Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 13 Pro Max
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S20 Ultra
Starting at
£269.45£1,199.99 new
iPhone 13 Pro Max
Starting at
£418.75£1,049.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S20 Ultra and iPhone 13 Pro Max?
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 13 Pro Max comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy S20 Ultra starts at £269.45, £149.30 less than the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Refurbished from
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- The Galaxy S20 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
- The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4352 mAh.
- The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a bigger screen: 6.9 inch vs 6.7 inch.
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 13 Pro Max specs
The Galaxy S20 Ultra and iPhone 13 Pro Max differ in several key areas that suit different users. The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a larger 6.9 inch screen with a higher resolution and a more detailed camera setup, including a front camera with more megapixels. It offers a larger battery and supports microSDXC cards for extra storage. It is also a bit slimmer and heavier. Choose the Galaxy S20 Ultra if you want a bigger screen, more RAM, and expandable storage. The iPhone 13 Pro Max is better if you want 5G, longer software updates, and a range of storage sizes to pick from.
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 13 Pro Max price
Colour
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 13 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, operating systems, and release year. These aspects affect how long the phone lasts each day and how well it stays current with new features and security.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a 5000 mAh battery, which provides a larger power reserve for longer use between charges. The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a 4352 mAh battery, which still offers solid daily endurance but with slightly less capacity. This makes the Galaxy S20 Ultra suitable for heavy users who need extended battery life.
Operating System
The Galaxy S20 Ultra runs Android, which provides flexibility and customisation options. The iPhone 13 Pro Max runs iOS 15, known for its smooth integration and consistent user experience. Your choice depends on your preference for Android or iOS environments.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 13 Pro Max performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 13 Pro Max screen
Screen quality influences how you experience media, gaming, and everyday use. Differences in size, resolution, and screen type can affect visual detail and comfort.
Screen Size and Type
The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a larger 6.9 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen ideal for watching videos and multitasking on a spacious display. The iPhone 13 Pro Max features a 6.7 inch OLED screen that balances size and portability while still delivering rich colours and contrast.
Resolution
The Galaxy S20 Ultra's screen resolution is 1440 x 3200, providing very sharp images and text over its larger area. The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a resolution of 2778 x 1284, offering a high pixel density with a slightly narrower but taller display. The resolution suits users who prioritise fine detail or prefer a more compact screen shape.
Refresh Rate
Both devices support a 120 Hz refresh rate, which means smoother scrolling and animations. This makes either phone comfortable for gaming or browsing.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 13 Pro Max camera
Camera and front camera specifications affect photo quality and video calls. This section highlights differences in camera detail and setup.
Main Camera Setup
The Galaxy S20 Ultra features a quadruple camera system with a 108 megapixel main sensor, which is suited for capturing highly detailed photos and varied shooting options. The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a triple camera system with a 12 megapixel main sensor, offering reliable quality with fewer cameras but still strong versatility.
Front Camera Resolution
The Galaxy S20 Ultra's front camera has 40 megapixels, which can deliver finely detailed selfies and video calls. The iPhone 13 Pro Max's front camera has 12 megapixels, suitable for clear and consistent front-facing photos and video.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 13 Pro Max size and design
This category covers physical dimensions, connectivity, network support, and storage options that affect everyday convenience and compatibility.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 13 Pro Max supports 5G, offering faster mobile internet speeds where available. The Galaxy S20 Ultra supports 4G, which provides good coverage and speed but not the latest generation of mobile networks.
Storage Options
The iPhone 13 Pro Max comes in a range of storage sizes from 128GB up to 1TB, suiting users who want more space for apps, media, or files. The Galaxy S20 Ultra is stocked with 128GB but supports microSDXC cards, allowing you to add extra storage if needed.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy S20 Ultra measures 166.9 mm in height, 76 mm in width, and weighs 222 g, making it larger but lighter. The iPhone 13 Pro Max is slightly smaller at 160.8 mm by 78.1 mm and heavier at 240 g. These differences affect how the phones feel in hand or pocket.
Connector Type
The Galaxy S20 Ultra uses a USB-C connector, common for many devices and accessories. The iPhone 13 Pro Max uses a Lightning connector, which is specific to Apple devices and accessories.
SIM and Carrier Compatibility
Both phones are unlocked and support dual physical SIM cards, allowing you to use two different phone numbers or carriers simultaneously. This is useful for separating work and personal use or when travelling.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S20 Ultra or iPhone 13 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S20 Ultra if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £269.45, £149.30 less than the iPhone 13 Pro Max
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4352 mAh)
Buy the iPhone 13 Pro Max if
- you want longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended Mar 2025)
- you want 5G
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Galaxy S20 Ultra often mention how good the phone looks and feels, with several noting that the condition was better than expected. Many appreciate the large battery life and fast app loading, making the phone practical for daily use. Some users mention the camera quality and the convenience of wireless charging. A few note that setup required some effort, but overall satisfaction remains high with the phone's performance and condition.
For the iPhone 13 Pro Max, customers frequently highlight the excellent condition and the sharpness of the camera. Battery life is generally praised, though one customer mentioned the battery lasting only around 12 hours with average use. The phone is described as smooth running and feeling like new, with multiple users recommending it to others. The range of storage options and the unlocked SIM functionality are also appreciated.
Both phones suit users who want well-refurbished devices with strong cameras and good battery life. The Galaxy S20 Ultra appeals to those who value a bigger screen and expandable storage, while the iPhone 13 Pro Max is preferred by those who want the latest iOS updates and 5G connectivity.
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 13 Pro Max FAQs
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 13 Pro Max comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. The Galaxy S20 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB. The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4352 mAh.
The Galaxy S20 Ultra is cheaper refurbished, from £269.45 compared with £418.75 for the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4352 mAh.
The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a higher-resolution main camera: 108 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S20 Ultra ended in Mar 2025. The iPhone 13 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S20 Ultra comes in 128GB, and the iPhone 13 Pro Max in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
