Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy A25 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

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

Physical

Volume 101.79 cm³ 102.23 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.03 "/g 3.3 "/g
Weight 221 g 197 g
Height 159.9 mm 161 mm
Width 76.7 mm 76.5 mm
Thickness 8.3 mm 8.3 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black Titanium
  • White Titanium
  • Blue Titanium
  • Natural Titanium
  • Brave Black
  • Optimistic Blue
  • Personality Yellow
  • Fantasy Blue

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 % 84.2 %
Pixel Density 460 PPI 396 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness 1000 nits N/A
HBM Brightness 2000 nits 1000 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 48.91 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4441 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) Exynos 1280 (5 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.78 GHz + 4x2.11 GHz) Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Apple GPU (6-core graphics) Mali-G68

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 18

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureApple iPhone 15 Pro MaxSamsung Galaxy A25Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions159.9x76.7x8.3mm161x76.5x8.3mmVirtually identical in thickness and nearly identical in width. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is slightly shorter. Minimal practical difference in hand feel.
Weight221g197gNoticeable weight difference; iPhone 15 Pro Max feels more substantial. May be a preference for some (premium feel vs. lighter portability).
Build MaterialTitanium framePlastic frameTitanium offers significantly better durability and a more premium feel compared to plastic.
Display
Size6.7"6.5"iPhone offers slightly larger screen real estate. Negligible difference in one-handed usability.
TypeLTPO Super Retina XDR OLEDSuper AMOLEDBoth offer excellent color accuracy and deep blacks. LTPO allows for dynamic refresh rate adjustment, improving battery life on the iPhone.
Resolution1290x27961080x2340iPhone has a sharper display (460 ppi vs 396 ppi), resulting in crisper text and images. Noticeable difference in detail for media consumption.
Refresh Rate120Hz120HzBoth offer smooth scrolling and animations.
Performance
ChipsetApple A17 Pro (3 nm)Exynos 1280 (5 nm)A17 Pro significantly outperforms the Exynos 1280 in processing power and graphics rendering. Expect smoother performance, faster app loading, and better gaming on iPhone.
CPUHexa-coreOcta-coreCore count doesn't directly translate to performance; A17 Pro's architecture and manufacturing process give it a significant edge.
GPUApple GPU (6-core)Mali-G68Apple's custom GPU is considerably more powerful, beneficial for graphically demanding tasks and games.
RAM8GB8GBEqual RAM; however, iOS's memory management generally allows for efficient performance even with seemingly less RAM than Android.
Storage512GB/1TB256GBiPhone offers larger storage options, crucial for users who store large amounts of media or install numerous apps.
CameraSpecs omitted for brevity, but iPhone generally considered superiorSpecs omitted for brevityExpect better low-light performance, image processing, and video quality from the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Battery
Capacity4441 mAh5000 mAhLarger battery in the Galaxy A25. However, real-world battery life depends heavily on optimization; iPhone's A17 Pro and LTPO display contribute to efficiency.

2. Key Differences Analysis

iPhone 15 Pro Max Advantages:

  • Significantly higher performance: The A17 Pro chip provides a substantial leap in processing power and graphics capabilities, leading to a smoother and more responsive user experience, especially for demanding tasks.
  • Premium build and materials: Titanium frame offers superior durability and a more luxurious feel.
  • Sharper display: Higher resolution results in more detailed visuals.
  • Superior camera system: Generally expected to produce higher quality photos and videos.
  • More storage options: Caters to users with high storage demands.

Samsung Galaxy A25 Advantages:

  • Lower price: Significantly more affordable than the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
  • Larger battery capacity: Potentially longer battery life, although real-world usage varies.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

iPhone 15 Pro Max: Users who prioritize performance, premium design, a top-tier camera system, and the Apple ecosystem. Ideal for power users, content creators, mobile gamers, and those who demand the best possible smartphone experience.

Samsung Galaxy A25: Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life and a large display. Suitable for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. A good option for those seeking a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The iPhone 15 Pro Max is a significantly more expensive device.
  2. What are your performance needs? For demanding tasks and gaming, the iPhone's superior processing power is crucial.
  3. What features are most important to you? Prioritize factors like camera quality, battery life, display sharpness, and build quality based on individual needs.

My Choice:

I would choose the iPhone 15 Pro Max. While the Galaxy A25 offers a compelling value proposition for its price, the significant performance difference, superior build quality, sharper display, and expected better camera system of the iPhone 15 Pro Max are more important to me. I prioritize a smooth, responsive user experience, and the A17 Pro chip delivers that in spades. The premium design and materials also align with my preference for a durable and well-built device. While the price is high, the overall package justifies the cost for my usage pattern. I am willing to compromise on slightly lower potential battery life for the substantial gains in other areas.

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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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.