Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy A05 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date September 22, 2023 October 15, 2023
Release Year 2023 2023

Physical

Volume 101.79 cm³ 116.16 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.03 "/g 3.44 "/g
Weight 221 g 195 g
Height 159.9 mm 168.8 mm
Width 76.7 mm 78.2 mm
Thickness 8.3 mm 8.8 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black Titanium
  • White Titanium
  • Blue Titanium
  • Natural Titanium
  • Silver
  • Black
  • Light Green

Display

Screen Size 6.7 " 6.7 "
Resolution 1290 x 2796 720 x 1600
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.8 % 82.1 %
Pixel Density 460 PPI 262 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz N/A
Typical Brightness 1000 nits N/A
HBM Brightness 2000 nits N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 98.93 mAh/in² 111.38 mAh/in²
Battery Density 43.63 mAh/cm³ 43.04 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4441 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes No
Chipset Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.78 GHz + 4x2.11 GHz) Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Apple GPU (6-core graphics) Mali-G52 MC2

Connectivity

USB Version 3.2 2.0
OTG Support
DisplayPort 1
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.2, Gen 2, DisplayPort USB Type-C 2.0

Software

Operating System iOS Android
Initial OS Version 17 13
Maximum OS Version 18

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureApple iPhone 15 Pro MaxSamsung Galaxy A05Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions159.9 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm168.8 x 78.2 x 8.8 mmiPhone 15 Pro Max is noticeably smaller and thinner, making it more pocketable and comfortable for one-handed use.
Weight221g195gDespite its smaller size, the iPhone is heavier due to premium materials (surgical-grade stainless steel frame). Galaxy A05 likely uses lighter materials (plastic).
Build MaterialsSurgical-grade stainless steel, textured matte glassLikely Plastic (Not specified)iPhone boasts superior durability and a more premium feel. Lack of specific material for the A05 limits a full comparison.
Display
Display TypeLTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, 120HzPLS LCDiPhone's OLED offers significantly better contrast, deeper blacks, wider viewing angles, and potentially higher power efficiency due to individual pixel illumination.
Resolution1290 x 2796 (460 ppi)720 x 1600 (262 ppi)Much sharper and more detailed visuals on the iPhone. Text, images, and videos will appear crisper. A05's lower resolution will result in noticeable pixelation.
Refresh Rate120HzNot specifiediPhone's 120Hz delivers smoother scrolling, animations, and a more responsive user experience. Lack of refresh rate data for A05 prevents direct comparison but suggests a standard 60Hz or lower which would appear less fluid.
Peak Brightness2000 nits (HBM)Not specifiediPhone's higher peak brightness ensures better visibility in direct sunlight. Missing data for A05 prevents a full brightness comparison.
Performance
ChipsetApple A17 Pro (3 nm)Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm)A17 Pro is a significantly more powerful and efficient chip, enabling faster performance, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities.
CPUHexa-core (2x3.78 GHz + 4x2.11 GHz)Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)iPhone's CPU boasts higher clock speeds and a more advanced architecture, resulting in significantly faster processing power.
GPUApple GPU (6-core)Mali-G52 MC2iPhone's GPU provides substantially better graphics performance for demanding games and applications.
RAM8GB4GB/6GBiPhone's larger RAM allows for more efficient multitasking and smoother performance when running multiple apps.
Battery
Capacity4441 mAh5000 mAhWhile the A05 has a larger battery capacity, the iPhone's more efficient processor and OLED display could potentially result in comparable or even better battery life.
Other
PriceHighLowReflects the significant difference in features, performance, and build quality.
OSiOS 17Android 13Different operating systems cater to different user preferences in terms of UI, app ecosystem, and customization options.
NFCTrueFalseiPhone supports contactless payments and data transfer via NFC, while the A05 does not.

2. Key Differences Analysis

iPhone 15 Pro Max Advantages:

  • Significantly superior performance: The A17 Pro chip offers a massive leap in processing power and graphics capabilities.
  • Premium Display: The high-resolution, high refresh rate OLED display offers vastly better visual quality.
  • More compact and premium design: Smaller dimensions and superior build quality.

Samsung Galaxy A05 Advantages:

  • Larger battery capacity: Potentially longer battery life, although real-world usage will depend on other factors.
  • Lower price: Significantly more affordable.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

iPhone 15 Pro Max: Users who prioritize performance, premium design, a top-tier display, and the latest features. Ideal for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and professional photography.

Samsung Galaxy A05: Budget-conscious users who prioritize basic functionality, such as calling, texting, and web browsing. Suitable for light users who don't demand high performance or premium features.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions:

  1. What is your budget?
  2. What are your primary use cases (e.g., gaming, photography, basic communication)?
  3. How important are performance, display quality, and build materials to you?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Limited budget, basic needs: Samsung Galaxy A05
  • Demanding user, prioritizing performance and premium features: iPhone 15 Pro Max

My Choice: Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

While significantly more expensive, the iPhone 15 Pro Max offers a vastly superior user experience in almost every aspect. The performance difference alone is substantial, making the iPhone a much more future-proof device. The superior display, build quality, and feature set further solidify its position as the better choice for my needs. I value a smooth and responsive experience, high-quality visuals, and a device that can handle demanding tasks without compromise. The premium price is justified by the significant advantages it offers in terms of long-term performance, durability, and overall user experience. While the A05 serves a purpose in the market (budget-friendly option), the compromises in performance and features are too significant for my personal preferences.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Digital media communication
  • Technical storytelling
  • User-centric technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.