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What we think
The PerfectRec phone team Learn more
Updated January 16, 2024·
The iPhone 13 Pro Max offers a larger, higher resolution screen, which could be better for media consumption, though it may make the phone bulkier. It has a slightly better build quality and its camera system might offer better image quality in certain conditions due to larger sensors. The battery capacity is lower than the Galaxy S23 FE, but iOS is known for good battery optimization. The iPhone also has a high maximum brightness, making it more usable in direct sunlight. On the other hand, the Galaxy S23 FE comes with a newer operating system version, Android, which provides more customization options. It has a higher battery capacity, which tends to mean longer battery life, but also has a slightly smaller screen which might not be as immersive as the iPhone's. The Galaxy S23 FE's camera has a higher megapixel count, but megapixels are not the only factor in camera quality. The Galaxy also supports expandable storage, in case you need more than the built-in storage. Ultimately, if you prioritize a larger screen, build quality, and potentially better camera performance, you might prefer the iPhone 13 Pro Max, whereas if you want newer software features, longer battery life, and the flexibility of expandable storage at a generally lower price point, the Galaxy S23 FE could be the better choice. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
- Very good battery life
- Best in class display quality
- Very good performance
Advantages of the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
- The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has no clear advantages over the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Key differences
Video Quality
8.6
7.2
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max takes very good videos, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE takes good videos.
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max achieves very good video performance owing to its excellent video stabilization and dynamic range, as well as its ability to excel in low light conditions, producing high-quality videos. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, while providing good video capabilities overall including stabilization and low light performance, does not reach the same heights as the iPhone, particularly in video stabilization and dynamic range.
Battery
9.6 Hours
6.4 Hours
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max has 9.6 hours of battery life. The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has 6.4 hours of battery life.
Screen Size
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max has a screen size of 6.7 inches and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is 6.4 inches.
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Key similarities
Overall Camera Quality
8.0
7.7
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max to have very good overall camera quality, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has good overall camera quality.
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max stands out with superior selfie quality and more versatility in camera options, and its video capabilities are excellent, particularly in software experience and stabilization. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE offers a well-rounded camera experience with great video performance and features a slightly higher resolution for its main camera and a better microphone quality, although its selfie camera doesn't match the iPhone's performance.
Photo Quality
7.8
7.7
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE both have good photos.
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is known for its exceptional selfie camera quality and excels in overall photo resolution and software experience, making it a top choice for those prioritizing front-facing camera performance and user-friendly photography features. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, while offering very good selfie quality, matches the iPhone in terms of camera versatility, dynamic range, and low light performance, providing a strong alternative for users looking for a balanced camera experience across various conditions.
Cost
$639
$630
$300
$400
$500
$600
$700
$800
$900
$1,000
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max has a price of $639 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE costs $630.
