Spec cross-check · 2026-10-14
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra lines up the September 2024 iPhone 16 Pro Max with the March 2026 Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. The spec score is a weighted share of comparable published rows. Manufacturer spec sheets are the source.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra on the weighted spec sheet, ahead on chip, camera hardware, charging, and weight.
Spec sheet
| Spec | iPhone 16 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2868×1320, 460 ppi, 120Hz, 2,000 nits peak, always-onTie | 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, QHD+, 120Hz, always-onTie |
| Chip | A18 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for GalaxyLeads |
| Memory | Not published | 12GB (16GB with 1TB) |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TBTie | 256GB, 512GB, 1TBTie |
| Camera hardware | 48MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 12MP 5x tetraprism telephoto | 200MP f/1.4 main, 50MP 5x optical (10x optical-quality), 10MP 3x optical, 50MP f/1.9 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 | 60W, about 75% in 30 minutes. Super Fast Wireless Charging, Wireless PowerShareLeads |
| Weight | 227 g | 214 gLeads |
| 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 price | £1,279 UK RRP |
| Software | iOS 18 at launch | Android 16, One UI 8.5 |
| Biometrics | Face ID | Ultrasonic fingerprint |
| Connectivity | USB-C (USB 3), 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3 | USB-C, 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0 |
Who should buy which
Choose the iPhone 16 Pro Max if you want iOS 18 at launch.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra if you want Android 16, One UI 8.5. It leads on chip, camera hardware, charging, and weight.
Questions
Which is better, iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra on the weighted spec sheet, ahead on chip, camera hardware, charging, and weight.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: which has the better battery?
iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra do not publish a comparable battery figure. iPhone 16 Pro Max: up to 33 hours video playback. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: 5,000 mAh.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: which has the better camera?
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on camera hardware. iPhone 16 Pro Max: 48MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 12MP 5x tetraprism telephoto. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: 200MP f/1.4 main, 50MP 5x optical (10x optical-quality), 10MP 3x optical, 50MP f/1.9 ultrawide. This rank is hardware class, not a photo lab test.
What did iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra cost at launch?
iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra do not publish a comparable launch price figure. iPhone 16 Pro Max: $1,199 launch price. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: £1,279 UK RRP.
Sources
- Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max technical specifications
- Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra newsroom specifications, February 25, 2026