Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE came out in 2026, after the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max in 2021, so it's the more recent phone. The S26 FE has a far higher-resolution main camera, 50MP against the iPhone 13 Pro Max's 12MP, and there's more battery in the S26 FE, 4900mAh to 4352mAh, though iOS and Android manage power differently, so more mAh doesn't always mean longer battery life. Storage goes higher on the iPhone 13 Pro Max, up to 1TB against 256GB, and the iPhone 13 Pro Max has the sharper display at 457 PPI to 385. The S26 FE is the one to have if you want what it adds, but the iPhone 13 Pro Max is the smarter buy if you'd rather keep the money.
If you'd rather pay up front, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is the cheaper buy at £320 SIM-free.
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
|
Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.7" |
| Display | Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1284 x 2778 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 385 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic | Exynos 2500 (3 nm) |
| Battery | 4,352 mAh | 4,900 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | Apple iOS | Android 17 |
| 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 | 161.3 x 76.6 x 7.4 mm |
| Weight | 238 grams | 193 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 | - |
£14.99/mo
£259.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £319.99 | £697.00 |
| Deals | Deals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max uses a Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE 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 FE?
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £319.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S26 FE use?
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A15 Bionic, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE uses the Exynos 2500 (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is the more portable of the two: it's 45g lighter at 193 grams.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
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 FE run?
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max runs Apple iOS and the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE runs Android 17. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.