Looking for an honest Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G comparison in 2026? We scored both smartphones on the same six-dimension framework — performance, battery, display, camera, design and value — using identical methodology, so the numbers below are directly comparable. In our overall scoring the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max comes out ahead 57/100 to 46/100 — a 11-point gap. The widest gap is in performance, where the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max pulls noticeably ahead. On price the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G undercuts the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max by 211% ($225 vs $699), which materially changes the value calculus for budget-conscious buyers.
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Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max edges out the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G in the smartphones category, especially in performance (benchmark 130 vs 60), scoring 57 vs 46. If you want the better overall smartphones, Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is the recommended choice.
Picking Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max over Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G means trading these off.
Specs are roughly matched — winner decided on overall scoring, not a specific spec advantage.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
| Spec | Apple iPhone 13 Pro MaxW | Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7" | 6.9"✓ |
| Display Type | OLED | — |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness | 1000nits | 1400nits✓ |
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic | Snapdragon 865 |
| RAM |
Buy Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max if…
Buy the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Buy Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G if…
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G if budget is your top priority — it offers competitive specs at a lower price point.
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max edges out the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G in the smartphones category, especially in performance (benchmark 130 vs 60), scoring 57 vs 46. If you want the better overall smartphones, Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is the recommended choice.
Yes, Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max scores higher overall (82 vs 71).
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G is cheaper at $225 vs $699 for the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Buy the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G if budget is your top priority — it offers competitive specs at a lower price point.
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G has a larger battery (5,000mAh vs 4,352mAh for the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max), which generally means longer use between charges.
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G has the larger display (6.9" vs 6.7").
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: May 21, 2026
Methodology: AI-powered analysis of technical specifications from manufacturer data. Scores are calculated by comparing products across multiple dimensions and normalized relative to the full category database. Our editorial process is independent and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Scores are relative within the smartphonescategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✗ Cons
| 6GB |
| 12GB✓ |
| Storage | 128GB | 128GB |
| Main Camera | 12MP | 108MP✓ |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 40MP✓ |
| Battery | 4352mAh | 5000mAh✓ |
| Charging | 27W | 45W✓ |
| OS | iOS 18 | A |
| NFC | Yes | — |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | — |
| Weight | 238g | 220g✓ |
| Price | 699$ | 225$✓ |
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G has a higher-resolution main camera (108MP vs 12MP). Note that megapixels are one factor — sensor quality and processing also matter.
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G is lighter at 220g vs 238g.
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G has more RAM (12GB vs 6GB), which helps with multitasking.