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The iPhone vs. Samsung rivalry continues to shape the smartphone landscape, with each new generation of devices pushing the boundaries of performance, photography, and design. As we anticipate the launch of the newest iPhone, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, and Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra, it’s worth examining how these flagship devices stack up against each other.
In this comprehensive iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Samsung S24 Ultra comparison, we’ll explore the key specs, features, and potential advantages of each phone to help you determine which is better for your specific needs.
Key Takeaways
- Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15/16 Pro Max are all top-tier phones.
- Samsung has a more versatile camera and larger battery; Apple offers better performance and ecosystem.
- iPhone 16 Pro Max’s A18 Pro chip and iOS 18 can provide a smoother, more efficient experience.
- The choice depends on priorities: customization, camera, and brand preference.
- Price differences have narrowed, with both offering premium features at similar prices.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Specs
| Specification | iPhone 16 Pro Max (rumored) | Galaxy S24 Ultra | iPhone 15 Pro Max |
| Display | 6.9″ OLED, 1290p, 120Hz | 6.8″ AMOLED, QHD+, 120Hz | 6.7″ OLED, 1290p, 120Hz |
| Processor | Apple A18 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Apple A17 Pro |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB | 6GB |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Rear Cameras | 48MP main, 12MP telephoto (5x), 48MP ultrawide | 200MP main, 50MP telephoto (5x), 12MP ultrawide | 48MP main, 12MP telephoto (3x), 12MP ultrawide |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP | 12MP |
| Battery | 4,876 mAh | 5,000 mAh | 4,323 mAh |
| Starting Price | $1,199 | $1,299 | $1,099 |
Design & Display
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts a stunning 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a QHD+ resolution and adaptive 120Hz refresh rate.
The phone’s design features a sleek and premium look, with slim bezels and durable build quality. The S24 Ultra’s display offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and impressive peak brightness, making it one of the best screens available on a smartphone today.
Source: Samsung
On the other hand, the newest iPhone, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, is rumored to feature a slightly larger 6.9-inch OLED display with a 1290p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate.
While the exact display specifications are yet to be confirmed, it is expected that Apple will make improvements to the screen technology, potentially closing the gap with Samsung’s offerings. Leaks suggest that the iPhone 16 Pro Max may have even slimmer bezels than its predecessor, possibly as thin as 1.15mm, which could result in a more immersive viewing experience.
In terms of Samsung vs. iPhone design, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is expected to maintain the premium look and feel associated with Apple’s high-end devices, potentially with a taller aspect ratio to accommodate the larger screen size without compromising on comfort and usability.
Until the official release of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, the Galaxy S24 Ultra holds an advantage in the display category, given its confirmed specifications and impressive performance.
However, the Galaxy s24 vs. iPhone 16 display comparison will be more conclusive once the iPhone 16 Pro Max is released and its features are verified.
Performance
When comparing the performance of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max, it’s important to note that the S24 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max is expected to feature Apple’s upcoming A18 Pro chip.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the Galaxy S24 Ultra has already set a high bar for Android smartphone performance, offering significant improvements over its predecessor. The chip’s enhanced architecture and advanced manufacturing process enable faster processing speeds, improved power efficiency, and better overall performance.
On the other hand, Apple’s A-series chips have consistently outperformed their Android counterparts, and the A18 Pro is expected to extend this lead further. Rumors suggest that the A18 Pro will be manufactured using a 3nm process, allowing for higher transistor density and better power efficiency compared to the A17 Pro in the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
While benchmark comparisons between the Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max show that the A17 Pro maintains a lead in both single-core and multi-core performance, real-world performance differences may be less noticeable. The Galaxy S24 Ultra has proven to be a highly capable device, handling demanding tasks such as gaming, video editing, and multitasking with ease.
Based on Apple’s track record and the rumored specifications of the A18 Pro chip, it is likely that the iPhone 16 Pro Max will maintain a slight edge in terms of raw processing power and efficiency.
Cameras
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra features a quad-camera setup, including a 200MP main sensor, a 50MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultra-wide lens.
This versatile camera system has been praised for its ability to capture stunning photos and videos in various scenarios.
Source: Samsung
The current iPhone 15 Pro Max features a triple-camera setup with a 48MP main sensor, a 12MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultra-wide lens.
While the Galaxy S24 Ultra has a higher megapixel count and an additional telephoto lens, the iPhone 15 Pro Max has been recognized for its excellent image processing and computational photography capabilities.
Source: Apple
The upcoming iPhone 16 Pro Max is rumored to feature an upgraded camera system, with a 48MP main sensor, a 12MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a 48MP ultra-wide lens.
