Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy M15 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date September 22, 2023 April 5, 2024
Release Year 2023 2024

Physical

Volume 101.79 cm³ 114.35 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.03 "/g 3 "/g
Weight 221 g 217 g
Height 159.9 mm 160.1 mm
Width 76.7 mm 76.8 mm
Thickness 8.3 mm 9.3 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black Titanium
  • White Titanium
  • Blue Titanium
  • Natural Titanium
  • Gray
  • Light Blue
  • Dark 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 % 84.3 %
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 142.01 mAh/in²
Battery Density 43.63 mAh/cm³ 52.47 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4441 mAh 6000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (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

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureApple iPhone 15 Pro MaxSamsung Galaxy M15Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions159.9 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm160.1 x 76.8 x 9.3 mmiPhone 15 Pro Max is slightly smaller and noticeably thinner.
Weight221g217gNegligible weight difference in practical use.
Build MaterialsInformation MissingInformation MissingMaterial choice impacts durability and premium feel; information needed for comparison.
Display
Size6.7"6.5"iPhone offers a slightly larger viewing area.
TypeLTPO Super Retina XDR OLEDSuper AMOLEDBoth are high-quality display technologies; iPhone's LTPO allows for dynamic refresh rate adjustment, saving battery.
Resolution1290 x 27961080 x 2340iPhone has a significantly sharper display (460 ppi vs 396 ppi), resulting in clearer text and images.
Refresh Rate120Hz90HziPhone's 120Hz provides smoother scrolling and animations.
Brightness1000 nits (typ), 2000 nits (HBM)800 nits (HBM)iPhone gets significantly brighter, improving outdoor visibility.
Performance
ChipsetApple A17 Pro (3 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm)A17 Pro is expected to significantly outperform the Dimensity 6100+ in speed and graphics processing.
CPUHexa-core (2x3.78 GHz + 4x2.11 GHz)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)A17 Pro's architecture and higher clock speeds indicate superior performance.
GPUApple GPU (6-core graphics)Mali-G57 MC2Apple's custom GPU generally offers better gaming and graphics performance.
RAM8GB6GBiPhone has more RAM, enabling better multitasking and app performance.
Storage512GB/1TB128GBiPhone offers significantly more storage options.
Camera
Rear CameraInformation MissingInformation MissingDetailed camera specs (sensor size, aperture, features) are crucial for comparison.
VideoUp to 4K@60fps (HDR), 1080p@240fps (HDR)1080p@30fps (EIS)iPhone offers significantly higher resolution and frame rate video recording capabilities, along with HDR.
Battery
Capacity4441 mAh6000 mAhGalaxy M15 has a larger battery capacity, potentially leading to longer battery life despite its less efficient display. Real-world usage will vary.

2. Key Differences Analysis

iPhone 15 Pro Max Advantages:

  • Superior Performance: The A17 Pro chip provides a significant performance advantage for demanding tasks and gaming.
  • Higher Quality Display: Sharper, brighter, and smoother display with HDR and Dolby Vision support.
  • More Storage Options: Caters to users with high storage demands.
  • Advanced Video Capabilities: Offers professional-grade video recording options.

Samsung Galaxy M15 Advantages:

  • Larger Battery Capacity: Potentially longer battery life for less demanding users.
  • Lower Price: Significantly more affordable.

Trade-offs:

  • Performance vs. Battery Life: iPhone prioritizes performance, potentially at the cost of battery life compared to the Galaxy M15.
  • Price vs. Features: Galaxy M15 offers a lower price point but compromises on performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

iPhone 15 Pro Max: Users who prioritize performance, a premium display, ample storage, and advanced camera features. Ideal for power users, content creators, and mobile gamers.

Samsung Galaxy M15: Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life and basic smartphone functionality. Suitable for casual users, light multitasking, and those seeking an affordable option.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The iPhone 15 Pro Max is significantly more expensive.
  2. What are your performance needs? Demanding tasks and gaming benefit from the iPhone's superior processing power.
  3. How important is battery life? The Galaxy M15's larger battery might offer longer usage time.

My Choice: Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

While the Samsung Galaxy M15 offers a compelling price point, the iPhone 15 Pro Max's significant advantages in performance, display quality, and overall user experience make it my preferred choice. I value a smooth and responsive device for productivity and entertainment, and the A17 Pro chip combined with the 120Hz display delivers this. The superior camera capabilities for both photos and videos (assuming they are as advanced as previous iPhone Pro models) further solidify my preference. Although the battery capacity is smaller, Apple's optimization often results in competitive real-world battery life. I am willing to invest in the higher price for the long-term benefits of a more powerful and feature-rich device.

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.