Message app freezing

Got a brand new iPhone 16 pro max yesterday (upgraded from an Xr lol, it was time). Phone is great so far, but the messages app keeps freezing and crashing. It’s impossible to use for about 10 minutes even if I close and reopen the app, it stays frozen. It’s happened 3 times now and I’ve had it for 24 hours.

Any advice? Is this normal? Do I need to get it replaced/looked at? Thanks in advance.