These improvements could help the iPhone 16 Pro Max close the gap with the Galaxy S24 Ultra in terms of camera performance.
Until the iPhone 16 Pro Max is released and comprehensive camera comparisons can be conducted, it is difficult to declare a definitive winner.
However, based on the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s impressive performance and the rumored specifications of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, both devices are expected to deliver exceptional camera experiences, with the Galaxy S24 Ultra maintaining an advantage in terms of zoom capabilities.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra comes with a large 5,000mAh battery, which has been delivering excellent battery life for users. Real-world tests and user reports confirm that the Galaxy S24 Ultra can comfortably last a full day or more on a single charge, even with heavy use.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max features a smaller 4,323mAh battery, but Apple’s optimization of hardware and software has allowed the device to deliver competitive battery life.
However, the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s larger battery capacity and the power-efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip give it an edge in terms of overall battery life.
The upcoming iPhone 16 Pro Max is rumored to have a slightly larger 4,876mAh battery compared to its predecessor. While this is still smaller than the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s battery, the power-efficient A18 Pro chip and Apple’s optimizations could help the device deliver improved battery life compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Based on the currently available information and real-world performance, the Galaxy S24 Ultra holds the advantage in terms of battery life compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Software & Ecosystem
The Galaxy S24 Ultra runs on the latest version of Android with Samsung’s One UI skin, offering a high degree of customization and a wide range of apps through the Google Play Store. However, Android devices can sometimes face delays in receiving the latest OS updates, and the duration of software support may vary.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max, which is the current model, runs on iOS 17. iOS is known for its smooth performance, timely updates, and tight integration with Apple’s ecosystem, including services like iMessage, FaceTime, iCloud, and the App Store. iPhone users benefit from a wide selection of high-quality apps and long-term software support, with Apple providing OS updates for several years after a device’s release.
The upcoming iPhone 16 Pro Max is expected to run on iOS 18, which will likely bring further improvements and new features to the platform. As with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the iPhone 16 Pro Max will benefit from Apple’s commitment to long-term software support and seamless ecosystem integration.
Here’s what I wrote about iOS 18, visionOS 2.0 and watchOS 11 in Power On today https://t.co/yHepnBRSE7 pic.twitter.com/K7qY2iVw7I
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) March 24, 2024
For users heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, both the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the iPhone 16 Pro Max provide a more seamless experience, integrating effortlessly with other Apple devices and services.
While both Android and iOS have their strengths, the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro Max hold an advantage in terms of ecosystem integration and long-term software support. However, the Galaxy S24 Ultra remains a compelling choice for users who value customization and prefer the Android platform.
Galaxy S24 vs. iPhone 16 Price & Value
| Storage | Galaxy S24 Ultra | iPhone 15 Pro Max | iPhone 16 Pro Max (Expected) |
| 256GB | $1,299 | $1,099 | $1,199 |
| 512GB | $1,419 | $1,299 | $1,399 |
| 1TB | $1,619 | $1,599 | $1,699 |
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is currently available with a starting price of $1,299 for the base model with 256GB of storage. Higher storage variants, such as the 512GB and 1TB models, come at a premium.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max starts at $1,099 for the 256GB variant, with the 512GB and 1TB models being more expensive. This pricing positions the iPhone 15 Pro Max as a more affordable option compared to the Galaxy S24 Ultra while still offering premium features and performance.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max’s pricing is yet to be officially announced, but based on the current pricing of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, it is expected to start at around $1,199 for the base model with 256GB of storage. This would place the iPhone 16 Pro Max between the Galaxy S24 Ultra and the iPhone 15 Pro Max in terms of pricing.
When evaluating the overall value of these devices, it’s essential to consider factors beyond just the price. All three devices offer premium features, powerful performance, and advanced camera systems. The value proposition for each device will depend on the individual buyer’s needs, preferences, and budget.
For users prioritizing display quality, camera zoom capabilities, and customization, the Galaxy S24 Ultra may provide better value. Users who prioritize ecosystem integration, long-term software support, and a seamless user experience may find more value in the iPhone 15 Pro Max or the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro Max.
It’s also worth noting that Apple’s devices tend to hold their value better over time, which can be a consideration for buyers who plan to resell their devices in the future.
The Bottom Line
With all of this, we arrive to the main question of Samsung vs. iPhone, which is better? The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro Max are all top-tier smartphones offering cutting-edge features and performance.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra excels in camera versatility, battery life, and customization, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the anticipated iPhone 16 Pro Max offer seamless Apple ecosystem integration, long-term software support, and user-friendly experiences.
Ultimately, the choice between these premium devices depends on individual preferences, needs, and budget, considering factors such as preferred OS, camera capabilities, and ecosystem integration.
