Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S26
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on camera hardware with a 50MP main sensor to the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max's 12MP, and the iPhone 13 Pro Max has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.7" against 6.3" and sharper at 457 PPI. The iPhone 13 Pro Max goes up to 1TB of storage, where the S26 tops out at 512GB, and the S26 uses an OLED panel, which gives it richer contrast than the iPhone 13 Pro Max's LCD. Only pay up for the S26 if you'll use what it offers; if not, the iPhone 13 Pro Max makes more sense.
If you'd rather pay up front, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is the cheaper buy at £289 SIM-free.
10 reviews 3.9
11 reviews
Prices updated 18 July 2026
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
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Samsung Galaxy S26
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.5 10 reviews |
3.9 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.3" |
| Display | Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1284 x 2778 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 409 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic | Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) |
| Battery | 4,352 mAh | 4,300 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB |
| OS | Apple iOS | Android 16 |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | nano-SIM and e-SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | Info unavailable | 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm |
| Weight | 238 grams | 167 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts | - |
£20.00/mo
£179.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £289.00 | £569.00 |
| Prices updated 18 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S26's 6.3", the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 409, and the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max uses a Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26 has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 has a 50 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £289.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S26 use?
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A15 Bionic, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 uses the Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is the more portable of the two: it's 71g lighter at 167 grams.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S26?
Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S26 run?
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max runs Apple iOS and the Samsung Galaxy S26 runs Android 16. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.