Alright, let's break down the Apple iPhone 13 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy M35. These two phones represent very different approaches to the smartphone experience, so it’s crucial to look beyond just the specs and understand how each device fits into your life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Apple iPhone 13 Pro | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.7 mm | 162.3 × 78.6 × 9.1 mm | The Galaxy M35 is noticeably larger and thicker, which can affect handling, especially for smaller hands or one-handed use. The iPhone is more compact. |
| Weight | 204g | 222g | The iPhone is lighter, potentially making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods and less fatiguing. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.6" | The Galaxy M35's larger screen is better for media consumption and multitasking. The iPhone offers a more compact experience. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 1080x2340 | The iPhone boasts a sharper image and finer details due to its higher resolution, resulting in clearer text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 460 | 390 | A higher PPI on the iPhone means text and images appear crisper and less pixelated. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both use high-quality display technology (similar visual experience), providing vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both displays will scroll smoothly and offer a fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | The iPhone's much higher peak brightness allows for excellent visibility in bright sunlight, while the Galaxy's brightness is not specified in this comparison. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic | Exynos 1380 | The A15 Bionic is significantly more powerful, leading to faster performance, snappier multitasking, and better gaming capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,325,768 | 578,500 | The iPhone’s higher AnTuTu score demonstrates a substantial performance difference in everyday use and demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (5-core) | Mali-G68 MP5 | The Apple GPU is designed to handle demanding graphics with ease, providing better gaming and video editing experiences. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.5, 1/1.66" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2" sensor | While the Galaxy has a higher resolution sensor (more megapixels), the iPhone's larger sensor and wider aperture often result in better low-light performance and overall image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Marginally higher resolution on the Galaxy M35, but the overall quality can vary based on software processing. |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes | No | The iPhone features a telephoto lens for better zoomed shots. The Galaxy M35 does not have this feature. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/1.8 | 8MP, f/2.2 | The iPhone’s wide-angle lens is higher resolution and wider aperture, potentially taking better photos. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | Yes | No | The iPhone uses a 3D sensor for depth information to enhance portrait mode. The Galaxy M35 does not have this feature. |
| Macro Lens | No | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Galaxy M35 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. The iPhone lacks a dedicated macro lens. |
| Video | 4K@60fps HDR | 4K@30fps EIS | Both offer 4K video recording. The iPhone provides more versatile frame rate options and HDR. The Samsung provides EIS. |
| DxoMark Score | Mobile: 141, Selfie: 134 | N/A | DxoMark scores indicate superior camera quality in both rear and front cameras on the iPhone. |
| Camera Features | Extensive options including optical zoom, OIS, and RAW | Pro Video Mode, OIS, AutoFraming, NPU AI Engine, RAW 12 bit, DOL HDR | Both have OIS for stabilization and night mode, but each has additional unique features catering to different needs. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 3125mAh | 6000mAh | The Galaxy M35 boasts a significantly larger battery, likely resulting in much longer battery life. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | The Galaxy M35 supports slightly faster wired charging. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi | No | The iPhone offers wireless charging capabilities, including MagSafe, while the Galaxy does not. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 15 (up to 18) | Android 14 | iOS offers a highly integrated ecosystem, while Android provides more flexibility and customization. The iPhone will get updates for a longer time. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support modern Wi-Fi standards. The Galaxy adds Wi-Fi Direct and Wi-Fi Display. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | The Galaxy M35 features a more recent Bluetooth version, offering potentially better efficiency and features. |
| GPS | Standard | Standard, Beidou | The Galaxy M35 supports an extra satellite system (Beidou) for greater location accuracy and reliability. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | The iPhone uses an eSIM for a second line and the Samsung Uses dual nano sims. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512/1024GB | 128/256GB | The iPhone offers significantly more storage options, up to 1TB. |
| RAM | 6GB | 6/8GB | The Galaxy M35 provides an 8GB RAM option for improved multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage via microSD. |
| 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 a slightly better Audio feature set. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The Galaxy M35 provides a more convenient and secure biometric option. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The Galaxy M35 has superior screen protection with Victus Gorilla glass. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both have good sensors for motion and proximity but each has additional unique sensors catering to different needs. |
2. Key Insights
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The A15 Bionic chip provides unmatched speed and efficiency.
- Premium Display: Higher resolution, greater pixel density, and significantly brighter.
- Advanced Camera System: Better overall image quality, telephoto lens, LiDAR sensor, more features, and superior DxoMark score.
- Software Ecosystem: Tight integration with other Apple devices and a more polished OS experience.
- Wireless Charging: MagSafe and Qi wireless charging options offer great convenience.
- Better Audio features: Enhanced spatial audio, enhanced surround sound, clearer calls, better audio separation and immersion, better voice capture.
Samsung Galaxy M35 Strengths:
- Larger Battery: Significantly larger battery capacity that translates to longer battery life.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.3 may offer improvements over 5.0.
- More RAM Option: 8GB of RAM is beneficial for heavy multitasking and gaming.
- Better Screen Protection: Victus Gorilla glass.
- More Sensors: Additional biometric, and magnetic sensors for greater flexibility.
- Fingerprint Security: More convenient and secure biometric security option.
Trade-offs:
- The iPhone sacrifices battery life and a fingerprint sensor for its performance and camera superiority.
- The Galaxy M35 offers a larger battery and a fingerprint reader at the cost of performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
iPhone 13 Pro Users:
- Content Creators: Benefit from high-quality video and photo capabilities.
- Power Users: Appreciate the fast processor and seamless multitasking.
- Ecosystem Enthusiasts: Value Apple's integrated ecosystem.
- Users who value screen quality: The higher resolution, pixel density and brightness are great for heavy use.
Samsung Galaxy M35 Users:
- Heavy Users: Need long-lasting battery life above all else.
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Look for a balance of features and affordability.
- Multimedia Consumers: Enjoy larger screen for watching content.
- Users who value privacy and security: The fingerprint reader adds a nice layer of security.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:
- Do I prioritize performance and camera quality or battery life?
- If performance and camera are key, the iPhone 13 Pro is the better choice.
- If battery life is more important, the Galaxy M35 is the better option.
- How important is a smooth ecosystem, and do I own other Apple products?
- If you're heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone is the seamless choice.
- If you prefer the flexibility of Android, the Galaxy M35 is a good alternative.
- What is my budget?
- If budget is not a big concern, the iPhone provides a higher value.
- If budget is a large consideration, the Galaxy M35 offers good performance per dollar.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Photographer: The iPhone 13 Pro is the clear winner with its superior camera hardware, features, and image quality.
- For the Gamer: The iPhone 13 Pro wins with its powerful A15 Bionic chip and graphics performance, providing a better gaming experience.
- For the Long-Hauler: The Samsung Galaxy M35 will last significantly longer on a single charge and is your best bet for all day battery performance.
- For the Budget-Conscious: The Samsung Galaxy M35 gives you good value for your money with a good all around user experience, although it does not match the capabilities of the iPhone.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones for my daily driver, I would pick the Apple iPhone 13 Pro. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and enthusiast, I value performance, a great camera system, and a vibrant display. The iPhone's A15 Bionic chip, excellent image and video quality, and high-resolution screen offer a superior experience for both work and play. Although the battery is not as large as the Samsung Galaxy M35, I can usually make it through the day with some power saving settings and I am also okay with charging a little more often. The wireless charging capabilities and the integration with other Apple products (like my MacBook and Apple Watch) are also important aspects of my decision. While the Samsung Galaxy M35 has its own merits, its compromises in areas that are more important for me do not make it my preferred choice.
