How does the iPhone 15 Pro Max's Always-On Display feature compare to the S23 Ultra's

Comparison of Always-On Display Features: iPhone 15 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Both the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra feature advanced Always-On Display (AOD) technologies, but they implement this functionality in distinct ways. Below is a detailed comparison of their AOD features.

Display Specifications

- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- Display Type: Super Retina XDR OLED
- Size: 6.7 inches
- Resolution: 2796 x 1290 pixels (460 ppi)
- Brightness: Peak brightness of up to 2000 nits outdoors, 1600 nits HDR[2][7].
- Refresh Rate: Adaptive refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz, allowing for efficient power management during AOD usage[9].

- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
- Display Type: Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Size: 6.8 inches
- Resolution: QHD+ (3088 x 1440 pixels, ~500 ppi)
- Brightness: Peak brightness of up to 1750 nits[10].
- Refresh Rate: Adaptive refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz, similar to the iPhone[10].

Always-On Display Features

- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- The AOD feature allows users to display a dimmed version of their lock screen wallpaper along with notifications and the time. Users can choose to hide the wallpaper entirely for a cleaner look[1][3].
- The display dims significantly when inactive, conserving battery life while still showing essential information[4].
- The introduction of the StandBy mode enhances functionality when charging, turning the phone into a smart display that can show more information without significant battery drain[3].

- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
- The AOD on the S23 Ultra shows similar information, including time, notifications, and widgets. It also allows for customization in terms of what is displayed[10].
- The S23 Ultra's AOD can be set to show different clocks or images, providing a more personalized experience compared to the iPhone's options[4].

Battery Impact

- Both devices have shown efficient power management with their AOD features. However, real-world usage indicates that the iPhone may experience slightly more battery drain during activities like streaming compared to the S23 Ultra, which has a larger battery capacity (5000 mAh vs. iPhone's 4441 mAh)[2][8].
- The iPhone's ability to drop its refresh rate to as low as 1Hz during AOD helps mitigate battery usage effectively[9].

Conclusion

In summary, both the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra offer robust Always-On Display features with unique advantages. The iPhone emphasizes simplicity and integration with its ecosystem, while the Galaxy provides more customization options for users who prefer a personalized display experience. Ultimately, the choice may depend on user preference regarding interface and ecosystem compatibility.