Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy A37

Our Verdict: The main reason to pick iPhone 16 Pro Max is a sharper display at about 458ppi. Where Galaxy A37 makes sense is a lighter 196g body. The value argument points to Galaxy A37, which is around £338 less on the lowest typical contract total. Galaxy A37 also has broader live deal availability at the moment. Overall, iPhone 16 Pro Max is the better match for a better viewing experience, while Galaxy A37 suits keeping the total cost down.

The A37 is the cheaper one to own: around £397 over a typical contract, £635 less than the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Expert Rating
4.4
11 reviews
3.8
10 reviews
Screen
6.9" 6.7"
Display
LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED Super AMOLED
Resolution
1320 x 2868 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
458 385
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A18 Pro Exynos 1480 (4 nm)
Battery
4,685 mAh 5,000 mAh
Storage
256GB, 512GB, 1TB 128GB, 256GB
OS
Apple iOS Android 16
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm 162.9 x 78.2 x 7.4 mm
Weight
227 grams 196 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
£41.79/mo (£29.00 upfront) £14.99/mo (£15.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£649.99 £329.00

Prices updated 10 July 2026

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Samsung Galaxy A37 Samsung Galaxy A37
Expert Rating 4.4
11 reviews
3.8
10 reviews
Screen 6.9" 6.7"
Display LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED Super AMOLED
Resolution 1320 x 2868 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 458 385
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A18 Pro Exynos 1480 (4 nm)
Battery 4,685 mAh 5,000 mAh
Storage 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 128GB, 256GB
OS Apple iOS Android 16
SIM Type nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm 162.9 x 78.2 x 7.4 mm
Weight 227 grams 196 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 £41.79/mo
£29.00 upfront
£14.99/mo
£15.00 upfront
SIM-free £649.99 £329.00
Prices updated 10 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

24 Months

256GB

Desert Titanium

Refurbished

10GB

Data

£41.79 per month, £29 upfront.

Samsung Galaxy A37
Samsung Galaxy A37

24 Months

256GB

Awesome Greygreen

30GB

Data

£14.99 per month, £15 upfront.

Use code: SAVING10 (£10)

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A37 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy A37 is cheaper on contract at £397.16 over the life of the deal from £14.99 per month with £15.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A37?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Samsung Galaxy A37's 6.7", the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max has the sharper display at 458 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy A37 has a Super AMOLED.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A37?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy A37 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 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A37?

The Samsung Galaxy A37 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £329.00.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A37?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy A37 comes in 128GB, 256GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A37 use?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A18 Pro, while the Samsung Galaxy A37 uses the Exynos 1480 (4 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A37?

It's a trade-off: the Samsung Galaxy A37 is lighter but the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is more compact. It's 31g lighter at 196 grams, though the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is actually the more compact phone at 163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm, the Samsung Galaxy A37 is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A37?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy A37 is rated IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min).

What operating system do the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A37 run?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max runs Apple iOS and the Samsung Galaxy A37 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.