Galaxy S4 vs iPhone 11 Pro Max: Which One Should You Buy?

iPhone 11 Pro Max edges ahead with a BeastScore of 64.2/100 — but the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Samsung · 2013

Galaxy S4

Galaxy S4
64/ 100
Launch price$579
Apple · 2019

iPhone 11 Pro Max

iPhone 11 Pro Max
64/ 100
Launch price$1,099
Head-to-head

iPhone 11 Pro Max wins 4 of 7 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Galaxy S4
Galaxy S4
1 win
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone 11 Pro Max
4 wins
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivityValue
Galaxy S4iPhone 11 Pro Max
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeediPhone 11 Pro Max
    60
    64
  • CameraiPhone 11 Pro Max
    68
    75
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieiPhone 11 Pro Max
    40
    60
  • BatteryTie
    58
    58
  • DisplayTie
    62
    62
  • ConnectivityiPhone 11 Pro Max
    45
    63
  • SecurityNot enough data
  • ValueGalaxy S4
    80
    55
Key differences
  • iPhone 11 Pro Max has the bigger battery3,969 mAh vs 2,600 mAh
  • iPhone 11 Pro Max charges faster18W vs 5W
  • Galaxy S4 has a sharper main camera13 MP vs 12 MP
  • iPhone 11 Pro Max has the bigger screen6.5" vs 5"
  • Galaxy S4 is lighter130 g vs 226 g
  • Galaxy S4 launched cheaper$579 vs $1,099
  • iPhone 11 Pro Max has a sharper selfie camera12 MP vs 2 MP
  • iPhone 11 Pro Max has newer Bluetooth5 vs 4
  • iPhone 11 Pro Max has more RAM4 GB vs 2 GB
  • iPhone 11 Pro Max has faster Wi-FiWi-Fi 6 vs Wi-Fi 5
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Galaxy S4
  • ✓96 g lighter (130 g vs 226 g), easier to hold
  • ✓$520 cheaper at launch ($579 vs $1,099)
  • ✓13 MP main camera
Reasons to buy iPhone 11 Pro Max
  • ✓Bigger 3,969 mAh battery (+1,369 mAh)
  • ✓12 MP main camera
  • ✓6.5" display at 60 Hz

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationGalaxy S4iPhone 11 Pro Max
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeFull HD Super AMOLEDSuper Retina XDR OLED
Screen Size5"6.5"
Resolution & Density1920x1080 (441 ppi)2688x1242 (458 ppi)
Refresh Rate60 Hz60 Hz
Brightness475 nits peak800 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance🏆 iPhone 11 Pro Max Wins Performance
Chipset / ProcessorNot listed Not listed
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsNot listedNot listed
Operating SystemAndroid 4.2iOS 13
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory2 GB LPDDR4 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage16GB / 32GB / 64GB64GB / 256GB / 512GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics🏆 iPhone 11 Pro Max Wins Camera
Primary Camera13 MP, f/2.212 MP, f/1.8, OIS
Telephoto ZoomNone (digital zoom only)12 MP (2x optical zoom), f/2, OIS
Ultrawide CameraN/A12 MP, f/2.4
LiDAR / DepthNoneNone
5. Video
Main Camera Video
Not listed
Not listed
Front Video
Not listed
Not listed
6. Selfie Camera
Selfie Lens2 MP, f/2.512 MP, f/2.2
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 Galaxy S4 Lightest Chassis
Dimensions136.6 x 69.8 x 7.9 mm158 x 77.8 x 8.1 mm
Weight130 g226 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceNot listedIP68
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity2,600 mAh3,969 mAh
Wired Fast Charging5W wired fast charging18W wired fast charging
Wireless Charging5W wireless charging15W wireless charging
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 5Wi-Fi 6
Bluetooth4.05.0
USB Port & SpeedMicro-USB 2.0Lightning
NFCYes (contactless payment)Yes (contactless payment)
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsNot listedNot listed
Satellite FeaturesNot listedNot listed
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsNot listedNot listed
Launch Price$579$1,099
Our verdict

iPhone 11 Pro Max wins — BeastScore 64.2/100

The iPhone 11 Pro Max is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (3,969 mAh vs 2,600 mAh) and faster charging (18W vs 5W). The Galaxy S4 is worth a look if you prefer its sharper main camera (13 MP vs 12 MP).

Buy Galaxy S4 if you want

Lighter: 130 g vs 226 g (96 g less) · Lower launch price: $579 vs $1,099

Buy iPhone 11 Pro Max if you want

Larger battery: 3,969 mAh vs 2,600 mAh · Faster wired charging: 18W vs 5W

Common questions

Which is better: Galaxy S4 or iPhone 11 Pro Max?

The iPhone 11 Pro Max is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (3,969 mAh vs 2,600 mAh) and faster charging (18W vs 5W). The Galaxy S4 is worth a look if you prefer its sharper main camera (13 MP vs 12 MP). BeastScore: Galaxy S4 64.0/100, iPhone 11 Pro Max 64.2/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between Galaxy S4 and iPhone 11 Pro Max?

Galaxy S4 has a 5-inch display and 2600 mAh battery. iPhone 11 Pro Max has a 6.5-inch display and 3969 mAh battery.

How do Galaxy S4 and iPhone 11 Pro Max compare for speed?

Galaxy S4 scores 60/100 for performance; iPhone 11 Pro Max scores 64/100.

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