1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160.8 × 78.1 × 7.4 mm | 162 × 77.3 × 8 mm | S24 FE is slightly taller and thicker, may feel marginally less sleek in hand. |
| Weight | 228g | 213g | S24 FE is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and easier to carry. |
| Build | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on screen | S24 FE has more modern and durable screen protection. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical screen size, offering same viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1284x2778 | 1080x2340 | iPhone 12 Pro Max has sharper text and images due to higher pixel count. |
| PPI | 458 | 385 | iPhone 12 Pro Max has a noticeably sharper display, which is ideal for detailed content consumption. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors and deep blacks, minimal practical difference in display technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S24 FE provides much smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall fluidity and responsiveness of the device. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1900 nits | S24 FE is significantly better for outdoor use, easier to read in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Exynos 2400e (4 nm) | S24 FE's newer chipset offers faster processing and improved power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,121,803 | 1,600,000 | S24 FE offers significantly faster app loading and smoother operation, better performance during intensive tasks like gaming. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Xclipse 940 | S24 FE's GPU is designed for better graphics rendering, beneficial for gaming and graphics-intensive apps. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Res. | 12MP | 50MP | S24 FE captures higher-resolution images with more detail; S24 FE has better flexibility for cropping and large prints. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.6 | f/1.8 | iPhone 12 Pro Max captures more light in low light conditions. |
| Selfie Camera Res. | 12MP | 10.8MP | iPhone 12 Pro Max captures slightly more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | iPhone 12 Pro Max captures slightly more light in low light conditions. |
| Telephoto Res. | 12MP | 8MP | iPhone 12 Pro Max captures higher detail zoom shots. |
| Telephoto Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | iPhone 12 Pro Max captures more light in low light conditions. |
| Wide Angle Res. | 12MP | 13MP | S24 FE captures more detail in wide-angle photos. |
| Wide Angle Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.2 | S24 FE allows more light capture in wide angle photos. |
| Video | Up to 4K 60fps | Up to 8K 30fps | S24 FE allows for much more detailed videos, better for video recording professionals. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 131 (Photo: 131, Video: 130) | 133 (Photo: 136, Video: 125) | S24 FE takes slightly better photos, while iPhone 12 Pro Max captures slightly better video. |
| DxOMark Selfie Score | 132 (Photo: 127, Video: 140) | Not Available | iPhone 12 Pro Max has been tested for Selfie camera and scored good results, though not comparable to the S24 FE. |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 3687 mAh | 4700 mAh | S24 FE is likely to offer significantly longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging. |
| Charging | 20W fast charging | 25W fast charging | S24 FE charges slightly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | MagSafe, Qi wireless | Bypass, Reverse, 15W wireless | S24 FE offers more charging flexibility (reverse charging) but lacks MagSafe charging. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and PPI for clearer visuals.
- Slightly Better Low light main camera performance: Wider aperture on main and selfie lenses allow more light capture.
- More stable and better low light zoom: Telephoto lense allows for slightly better zoom.
- Video Quality: Better video capabilities, including slightly better video quality score in DxOMark and stable video mode, ideal for content creators.
- Audio: Slight edge in audio features (by a small margin) offering enhanced spatial audio, enhanced surround sound, better audio separation and immersion.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate for a more fluid user experience.
- Brighter Display: Significantly better visibility in direct sunlight.
- Faster Performance: Newer chipset and higher AnTuTu score.
- Superior Main Camera Image Quality: Higher resolution main camera provides better flexibility.
- Longer Battery Life: Larger battery capacity for extended usage.
- Faster Charging: Slightly faster charging speed.
- More Modern Connectivity: Supports newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth versions.
- Additional Battery features: Has Bypass charging and reverse charging.
- Better screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+.
- Fingerprint sensor: For easy and secure unlocking.
Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12 Pro Max has slightly better low light camera performance and video quality, while S24 FE has an overall better camera performance in terms of photos and video resolution and better for day photos.
- iPhone 12 Pro Max lacks features like 120Hz display, more satellite systems and some connectivity options offered by S24 FE.
- S24 FE is slightly thicker and taller, but lighter, while iPhone 12 Pro Max is more compact, but heavier.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is ideal for:
- Content Creators: Those who prioritize video quality and color accuracy, and need a high quality selfie camera.
- Users who value Display Quality: Those who need a sharper and more pixel dense screen, great for reading and detailed work
- Apple Ecosystem Users: Individuals deeply integrated within the Apple ecosystem.
- Users who like Premium Audio: Those who need a higher quality audio experience.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is ideal for:
- Gamers: Those who benefit from the smoother 120Hz display and powerful GPU.
- Outdoor Users: Individuals needing excellent screen visibility in bright sunlight.
- Power Users: Those who require longer battery life and faster performance.
- Multimedia Consumers: Those who want the highest quality video recordings and a great display for watching content.
- Users who need more phone flexibility: Those who would benefit from features like a fingerprint sensor, reverse charging, bypass charging and more modern connectivity options.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Display Priority: Do you prioritize a sharper, more pixel-dense display (iPhone 12 Pro Max) or a smoother, brighter display (S24 FE)?
- Performance and Battery: Do you need the latest performance and longer battery life (S24 FE), or will older, but still very capable specs work for you?
- Ecosystem Preference: Are you heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem or open to Android?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For content creation and video recording (especially in low light): iPhone 12 Pro Max
- For outdoor use and gaming: Samsung Galaxy S24 FE.
- For general use and value for money: Samsung Galaxy S24 FE due to its better battery, smoother display, and more modern connectivity.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would go with the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. Here’s why:
While the iPhone 12 Pro Max has a sharper display and slightly better low-light main camera performance and overall video recording quality, the Galaxy S24 FE’s advantages in other areas are more compelling for my daily needs. The 120Hz refresh rate makes a significant difference in the overall user experience, feeling much more fluid and responsive. The higher brightness is a major plus for using the phone outdoors. I also value the longer battery life and the faster charging, reducing the need to worry about power. The newer chipset and connectivity standards of the S24 FE also provide a more future-proof device. While the video quality of the iPhone is better, the S24 FE still does a great job and I appreciate the higher resolution recording. Lastly, while I do enjoy using an IPhone, I don't need it for my ecosystem and am open to using Android, therefore choosing the S24 FE.
