Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy A55 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date September 24, 2021 March 15, 2024
Release Year 2021 2024

Physical

Volume 96.7 cm³ 102.25 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 2.79 "/g 3.1 "/g
Weight 240 g 213 g
Height 160.8 mm 161.1 mm
Width 78.1 mm 77.4 mm
Thickness 7.7 mm 8.2 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Silver
  • Gold
  • Graphite
  • Sierra Blue
  • Alpine Green
  • Navy
  • Iceblue
  • Lilac
  • Lemon

Display

Screen Size 6.7 " 6.6 "
Resolution 1284 x 2778 1080 x 2340
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 87.8 % 85.8 %
Pixel Density 458 PPI 390 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 1000 nits 1000 nits
Peak Brightness 1200 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 96.95 mAh/in² 114.78 mAh/in²
Battery Density 45.01 mAh/cm³ 48.9 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4352 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) Exynos 1480 (4 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.23 GHz Avalanche + 4x1.82 GHz Blizzard) Octa-core (4x2.75 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Apple GPU (5-core graphics) Xclipse 530

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features Lightning 2.0 USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System iOS Android
Initial OS Version 15 14
Maximum OS Version 18 18

Comparison Summary

Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy A55. These two phones represent different approaches to smartphone design and technology, so understanding their nuances is crucial. Here’s a breakdown to help you make the right choice:

1. Specifications Breakdown

FeatureApple iPhone 13 Pro MaxSamsung Galaxy A55Real-World Implications
Design
Dimensions160.8 × 78.1 × 7.7 mm161.1 × 77.4 × 8.2 mmThe A55 is a hair taller and thicker, but very similar overall. Volume of A55 is larger.
Weight240g213gThe A55 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use.
FoldableStandardStandardBoth are standard, non-folding phones.
Build Quality (Screen Protection)UnknownCorning Gorilla Glass VictusThe A55 has a very strong and durable screen protection.
Display
Size6.7"6.6"The iPhone has a slightly larger screen.
Resolution1284x27781080x2340The iPhone’s display is significantly sharper with more detail.
PPI458390The iPhone has significantly higher pixel density, enhancing clarity and sharpness.
TechnologyOLEDAMOLEDBoth use vibrant and high-quality display technology.
Refresh Rate120Hz120HzBoth offer smooth scrolling and animations.
Brightness1200 nits0 nitsThe iPhone’s display is significantly brighter, providing better visibility in bright sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetApple A15 Bionic (5 nm)Exynos 1480 (4 nm)The A15 Bionic is older but powerful, while the Exynos is a newer midrange chipset.
AnTuTu Score1,327,255713,393The iPhone is considerably faster, handling demanding tasks and gaming with ease.
GPUApple GPU (5-core graphics)Xclipse 530Different GPU configurations, but the iPhone's GPU performs better overall.
Battery Life
Capacity4373mAh5000mAhThe A55 has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life.
Charging20W fast charging25W fast chargingThe A55 charges slightly faster than the iPhone.
FeaturesMagSafe & Qi wirelessNon-removableThe iPhone offers wireless charging options, while the A55 doesn’t.
Camera
Standard (Rear)12MP, f/1.5, 1/1.66"50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56"The A55 has a higher resolution main sensor, while the iPhone has a wider aperture, letting in more light.
Selfie12MP, f/2.232MP, f/2.2The A55 captures much higher-resolution selfies.
Telephoto12MP, f/2.8NoneThe iPhone has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, which the A55 lacks.
Wide-angle12MP, f/1.813MP, f/2.2The A55 has a slightly higher megapixel wide-angle lens, but smaller sensor with smaller light gathering capacity than iPhone’s wide angle.
ToF 3D SensorYesNoneThe iPhone offers depth sensing, enhancing portrait mode.
MacroNone5MP, f/2.4The A55 has a dedicated macro lens, while the iPhone does not.
VideoUp to 4K 60fpsUp to 4K 30fpsThe iPhone offers more versatile video recording options, with higher frame rate and advanced HDR.
DxoMarkNot TestedMobile: 108, Photo: 110, Video: 117The A55 has been rated for its camera capabilities in an independent test.
Camera FeaturesOptical zoom, Quadruple camera, RAW, etc2x2 OCL, Pro Video Mode, Triple camera, RAW 12 bits, etcThe iPhone offers optical zoom, while the A55 provides some unique features like 2x2 OCL and Pro Video mode.
Software
OSiOS 15 (upgradeable to iOS 18)Android 14 (upgradeable to Android 18)Different ecosystems, each with its own strengths and features.
Connectivity
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6, Dual band, etcWi-Fi 6, Dual band, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display, etcThe A55 offers additional WiFi options such as Wi-Fi Direct and Wi-Fi Display.
Bluetooth5.0 LE5.3, with more codecs and profilesThe A55 uses a newer version with better audio quality and stability.
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, GalileoGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GalileoThe A55 has more robust GPS support, adding Beidou.
SIMDual SIM (Nano + eSIM)Dual SIM (Nano + Nano/eSIM)Both support dual SIMs; the A55 offers an option for second physical SIM.
Storage
Internal Storage128/256/512/1024GB128/256GBThe iPhone offers substantially more storage options.
RAM6/8GB8/12GBThe A55 has more RAM, beneficial for intensive multitasking.
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither phone supports expandable storage.
Audio
QualityDolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS / DTS X, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphonesDolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo SpeakersThe iPhone offers a more immersive sound, while A55 supports Hi-Res audio.
Security
Security FeaturesBasicFingerprint sensorThe A55 provides enhanced biometric security with a fingerprint sensor.
Sensors
SensorsProximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, BarometerFingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtualA55 has a more comprehensive sensor suite.
### 2. Key Insights

Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max

  • Strengths:
    • Performance: The A15 Bionic chip delivers superior performance, making it excellent for gaming, demanding apps, and multitasking.
      • Display Quality: The sharper, brighter display provides a superior visual experience, especially in sunlight.
    • Camera System: The versatile camera system with telephoto, wide and ultra-wide lenses, coupled with a ToF 3D sensor, delivers great photography.
    • Ecosystem: Seamless integration with other Apple devices and services.
      • Video: Higher framerates and more advanced video capabilities make it a better choice for video content creation.
      • Audio: Immersive, spatial audio with multiple microphones.
  • Competitive Advantage: The iPhone is a premium powerhouse, leading in performance and display quality.

Samsung Galaxy A55

  • Strengths:
    • Battery Life: The larger battery and efficient charging ensure all-day use.
    • Value: It offers a competitive price point without compromising on essential features.
    • Software: Runs on Android 14, providing the latest features and flexibility.
    • Selfie Camera: Higher resolution provides crisper and detailed selfies.
    • Camera: Features a Macro lens, and a well tested main camera with high scores on DxOMark.
    • Build Quality: Very good screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.
    • Connectivity: More advanced Bluetooth and GPS for enhanced connectivity.
  • Competitive Advantage: The A55 shines in battery life, enhanced security features, and better connectivity at a budget.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

  • Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max:
    • Ideal User: Professionals, content creators, and gamers who prioritize performance, display quality, and seamless ecosystem integration.
    • Use Cases: Video recording, high-end gaming, professional photography, and anyone heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem.
  • Samsung Galaxy A55:
    • Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who value all-day battery life, a good camera, a vibrant display and versatility in connectivity.
    • Use Cases: Daily communication, social media, casual gaming, and users who prefer the Android ecosystem.

4. Buying Decision Framework

Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:

  1. Do you prioritize performance and a top-tier display, or are you more concerned about battery life and value?
    • If performance and a best-in-class display are non-negotiable, the iPhone is the winner.
    • If battery life and value are more important, the A55 will meet your needs without breaking the bank.
  2. Are you heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, or do you prefer the flexibility of Android?
    • Existing iPhone and Apple product users will feel at home with the iPhone.
    • Those wanting customization and flexibility will gravitate towards the Android operating system.
  3. What are your primary use cases for the camera?
    • If you need optical zoom and professional-grade video capture, the iPhone’s camera system excels.
    • If you take a lot of selfies and enjoy flexibility in camera modes, the A55 is better.

Scenario-Based Recommendations

  • Professional Photographer/Videographer: Choose the iPhone 13 Pro Max for its unmatched video capture, optical zoom, and high-fidelity display.
  • Gamer: Choose the iPhone 13 Pro Max for its raw performance, superior graphics capabilities, and smoother gameplay experience.
  • Everyday User on a Budget: The Samsung Galaxy A55 is the best choice, offering good performance, a large battery, and 5G support at a better price.
  • Tech Enthusiast: The iPhone 13 Pro Max provides access to top-end technology but the A55 has better sensors, more robust connectivity, and more flexibility.

My Choice

For me, it is a difficult decision as I see merit in both devices. However, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A55. While the iPhone 13 Pro Max undoubtedly boasts a performance and display advantage, the A55 hits a sweet spot of price, battery life, and camera features that suits my needs. I appreciate its larger battery, the flexibility of Android, and the enhanced biometric security with a fingerprint sensor. Plus, its solid main camera performance and the addition of features like a Macro lens offer versatility that matches my daily usage patterns. The A55 represents a smart balance of features and value that, for me, makes it the practical choice.

Alex Griffin
Alex Griffin

Technology analyst specializing in mobile devices and consumer electronics.

Core Expertise

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Consumer electronics evaluation
  • Technical specification interpretation
  • User experience insights

Professional Mission Empowering readers to make informed technology decisions by transforming intricate specifications into understandable, practical guidance.

Demystifying technology, one device at a time.