Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy A36
Side-by-side specifications, scores and verdict.
Quick Verdict
Apple's iPhone 13 Pro Max delivers flagship performance with the A15 Bionic chipset, superior camera versatility via its telephoto lens, and ProRes video recording at 4K60fps—essential for content creators. Samsung's Galaxy A36 counters with a larger 5000mAh battery, brighter 1800-nit display, higher megapixel main camera (50MP vs 12MP), and USB-C charging, all at under $300. Performance-wise, the A15 Bionic substantially outpaces the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 in real-world speed and gaming. However, the A36's practical advantages—longer battery life, superior brightness for outdoor visibility, and macro capability—appeal to everyday users prioritizing value. Photography enthusiasts and power users benefit from the Pro Max's computational photography and optical zoom; budget-conscious buyers wanting modern specs at one-third the price should choose the Galaxy A36.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy A36 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 15 | Android 15 (One UI 7) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 238 g | 195 g |
| Material | Stainless steel frame | Plastic frame, Gorilla Glass Victus+ |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| Dimensions | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.65 mm | 162.1 x 77.0 x 8.1 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP | 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 13 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps Dolby Vision ProRes | 4K@30fps |
| Telephoto | 12 MP 3x | 5 MP, f/2.4, macro |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 8 MP, f/2.2, 123-degree |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 6 GB | 6 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4352 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 27W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W MagSafe | — |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.7 inches | 6.6 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED, LTPO | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2778 x 1284 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1000 | 1800 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Octa-core |
| GPU | Apple GPU (5-core) | Adreno 710 |
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | Lightning | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
Pros
- ProMotion 120Hz display arrived for first time on iPhone Pro
- Best-in-class battery life among 2021 iPhones
- ProRes video recording up to 4K
- Macro photography with ultrawide camera
- Cinematic mode for shallow depth-of-field video
Cons
- Very heavy at 238 g
- Notch still present despite slimmed-down design
- Lightning connector limiting transfer speeds
- Large size is unwieldy for smaller hands
Samsung Galaxy A36
Pros
- Six generations of OS updates for under $300
- IP67 water resistance is outstanding at this price point
- 120Hz Super AMOLED display looks premium
- 5G connectivity and NFC at budget pricing
- Reliable 50MP main camera with OIS for steady shots
Cons
- Slow 25W charging feels dated in 2025
- Only 6 GB RAM on the base model
- Ultrawide camera is mediocre at 8MP
- Plastic build doesn't feel as solid as glass-backed rivals
Related Comparisons
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