Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S26+

Our Verdict: The S26+ has the better camera on paper, 50MP versus 12MP, and the S26+ packs the bigger battery, 4900mAh against 4352mAh, but capacity doesn't compare cleanly across iOS and Android, so it isn't a battery-life verdict on its own. The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max offers up to 1TB of storage versus 512GB on the S26+, and the S26+ has the sharper display at 513 PPI to 457. The S26+ 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 £289 SIM-free.

Expert Rating
4.5
10 reviews
3.9
10 reviews
Screen
6.7" 6.7"
Display
Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1284 x 2778 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch
457 513
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 4,900 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 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm
Weight
238 grams 190 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP 68
Contracts
- £12.00/mo (£565.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£289.00 £799.00

Prices updated 18 July 2026

Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max Samsung Galaxy S26+ Samsung Galaxy S26+
Expert Rating 4.5
10 reviews
3.9
10 reviews
Screen 6.7" 6.7"
Display Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1284 x 2778 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch 457 513
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 4,900 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 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm
Weight 238 grams 190 grams
Water Resistance IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP 68
Contracts - £12.00/mo
£565.00 upfront
SIM-free £289.00 £799.00
Prices updated 18 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max

128GB

Sierra Blue

Refurbished

From £289

Samsung Galaxy S26+
Samsung Galaxy S26+

24 Months

256GB

Cobalt Violet

300GB

Data

£12 per month, £565 upfront.

Use code: 30JNOFF (£30)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S26+?

Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", the Samsung Galaxy S26+ has the sharper display at 513 pixels per inch versus 457, 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 48g lighter at 190 grams.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S26+?

The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy S26+ is rated IP 68.

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.