How much does the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max cost?
Both Apple smartphones are available to purchase from the Apple store as well as the usual retailers, including Amazon Australia, The Good Guys and JB Hi-Fi. They’re available in the same colours, including glacier, silver, black and white.
Here’s how much the iPhone 18 series will cost you:
256GB512GB1TB2TB
*Products were loaned by Apple for 100 per cent honest, independent review.
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Tahnee-Jae Lopez-VitoSenior Shopping Writer
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