Okay, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy M35. I'm going to break this down with a focus on how these specs translate into real-world experiences for the user, and what to make of the trade-offs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table to kick things off, highlighting the key technical differences and their practical implications:
| Feature | Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-09-24 | 2024-05-24 | The Galaxy M35 is a newer phone by almost three years, meaning it should have some more modern features but lacks the refinement of the Apple phone. |
| Size | 160.8 × 78.1 × 7.7 mm | 162.3 × 78.6 × 9.1 mm | The M35 is slightly taller and thicker, making the iPhone more compact overall. |
| Weight | 240g | 222g | The M35 is noticeably lighter, which improves comfort for long periods of use, particularly one handed. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | The iPhone has a slightly larger screen, for those who prefer more screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1284x2778 | 1080x2340 | The iPhone has a much sharper, more detailed display thanks to the higher resolution. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 458 | 390 | The iPhone's display is noticeably crisper, making text and images look sharper. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both are high quality display technologies, but the Samsung is known for being a little more vivid. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, great for gaming and general use. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | The iPhone's display is much brighter making it much more visible in bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | The A15 is significantly faster in terms of raw processing power, leading to better application speeds. |
| Antutu Score | 1,327,255 | 578,500 | The iPhone has significantly better performance based on benchmarks, handling demanding tasks like gaming and video editing much smoother. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (5-core) | Mali-G68 MP5 | The Apple GPU tends to excel in real world gaming performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4373mAh | 6000mAh | The M35 has a much larger battery, likely providing longer battery life on a single charge. |
| Charging | 20W fast charging | 25W fast charging | The M35 has a slight edge when it comes to wired charging speeds. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi | None | The iPhone offers convenient wireless charging options, a nice extra for the premium phone. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | The M35 has a higher resolution sensor, which should allow for more detailed photos but lacks in sensor size. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.5 | f/1.8 | The iPhone has a wider aperture, letting in more light for better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.66" | 1/2" | The iPhone has a larger sensor, which tends to capture better dynamic range and detail in the images it captures. |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes | No | The iPhone offers an optical zoom lens, great for taking detailed zoom shots. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 12MP, f/1.8 | 8MP, f/2.2 | The iPhone has a wider aperture and a higher resolution on its wide-angle lens for better capture quality. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | Yes | No | The iPhone has a depth sensor, which improves portrait mode effects. |
| Macro Lens | No | Yes (2MP) | The M35 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, something the iPhone is missing. |
| Front Camera Resolution | 12MP | 13MP | Both devices produce good selfies with similar features. |
| Video Recording | 4K@24/30/60fps with HDR | 4K@30fps with EIS | The iPhone provides better video recording flexibility, but the M35 includes image stabilisation, for better looking shots. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | iOS 15 (Upgradeable to 18) | Android 14 | Different ecosystems, so it depends on what you're used to, but the Apple ecosystem is more refined. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Both phones have identical WiFi features. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | The M35 has a newer Bluetooth version, potentially with better connectivity and features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The M35 has a slight edge with the inclusion of the Chinese Beidou network for positioning. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | The iPhone is capable of having an eSIM in addition to a nano SIM, where the M35 cannot. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512GB/1TB | 128GB/256GB | The iPhone offers significantly more internal storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 6/8GB | Similar options for RAM, although Apple devices tend to be more efficient with it. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS / DTS X, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The iPhone has superior audio capabilities offering enhanced spatial audio, clearer calls, better audio separation and immersion. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Face ID | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The M35 offers biometric security with fingerprint sensor. The iPhone relies only on FaceID. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The M35 has superior screen protection, being a very durable glass compared to whatever Apple uses on the iPhone. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | The iPhone includes a barometer, and the M35 includes additional security and positioning sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max:
Strengths:
- Display: Significantly sharper and brighter with excellent color accuracy, superior outdoor visibility.
- Performance: The A15 Bionic chip provides blazing-fast performance, making it excellent for demanding games and applications.
- Camera System: More flexible with a telephoto lens, better low-light performance, and a dedicated LiDAR sensor, plus great video recording capabilities.
- Ecosystem: Seamless integration with other Apple devices.
- Build Quality: More premium design thanks to use of materials like stainless steel and glass.
Competitive Advantages: Overall the device is a much better experience thanks to the software and hardware refinement and integration.
- Trade-offs/Limitations:
- Heavier and bulkier than the Samsung.
- Limited to 20W charging.
- Less battery capacity.
- Higher cost
Samsung Galaxy M35:
- Strengths:
- Battery Life: Larger battery for longer usage without needing to recharge.
- Charging Speed: Faster 25W wired charging.
- Build Quality: Excellent screen protection thanks to Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, which is something the iPhone lacks.
- Price: More affordable than the iPhone.
- Modern Features: New Bluetooth version, more precise GPS.
- Competitive Advantages: Significantly cheaper with a much larger battery, making it better for budget conscious users.
- Trade-offs/Limitations:
- Lower performance compared to the iPhone.
- Lower screen resolution and brightness.
- Lacks a telephoto lens and depth sensor.
- Slower video capture.
- Not the same premium software experience as Apple.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is best for:
- Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera flexibility, image quality, and low-light performance.
- Apple Ecosystem Enthusiasts: Users deeply invested in Apple's ecosystem who value integration across devices.
- Users who value screen quality: Those who require a sharp, vibrant display.
Samsung Galaxy M35 is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a good balance of features and performance without breaking the bank.
- Users who prioritize battery life: Those who need their phone to last all day without worrying about charging.
- Casual Users: Those who need reliable performance for everyday tasks, social media, and media consumption.
- Users who prioritize screen protection: Those who want their screen to be as durable as possible.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- How much do you value performance and display quality? If you need the best possible processing power, a sharp display and a good camera system, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is the clear choice, despite the higher cost. If performance is not the biggest priority and you prioritize value for money, the M35 is a great choice.
- What is more important, longer battery life or fast charging? If you need to go days between charges, the M35 is the better pick. But if you prefer to charge quickly and have the option for wireless charging, the iPhone 13 Pro Max would be your option.
- Are you heavily invested in either Apple's or Android's ecosystem? If you already own Apple devices, the iPhone's seamless ecosystem integration is a compelling feature. On the other hand, if you're an Android person who is used to a particular interface then the M35 is probably the better bet.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gaming & Power Usage: Choose the iPhone 13 Pro Max. The A15 Bionic chip, superior GPU, and excellent display are best for a premium mobile gaming experience.
- Scenario 2: Daily Use and Affordability: Go with the Samsung Galaxy M35. It’s cheaper and has a big battery for all day use.
- Scenario 3: Photography and Videography: The iPhone 13 Pro Max is better here. The better camera system, telephoto lens, and video recording quality, with more advanced features, make it the better option.
- Scenario 4: Ruggedness: Choose the Samsung Galaxy M35, since it has the better screen protection, with the use of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.
What I would choose and why:
Given my use cases and preferences, I would choose the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max. While I appreciate the larger battery of the Samsung Galaxy M35, for my needs I prefer the premium experience, better camera performance, and significantly more powerful chip. The superior display, with its higher resolution and brightness, is another key factor for me. As a tech journalist, I also rely on the iPhone ecosystem for its ease of use and compatibility with other Apple products. While it is an older phone, it is still capable of doing virtually anything you ask of it.
