Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy A15 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date September 22, 2023 December 16, 2023
Release Year 2023 2023

Physical

Volume 101.79 cm³ 103.28 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.03 "/g 3.25 "/g
Weight 221 g 200 g
Height 159.9 mm 160.1 mm
Width 76.7 mm 76.8 mm
Thickness 8.3 mm 8.4 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black Titanium
  • White Titanium
  • Blue Titanium
  • Natural Titanium
  • Brave Black
  • Optimistic Blue
  • Magical Blue
  • Personality Yellow

Display

Screen Size 6.7 " 6.5 "
Resolution 1290 x 2796 1080 x 2340
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.8 % 84.3 %
Pixel Density 460 PPI 396 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 90 Hz
Typical Brightness 1000 nits N/A
HBM Brightness 2000 nits 800 nits
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 98.93 mAh/in² 118.34 mAh/in²
Battery Density 43.63 mAh/cm³ 48.41 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4441 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.78 GHz + 4x2.11 GHz) Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Apple GPU (6-core graphics) Mali-G57 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 14
Maximum OS Version 18 17

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureApple iPhone 15 Pro MaxSamsung Galaxy A15Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions159.9 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm160.1 x 76.8 x 8.4 mmVirtually identical in size and hand feel.
Weight221g200giPhone is noticeably heavier.
BuildTitanium frameUnspecifiediPhone likely more premium and durable due to titanium.
Display
Size6.7"6.5"Negligible difference in screen real estate.
TypeLTPO Super Retina XDR OLEDSuper AMOLEDBoth offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; iPhone's LTPO allows for dynamic refresh rate adjustments, saving battery.
Resolution1290 x 27961080 x 2340iPhone has a significantly sharper display (460 ppi vs 396 ppi), resulting in crisper text and images.
Refresh Rate120Hz90HziPhone offers smoother scrolling and animations.
Brightness1000 nits (typ), 2000 nits (peak)800 nits (peak)iPhone will be significantly brighter outdoors, enhancing readability in sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetApple A17 Pro (3 nm)Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm)A17 Pro is significantly more powerful, enabling smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and superior gaming performance.
CPUHexa-core (2x3.78 GHz + 4x2.11 GHz)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)A17's architecture and higher clock speeds translate to a significant performance advantage for the iPhone.
GPUApple GPU (6-core)Mali-G57 MC2iPhone offers substantially better graphics performance for demanding games and applications.
RAM8GB6GB/8GBMore RAM in the iPhone aids in smoother multitasking and app switching.
Storage512GB, 1TB128GB, 256GBiPhone offers higher storage options.
Camera
Rear CameraUnspecified but assumed to be triple lens systemUnspecified, likely single lensiPhone Pro Max models are known for advanced camera systems with multiple lenses and superior image quality. Limited information prevents detailed comparison.
VideoUp to 4K@60fps (HDR), 1080p@240fps1080p@30fpsiPhone offers significantly higher resolution and frame rate video recording capabilities, including slow-motion.
Battery
Capacity4441 mAh5000 mAhWhile the Galaxy A15 has a larger battery, the iPhone's more efficient processor and LTPO display could result in comparable battery life. Real-world usage will vary.

2. Key Differences Analysis

iPhone 15 Pro Max Advantages:

  • Significantly higher performance: The A17 Pro chip offers a substantial leap in processing power, graphics capabilities, and overall speed.
  • Superior Display: Brighter, sharper, smoother, and more power-efficient due to LTPO technology.
  • Expectedly better camera system: Historically, iPhone Pro Max models feature advanced camera technology.
  • Premium Materials: Titanium frame offers increased durability and a more premium feel.

Samsung Galaxy A15 Advantages:

  • Lower price: Positioned in the mid-range market, offering greater affordability.
  • Larger battery capacity: Potentially longer battery life, depending on usage patterns.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

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

Samsung Galaxy A15: Budget-conscious users who prioritize basic smartphone functionality, long battery life, and affordability over top-tier performance and features. Suitable for everyday tasks like web browsing, social media, and communication.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The iPhone 15 Pro Max is a premium device with a high price tag, while the Galaxy A15 is significantly more affordable.
  2. What are your primary smartphone usage patterns? Demanding tasks necessitate the iPhone's power, while casual use might not require such high performance.
  3. Which features are most important to you? Prioritize display quality, camera capabilities, battery life, or overall performance.

My Choice:

I would choose the iPhone 15 Pro Max. While significantly more expensive, the superior performance, display, expected camera quality, and premium build are compelling. The A17 Pro chip's substantial performance gains future-proof the device, ensuring a smooth user experience for years to come. The brighter and sharper display enhances everyday usage, and the rumored camera improvements are crucial for capturing high-quality photos and videos. While the Galaxy A15 offers good value for its price, it doesn't match the overall experience the iPhone provides. The longevity and superior user experience offered by the iPhone 15 Pro Max justify the higher investment for my needs.

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.

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