Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has a far higher-resolution main camera, 200MP against the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max's 12MP, and the S26 Ultra packs the bigger battery, 5000mAh against 4352mAh, but capacity doesn't compare cleanly across iOS and Android, so it isn't a battery-life verdict on its own. The S26 Ultra has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.9" against 6.7" and sharper at 498 PPI, and the S26 Ultra uses an OLED panel, which gives it richer contrast than the iPhone 13 Pro Max's LCD. Get the S26 Ultra if those extras are worth it to you; otherwise the iPhone 13 Pro Max covers the basics for less.
If you'd rather pay up front, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is the cheaper buy at £289 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.4
12 reviews
Prices updated 17 July 2026
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
|
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.5 10 reviews |
4.4 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.9" |
| Display | Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1284 x 2778 | 1440 x 3120 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 498 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 200 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 | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| OS | Apple iOS | Android |
| 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 | 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm |
| Weight | 238 grams | 214 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| Contracts | - |
£16.00/mo
£545.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £289.00 | £899.00 |
| Prices updated 17 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 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max's 6.7", the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the sharper display at 498 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 Ultra has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has a 200 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 Ultra?
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 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra use?
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A15 Bionic, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 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 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is the more portable of the two: it's 24g lighter at 214 grams.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
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 Ultra is rated IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min).
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra run?
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max runs Apple iOS and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.