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How the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE compare to other phones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$639 | $630 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Samsung | |
Operating System | |||
Operating System | iOS | Android | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 24, 2021 | October 26, 2023 | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Screen Size | |||
Screen Size | 6.7" | 6.4" | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2778 x 1284 | 2340 x 1080 | |
Variable refresh rate | |||
Variable refresh rate | Yes | No | |
Pixels Per Inch | |||
Pixels Per Inch | 458 | 403 | |
Display Type | |||
Display Type | OLED | OLED | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | A15 | SD8G1 | |
Internal Storage | |||
Internal Storage | 128 GB | 128 GB | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 6 GB | 8 GB | |
CAMERA | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Overall Camera Quality Score | |||
Overall Camera Quality Score | 8/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Photos Score | |||
Photos Score | 7.9/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Videos Score | |||
Videos Score | 8.6/10 | 7.3/10 | |
Rear Cameras | |||
Rear Cameras | Main, Ultrawide, Telephoto | Main, Ultrawide, Telephoto | |
Main Camera | |||
Main Camera | 12 megapixels + OIS | 50 megapixels + OIS | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 9.6 Hours | 6.4 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 4352 mAh | 4500 mAh | |
Wireless Charging | |||
Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Wireless charging Speed | |||
Wireless charging Speed | 15 W | 15 W | |
Reverse wireless charging | |||
Reverse wireless charging | No | Yes (4.5 watts) | |
PHYSICAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Size | |||
Size | 6.33" x 3.07" | 6.22" x 3.01" | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 8.47 oz | 7.37 oz | |
Back Material | |||
Back Material | Glass | Glass | |
Stereo Speakers | |||
Stereo Speakers | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Dual SIM | |||
Dual SIM | Yes | Yes | |
Bluetooth Version | |||
Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.3 | |
A2DP | |||
A2DP | Yes | Yes | |
WiFi Version | |||
WiFi Version | 6 | 6e | |
NFC | |||
NFC | Yes | Yes | |
US 5G Bands | |||
US 5G Bands | (SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave)1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 78, 79, 258, 260, 261 (SA/NSA/Sub6)1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 | (SA/NSA/Sub6)1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 | |
OTHER FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Biometric unlock | |||
Biometric unlock | Face unlock | Face unlock, Fingerprint sensor: Under Display | |
Unlockable Bootloader | |||
Unlockable Bootloader | No | No | |
Color | |||
Color | Alpine Green, Graphite, Sierra Blue, Gold, Silver | Mint, Purple, Tangerine, Indigo, Cream, Graphite | |
Stock Android | |||
Stock Android | N/A | No | |
SD Card | |||
SD Card | No | No | |
Shopping
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
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Tom's Guide
Mark Spoonauer | March 2023
"The iPhone 13 Pro Max is that rare phone that gets a 5-star rating from us. You get blistering performance and a very responsive 120Hz display. Plus, the battery life is among the best we’ve seen from a 5G flagship. Some may simply prefer the iPhone 13 Pro because it’s smaller and lighter, as there are no other functional differences between the two handsets. But if you prefer a bigger screen, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is the closest thing to perfect you can get in a phone."
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
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PC Mag
Iyaz Akhtar | October 2023
"The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is easily one of the best midrange Android phones on the market. The S23 FE has some appealing features you won't find on the Pixel 8 like a dedicated telephoto camera, a bigger screen, and the ability to use it like a computer via Samsung's Dex mode. So if productivity is more important to you than camera tricks, you won't find a better phone than the Galaxy S23 FE."
Get a great deal on the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max or the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
About Apple
The tech giant called Apple is synonymous with the most popular smartphone in the world: the iPhone. Known for their build quality and aesthetics, as well as for their excellent integration between hardware and software, iPhones have defined the smartphone industry ever since their conception and they continue to do so by setting new industry standards. Apple's own operating system, called iOS, is known for its simplicity and ease of use, and the company tends to complement it well by creating devices with some of the most powerful processing hardware available in the mobile world. The iPhone is also known for its robust ecosystem of accessories, as it facilitates a very seamless experience when interacting with other Apple products, more so than most of its competitors.
About Samsung
Samsung is one of the most recognizable names in the smartphone industry, standing as the undisputed best-selling brand of Android smartphones in the United States for many years now. Samsung is known for offering a variety of smartphones in all available price points, as well as for implementing cutting-edge technology and innovative features in their flagship devices, ones that often shape the market going forward. The company offers its own unique spin on Android, called One UI, which focuses on offering a multitude of features and is heavily customizable, according to user preference.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec phones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest phone information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
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Phones evaluated
7,820
Phones stats compiled
8
Proprietary Phones ratings developed
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Recommendations made
81,940
Consumer hours saved
About the phone team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Phones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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Seth is a US-based product expert focusing on smartphones and he is a moderator of one of the largest smartphone subreddits. His tailored recommendations have helped him earn over 87k comment karma, putting him in the top 1% of Redditors.
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Efthimis is a Greece-based product expert focusing on smartphones. He has been recommending phones for 4 years and his recommendations on Reddit have earned him over 35k karma.
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