Spec cross-check · 2026-10-14
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra lines up the September 2024 iPhone 16 Pro Max with the January 2024 Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. The spec score is a weighted share of comparable published rows. Manufacturer spec sheets are the source.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra leads iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra on the weighted spec sheet, ahead on display, camera hardware, and charging.
Spec sheet
| Spec | iPhone 16 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2868×1320, 460 ppi, 120Hz, 2,000 nits peak, always-on | 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 3120×1440, 505 ppi, 120Hz, 2,600 nits peak, always-onLeads |
| Chip | A18 ProLeads | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy |
| Memory | Not published | 12GB |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TBTie | 256GB, 512GB, 1TBTie |
| Camera hardware | 48MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 12MP 5x tetraprism telephoto | 200MP f/1.7 main, 50MP 5x optical, 10MP 3x optical, 12MP ultrawideLeads |
| Optical zoom | 5xTie | 5xTie |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Battery | up to 33 hours video playback | 5,000 mAh |
| Charging | 50% in about 30 minutes with a 20W or higher adapter. MagSafe up to 25W | 45W wired. 15W wireless, Wireless PowerShareLeads |
| Weight | 227 gLeads | 232 g |
| Water resistance | IP68Tie | IP68Tie |
| Software support | Apple does not publish a fixed OS support window | 7 years of OS and security updates |
| Launch price | $1,199 launch priceLeads | $1,299 launch price |
| Software | iOS 18 at launch | Android 14, One UI 6.1 at launch |
| Biometrics | Face ID | Ultrasonic fingerprint |
| Connectivity | USB-C (USB 3), 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3 | USB-C, 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3 |
Who should buy which
Choose the iPhone 16 Pro Max if you want iOS 18 at launch. It leads on chip, weight, and launch price.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra if you want Android 14, One UI 6.1 at launch. It leads on display, camera hardware, and charging.
Questions
Which is better, iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra leads iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra on the weighted spec sheet, ahead on display, camera hardware, and charging.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: which has the better battery?
iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra do not publish a comparable battery figure. iPhone 16 Pro Max: up to 33 hours video playback. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: 5,000 mAh.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: which has the better camera?
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra leads on camera hardware. iPhone 16 Pro Max: 48MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 12MP 5x tetraprism telephoto. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: 200MP f/1.7 main, 50MP 5x optical, 10MP 3x optical, 12MP ultrawide. This rank is hardware class, not a photo lab test.
What did iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra cost at launch?
iPhone 16 Pro Max leads on launch price. iPhone 16 Pro Max: $1,199 launch price. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: $1,299 launch price.
Sources
- Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max technical specifications
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra specifications