Samsung Galaxy A15 vs Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date December 16, 2023 September 20, 2024
Release Year 2023 2024

Physical

Volume 103.28 cm³ 104.99 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.25 "/g 3.04 "/g
Weight 200 g 227 g
Height 160.1 mm 163 mm
Width 76.8 mm 77.6 mm
Thickness 8.4 mm 8.3 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Brave Black
  • Optimistic Blue
  • Magical Blue
  • Personality Yellow
  • Black Titanium
  • White Titanium
  • Natural Titanium
  • Desert Titanium

Display

Screen Size 6.5 " 6.9 "
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1320 x 2868
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 84.3 % 92.2 %
Pixel Density 396 PPI 460 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A 1000 nits
HBM Brightness 800 nits 2000 nits
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 118.34 mAh/in² 98.40 mAh/in²
Battery Density 48.41 mAh/cm³ 44.63 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 4685 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) Apple A18 Pro (3 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) Hexa-core (2x4.05 GHz + 4x2.42 GHz)
GPU Mali-G57 MC2 Apple GPU (6-core graphics)

Connectivity

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

Software

Operating System Android iOS
Initial OS Version 14 18
Maximum OS Version 17

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureSamsung Galaxy A15Apple iPhone 16 Pro MaxPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions160.1 x 76.8 x 8.4 mm163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mmiPhone 16 Pro Max is slightly larger and heavier.
Weight200g227gA noticeable weight difference; Galaxy A15 is significantly lighter for extended use.
Build MaterialsNot specifiedNot specifiedBuild quality and durability cannot be compared without further information.
Display
Size6.5"6.9"iPhone offers a larger screen for more immersive content consumption.
TypeSuper AMOLED, 90HzLTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, 120HziPhone's LTPO display allows for dynamic refresh rate adjustment, saving battery. Higher peak brightness on iPhone provides better visibility in sunlight.
Resolution1080 x 23401320 x 2868iPhone has a sharper display due to higher resolution and pixel density (PPI).
Refresh Rate90Hz120HziPhone provides smoother scrolling and animations.
Peak Brightness800 nits (HBM)2000 nits (HBM)iPhone's significantly higher peak brightness ensures superior outdoor visibility.
Performance
ChipsetMediatek Helio G99 (6nm)Apple A18 Pro (3nm)A18 Pro is expected to significantly outperform the Helio G99 in speed and efficiency due to its advanced architecture and manufacturing process.
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Hexa-core (2x4.05 GHz + 4x2.42 GHz)A18 Pro's higher clock speeds and optimized architecture will result in significantly faster performance.
GPUMali-G57 MC2Apple GPU (6-core graphics)Apple's custom GPU is expected to offer superior graphics performance for demanding games and applications.
RAM6GB/8GB8GBMore RAM on both models enables efficient multitasking, though differences might be negligible in practice given OS optimizations.
Storage128GB/256GB512GB/1TBiPhone offers significantly larger storage options.
Battery
Capacity5000 mAh4685 mAhDespite a slightly smaller battery, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is likely to offer comparable or better battery life due to its more efficient processor and LTPO display.
Camera
Video Capabilities1080p@30fpsUp to 4K@120fps (HDR), 1080p@240fps (HDR)iPhone offers significantly superior video recording capabilities with higher resolution, frame rates, and HDR support.
Other Camera SpecsNot specifiedNot specifiedCamera quality and features cannot be compared without detailed sensor and lens information.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy A15 Advantages:

  • Lower Price: Positioned in the mid-range price segment.
  • Lighter Weight: Noticeably lighter, reducing fatigue during extended use.
  • Larger Battery Capacity: Potentially longer battery life, though real-world performance depends on usage and optimization.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Advantages:

  • Superior Performance: Significantly faster CPU and GPU for demanding tasks and gaming.
  • Advanced Display: Higher resolution, refresh rate, and peak brightness for a more immersive visual experience.
  • Pro-Grade Video Recording: Extensive video recording capabilities with high resolution, frame rates, and HDR.
  • Larger Storage Options: Caters to users with high storage demands.

Trade-offs:

  • Price: The iPhone 16 Pro Max commands a significantly higher price.
  • Weight: The iPhone 16 Pro Max is heavier.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy A15: Budget-conscious users who prioritize basic smartphone functionality, long battery life, and a lighter device. Suitable for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and casual gaming.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max: Power users, content creators, and mobile gamers who demand top-tier performance, a stunning display, advanced camera features, and ample storage.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The Galaxy A15 is significantly more affordable.
  2. What are your primary smartphone usage patterns? Basic tasks vs. demanding applications and content creation.
  3. Which features are most important to you? Performance, display quality, camera capabilities, battery life, or price?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Limited Budget: Galaxy A15
  • Best Performance: iPhone 16 Pro Max
  • Content Creation: iPhone 16 Pro Max
  • Casual Use: Galaxy A15

My Choice: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

While significantly more expensive, the iPhone 16 Pro Max offers a substantial upgrade in performance, display quality, and video recording capabilities. The A18 Pro chip and advanced GPU ensure smooth performance for years to come. The superior display and high refresh rate provide a much more immersive visual experience. As someone who values a future-proof device with excellent performance and longevity, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the clear choice for me, despite the higher price. The trade-off in cost is justified by the significant gains in key areas that enhance daily usage and long-term value.

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
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.