Galaxy S24 FE Vs iPhone 13 Pro Max

Galaxy S24 FE
Galaxy S24 FE
Starting at

Refurbished price:329.00

Versus €991.15 new

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iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 13 Pro Max
Starting at

Refurbished price:372.00

Versus €1,249.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, released in late 2024, and the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max, launched in late 2021, represent different generations and ecosystems within the smartphone landscape. While both offer large displays and advanced camera systems, the Galaxy S24 FE introduces more recent software support and integrated artificial intelligence features, whereas the iPhone 13 Pro Max is recognized for its robust build and exceptional battery longevity.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key differentiators.

  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S24 FE, having launched in October 2024, benefits from Samsung's commitment to providing seven years of operating system and security updates, extending its software support until 2031. In contrast, the iPhone 13 Pro Max, released in September 2021, has received updates up to iOS 26 as of early 2026, but its update cycle will naturally conclude sooner than the S24 FE's.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature robust construction. The iPhone 13 Pro Max incorporates a Ceramic Shield front cover, a glass back, and a stainless steel frame, contributing to its overall resilience and IP68 dust and water resistance. The Galaxy S24 FE also offers IP68 dust and water resistance and is noted for using recycled materials in its construction, aligning with sustainable practices.
  • Expected Lifespan: Users can expect a practical lifespan of several years from both devices, though the Galaxy S24 FE's extended software support provides a longer period of guaranteed feature updates and security patches. The iPhone 13 Pro Max, despite its age, continues to perform reliably, with many users reporting continued satisfaction.

Year of Release

2024

2021

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both smartphones are equipped with powerful internal components designed to handle demanding applications and multitasking, though they approach performance from different architectural standpoints.

  • Processing Capabilities: The Galaxy S24 FE is powered by a current-generation processor, which allows for smooth operation across various applications, efficient multitasking, and responsive gaming experiences. The iPhone 13 Pro Max, featuring its own high-performance chip from 2021, also delivers fluid performance for everyday tasks and graphically intensive games, maintaining its responsiveness even with newer software versions.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: With 8GB of RAM, the Galaxy S24 FE is well-suited for managing numerous applications simultaneously without significant slowdowns. The iPhone 13 Pro Max, with 6GB of RAM, is also optimized for efficient multitasking within its operating system, providing a consistently smooth user experience.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 13 Pro Max is widely recognized for its exceptional battery life, often allowing for up to two days of use for many users on a single charge. The Galaxy S24 FE, with a 4700mAh battery, offers strong battery performance, supporting a full day of typical usage and featuring 25W fast charging capabilities to quickly replenish power.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both devices is characterized by large, vibrant displays, each with distinct technologies and features.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S24 FE features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering vivid colors and deep blacks with a Full HD+ resolution (1080x2340 pixels). The iPhone 13 Pro Max boasts a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, providing excellent contrast, precise color accuracy, and a higher resolution of 2778x1284 pixels, resulting in sharp visuals.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both phones offer high refresh rates for smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The Galaxy S24 FE has a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1900 nits, though real-world testing showed typical brightness around 659 nits. The iPhone 13 Pro Max features ProMotion technology with an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz and a typical brightness of 1000 nits, peaking at 1200 nits for HDR content, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions.
  • Viewing Experience: Both large displays provide an immersive viewing experience for media consumption and productivity. The iPhone 13 Pro Max's slightly higher resolution and consistent brightness contribute to a detailed and comfortable viewing experience, while the Galaxy S24 FE's AMOLED panel delivers rich colors suitable for diverse content.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1284 x 2778

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer versatile camera systems capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos, catering to different preferences in imaging.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S24 FE is equipped with a triple camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The iPhone 13 Pro Max also features a triple 12MP camera system, comprising a wide lens with sensor-shift OIS, an ultrawide lens, and a telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, complemented by a LiDAR scanner for improved depth sensing.
  • Photography and Video Features: The Galaxy S24 FE supports 8K video recording at 30 frames per second and includes various Galaxy AI features for photo assistance. The iPhone 13 Pro Max excels in video recording with features like Cinematic mode for shallow depth-of-field effects (1080p at 30fps) and ProRes video recording up to 4K at 30fps, offering advanced control for videographers. Both devices provide strong low-light performance, with the iPhone 13 Pro Max particularly noted for its improvements in this area.
  • Front Camera and Audio: For selfies, the Galaxy S24 FE has a 10MP front camera, while the iPhone 13 Pro Max features a 12MP front camera. Both devices offer good microphone quality for calls and recordings, and stereo speakers for an enhanced media consumption experience.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical features and design elements distinguish these two devices.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy S24 FE supports 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3, utilizing a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer. The iPhone 13 Pro Max also offers 5G and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, along with Bluetooth 5.0, but uses Apple's proprietary Lightning port, which operates at USB 2.0 speeds.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S24 FE incorporates an in-display fingerprint scanner for secure unlocking, though some users note it may not be as fast as the ultrasonic sensors found in other premium models. The iPhone 13 Pro Max relies on Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system, for biometric authentication.
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone 13 Pro Max is a substantial device, weighing 240 grams and measuring 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.65 mm, which contributes to its premium feel but can make one-handed use challenging for some. The Galaxy S24 FE is slightly lighter at 213 grams and measures 162 x 77.3 x 8 mm, offering a large screen experience in a slightly less weighty package.

Weight

213 g

238 g

Width

7.7 cm

7,81 cm

Height

16.2 cm

16,08 cm

Depth

0.8 cm

0,76 cm

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

Lightning

The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE and the iPhone 13 Pro Max cater to users with distinct priorities. The Galaxy S24 FE, a more recent release, stands out with its extended software support, integrated Galaxy AI features, and a modern USB-C port. Users prioritizing long-term software updates, advanced AI functionalities, and a slightly lighter build may find the Galaxy S24 FE well-suited to their needs. Its 8K video recording capability and 50MP main camera offer a compelling package for content creators.

Conversely, the iPhone 13 Pro Max, while older, remains a highly capable device, particularly praised for its exceptional battery life, robust build quality, and sophisticated camera system with features like Cinematic mode and ProRes video. Users who value industry-leading battery endurance, a highly optimized operating system, and a proven track record in mobile videography will likely lean towards the iPhone 13 Pro Max. Some common user concerns for the iPhone 13 Pro Max have included its considerable weight and the slower data transfer speeds of its Lightning port, while some Galaxy S24 FE users have noted the in-display fingerprint sensor is not as quick as other premium options.

Ultimately, the choice depends on whether a user prioritizes the latest software and AI innovations from Samsung or the established performance and battery prowess of an iPhone. For those considering either device, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative, offering access to these advanced technologies while making a sustainable choice.

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