Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy M35
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 160.8 × 78.1 × 7.4 mm | 162.3 × 78.6 × 9.1 mm | Samsung M35 is slightly taller and noticeably thicker, making it feel bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 228g | 222g | Samsung M35 is slightly lighter, but both phones are on the heavier side, which might be noticeable during extended use. |
| Build Material | (Not specified) | (Not specified) | Without specifics it's difficult to provide direct comparisons. This could impact durability and feel in hand. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Samsung M35 offers superior protection against scratches and drops. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | iPhone 12 Pro Max has a marginally larger screen, which could be more immersive for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1284x2778 | 1080x2340 | iPhone 12 Pro Max has a noticeably sharper display, resulting in finer detail for images and text. |
| PPI | 458 | 390 | iPhone 12 Pro Max offers higher pixel density, leading to a crisper visual experience. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. Practically, display quality will be similar. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Samsung M35 has smoother animations and scrolling, which can enhance gaming and browsing. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | iPhone 12 Pro Max is much better for outdoor visibility in direct sunlight, allowing for comfortable use in bright conditions. Samsung M35 brightness data was not provided but is likely lower than the iPhone |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | Different chipsets. A14 is designed for high performance with optimized iOS, while the Exynos offers a good balance of efficiency and performance on Android. |
| Antutu Score | 1,121,803 | 578,500 | iPhone 12 Pro Max provides significantly faster processing power, smoother performance for demanding games and applications, and better multitasking. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Mali-G68 MP5 | Different GPU configurations, but the A14 chip is better optimized for mobile gaming. |
| RAM | 6GB | 6GB or 8GB | Samsung Galaxy M35 with 8GB has better multitasking capabilities and will handle more running apps without lagging. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.6, 1.70µm pixel | 50MP, f/1.8, 1.00µm pixel | Samsung M35 captures more detailed photos. iPhone 12 Pro Max has a wider aperture and larger pixels for better low-light performance and shallow depth of field. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Similar quality for video calls and selfies, with the Samsung having a slightly higher resolution. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.00µm pixel | None | iPhone 12 Pro Max has optical zoom for better zoom shots without losing quality, lacking in the Samsung M35. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1.40µm pixel | 8MP, f/2.2 | iPhone 12 Pro Max captures higher-resolution wide-angle shots with slightly narrower aperture. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Samsung M35 provides dedicated macro capabilities for close-up photography, missing in the iPhone 12 Pro Max. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, Stereo sound | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | iPhone 12 Pro Max has wider frame options. Both have good video quality with stabilization and slow-mo. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 131, Selfie: 132 | Not available | iPhone 12 Pro Max has a higher overall camera score compared to the M35, which is not listed |
| Features | OIS, Optical Zoom, PDAF, RAW, Night Mode | OIS, Digital zoom, AutoFraming, AI engine, RAW 12 bit | Both phones have a variety of camera features for enhancing photos. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a more traditional set of features, while the Samsung adds AI features |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 3687mAh | 6000mAh | Samsung M35 should offer significantly longer battery life, potentially lasting much longer than a single day for most users. |
| Charging | 20W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Samsung M35 charges slightly faster, but both are reasonably quick to top up. |
| Features | MagSafe, Qi wireless charging, non-removable | Non-removable | iPhone offers wireless charging. Samsung doesn't list it. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The A14 Bionic chip provides much faster processing and graphics, making it ideal for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Higher Resolution and Brightness: The display is sharper, clearer, and more viewable in direct sunlight.
- Better Camera System: Includes a telephoto lens for optical zoom, better low light performance, and a higher overall DXOMark score.
- Wireless Charging: Includes both Qi and MagSafe wireless charging
- Mature Software ecosystem: Access to a stable, and curated app ecosystem.
Samsung Galaxy M35 Advantages:
- Longer Battery Life: The significantly larger battery provides extended usage time between charges.
- Faster Display: A 120Hz refresh rate makes for a smoother, more responsive experience.
- Modern Bluetooth: It features the newer Bluetooth 5.3
- Macro Lens: The inclusion of a macro lens provides more photography flexibility.
- More RAM Options: More RAM provides better multitasking.
- Newer Device: Released 3 years after the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
- Screen Protection: The use of Gorilla Glass Victus provides more screen protection.
Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12 Pro Max: Lower battery capacity, slower refresh rate and older hardware compared to the M35.
- Samsung Galaxy M35: Lower processing power, lower resolution display and lacks a telephoto lens.
- iPhone 12 Pro Max: Older version of Bluetooth connectivity.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Ideal User:
- Power Users: Individuals who prioritize performance, gaming, and demanding apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want the best camera quality with optical zoom.
- iOS Users: Those deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem who value simplicity and software optimization.
- Users needing a bright screen: Those who need the visibility of a bright screen in direct sunlight.
Samsung Galaxy M35 Ideal User:
- Battery-Conscious Users: Individuals who prioritize long battery life above all else.
- Casual Gamers & Multimedia Consumers: Those who want a smooth display experience with a higher refresh rate.
- Android Enthusiasts: People who prefer Android's flexibility and features.
- Users needing screen protection: Those that need protection from drops and scratches.
- Budget-conscious buyers: Those seeking a more affordable phone.
Specific Use Cases:
- iPhone 12 Pro Max: Ideal for mobile content creation, video editing, graphics-intensive games, professional photography, and overall high-performance needs.
- Samsung Galaxy M35: Best for daily browsing, social media, extended video playback, users with long commutes, budget gamers, and all-day usage without needing to recharge.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The iPhone 12 Pro Max is older and may be more expensive than the Samsung Galaxy M35, depending on where you're buying it.
- The Samsung Galaxy M35 provides good performance for its price, excelling in battery life and display.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Performance Priority: Do you need maximum processing power for demanding applications and gaming, or is good performance sufficient?
- Battery vs. Display: Do you prioritize long battery life or a smoother display with high refresh rates?
- Ecosystem Preference: Are you more comfortable with iOS or Android?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance & Camera are Key
- Recommendation: Choose the iPhone 12 Pro Max. The A14 Bionic chipset is much faster than the Exynos 1380 and provides better camera functionality. The higher resolution and brightness will provide a better visual experience.
- Scenario 2: Long Battery Life & Smooth Display are Paramount
- Recommendation: Opt for the Samsung Galaxy M35. Its larger battery will give you more usage, with a smoother 120hz display.
- Scenario 3: Budget & Daily Use
- Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy M35 is a more budget-friendly option that covers most daily user needs with good performance and a long battery.
My Choice and Explanation
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would select the Samsung Galaxy M35. While the iPhone 12 Pro Max is a powerful phone with a fantastic camera, the Samsung M35's superior battery life and the 120Hz display are more appealing to my usage patterns. I prioritize long battery life to get me through the day, and the smoother experience of the 120Hz is a key advantage. Additionally, considering the M35 is a newer and more affordable device, it offers better value for my needs, despite the slight drop in processing power. I also prefer Android. Though the iPhone 12 Pro Max has a better camera, for my usage the camera on the M35 is more than adequate.
