Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is the flagship option here, boasting a massive 6.9" display that delivers stunning visuals. In real-world use, the 4685mAh battery offers up to 33 hours of video playback. You'll appreciate the smooth 120Hz refresh rate on both, but the A35 5G is a more budget-friendly choice with solid features for everyday use. What matters most here is the camera performance. If you're a photography enthusiast, the iPhone is a no-brainer for quality, while the Galaxy is great for those looking to save some cash without sacrificing too much quality. However, the 1TB storage option on the iPhone means you’ll have plenty of space for photos and videos. Key specs: Display: 6.9" vs 6.6" and Battery: 4685 mAh vs 5000 mAh.
Why compare these? The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max (premium flagship) and Samsung Galaxy A35 5G (mid-range) represent different approaches to smartphones. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Apple iPhone | Samsung Galaxy |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.7★ (348 reviews) | 4.6★ (389 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Largest iPhone display ever at 6.9 inches with ultra-thin borders | Excellent software support (4 OS updates, 5 years security) |
| Main Drawback | Large physical dimensions can be unwieldy for some users | Charging speed limited to 25W (Charger sold separately) |
| Market Position | ✓Flagship | Mid-range |
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A18 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Apple 6-core GPU (A18 Pro)
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
Android
4 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates
Samsung Exynos 1380 (5nm octa-core)
Mali-G68 MP5
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy A35 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(348)Best Buy | ★4.6(389)Best Buy |
Operating System | iOS | Android |
Software Support | Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades | 4 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates |
Processor | Apple A18 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine) | Samsung Exynos 1380 (5nm octa-core) |
Graphics | Apple 6-core GPU (A18 Pro) | Mali-G68 MP5 |
RAM | 8 GB (LPDDR5X) | 6GB |
Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe) | 128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB) |
Display Size | 6.9" (6.86" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less) | 6.6" |
Screen Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1,000 nits (HBM) |
Resolution | 2868 x 1320 pixels (460 ppi) | 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz); Always-On display | 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 2000 nits peak (outdoor); 1 nit minimum | 1,000 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 48MP Fusion (24 mm, f/1.78), second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP) | 50MP, f/1.8, OIS, AF |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 48MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), Hybrid Focus Pixels, 48MP macro photography | 8MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV |
Telephoto Camera | 12MP 5x Telephoto (120 mm, f/2.8), tetraprism design, 3D sensor-shift OIS, autofocus, 100% Focus Pixels | No (Not supported) — Includes 5MP Macro f/2.4 |
Optical Zoom | 5x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out; 10x optical zoom range | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 25x | Up to 10x |
Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60/100/120 fps (Fusion); Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps; Action mode up to 2.8K at 60 fps; ProRes up to 4K 120 fps with external recording | 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) @ 30fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps |
Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps | 13MP, f/2.2 |
Battery | 4685 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 33 hours video playback (29 hours streamed) | 5,000mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher; USB 3 speeds supported | 25W Super Fast Charging |
Wireless Charging | MagSafe up to 25W (with 30W+ adapter); Qi2 up to 25W (via iOS update); Qi up to 7.5W | No (Not supported) |
Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; NFC with reader mode | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | USB-C connector with USB 3 speeds (up to 10 Gb/s); Native DisplayPort output | USB Type-C 2.0 (OTG) |
Durability | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield (latest generation) front; Titanium design (Grade 5); Textured matte glass back | IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ (Front) |
Dimensions | 6.42" x 3.06" x 0.32" (163.0 x 77.6 x 8.25 mm) | 6.37 x 3.07 x 0.32 in (161.7 x 78.0 x 8.2 mm) |
Weight | 7.99 oz (227 g) | 7.37 oz (209 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Apple Intelligence support; Camera Control button; Action button; Dynamic Island; LiDAR Scanner; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Roadside Assistance via satellite | Stereo speakers (Hybrid slot), Samsung Knox Vault, Samsung Wallet |
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Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A18 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Apple 6-core GPU (A18 Pro)
8 GB (LPDDR5X)
256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe)
Pros
- Largest iPhone display ever at 6.9 inches with ultra-thin borders
- 48MP Ultra Wide camera improves macro and wide-angle detail significantly
Cons
- Large physical dimensions can be unwieldy for some users
- Fastest charging speeds (MagSafe 25W) require purchasing a new puck and adapter
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
Android
4 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates
Samsung Exynos 1380 (5nm octa-core)
Mali-G68 MP5
6GB
128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Pros
- Excellent software support (4 OS updates, 5 years security)
- Bright 120Hz Super AMOLED display with Vision Booster
Cons
- Charging speed limited to 25W (Charger sold separately)
- Virtual proximity sensor rather than hardware
Which one is better?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is the better buy for most people - its 6.9" display crushes the 6.6" on the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max if: you want the largest display at 6.9", you shoot a lot of video with its 48MP camera, or you need ample storage with options up to 1TB.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G if: you prefer a lighter phone at 7.37oz, you want a reliable battery lasting up to 30 hours, or you’re looking for a wallet-friendly option with reliable performance.
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.7★ vs 4.6★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Largest iPhone display Priority
Largest iPhone display ever at 6.9 inches with ultra-thin borders
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Bottom line: The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max edges ahead with a 4.7★ rating compared to 4.6★. However, Samsung Galaxy A35 5G remains a strong contender if its strengths align better with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A35 5G?
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is the better choice if you prioritize largest iphone display ever at 6.9 inches with ultra-thin borders. Samsung Galaxy A35 5G wins if you value excellent software support (4 os updates, 5 years security). Both are rated highly (4.7★ vs 4.6★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A35 5G?
Key differences: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max offers largest iphone display ever at 6.9 inches with ultra-thin borders, while Samsung Galaxy A35 5G stands out with excellent software support (4 os updates, 5 years security). Consider that Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max large physical dimensions can be unwieldy for some users. Meanwhile, Samsung Galaxy A35 5G charging speed limited to 25w (charger sold separately). Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 27, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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