Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro Max A Comprehensive Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the iPhone 16 Pro Max represent the pinnacle of flagship smartphones for 2024. Both models come from two of the biggest competitors in the smartphone market—Samsung and Apple. They push the boundaries in design, performance, and particularly, the camera. This review will cover key areas such as camera performance, price, specs, and user opinions, and will conclude which device may be better suited for different types of users.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Samsung S24 Ultra and the iPhone 16 Pro Max continue to reflect the signature design language of their respective brands.
Samsung S24 Ultra: The Galaxy S24 Ultra maintains its sleek, premium look with a glass front and back (using Gorilla Glass Victus 3) and an aluminum frame. It comes in a range of colors and is slightly curved around the edges, which gives it an expansive feel. The S24 Ultra still retains the iconic rectangular shape with rounded corners and the integrated S Pen.
iPhone 16 Pro Max: Apple keeps refining its industrial design. The iPhone 16 Pro Max sports a flat-edged, stainless steel frame with a ceramic shield for added durability on both front and back. This model might introduce slightly slimmer bezels, and potentially thinner dimensions, improving handling despite its large size. Apple may introduce new color finishes this year as well, continuing its trend of subtle sophistication.
Verdict: Both phones are equally premium, but if you prefer the seamless integration of a stylus, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra might edge out for you. Apple's flatter design could be more appealing for those who like a more minimalist look.
Display
Samsung S24 Ultra: The S24 Ultra boasts a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 1440p resolution and 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Known for its industry-leading displays, Samsung offers impressive brightness, punchy colors, and a smooth user experience, particularly for gaming and media consumption.
iPhone 16 Pro Max: Apple’s Pro Max series never lags behind. The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a slightly smaller 6.7-inch LTPO OLED panel. It supports 120Hz refresh rates and Pro Motion technology. Apple’s true-to-life color accuracy and brightness make it ideal for those looking for the most realistic color reproduction.
Verdict: If larger screen real estate and vibrant AMOLED colors matter most, the Galaxy S24 Ultra wins this round. If you prefer color accuracy and iOS optimizations, you’ll likely lean toward the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Camera Systems
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra:
Samsung has equipped the S24 Ultra with a highly advanced quad-camera system:
Main Sensor: 200MP, f/1.7, OIS (Optical Image Stabilization)
Periscope Telephoto: 12MP, f/2.2 (up to 10x optical zoom)
Ultra-Wide: 12MP, f/2.2
Telephoto: 10MP, 3x optical zoom
Samsung's Ultra series is known for its exceptional zoom capabilities. With the 10x optical zoom, you can capture detailed shots even from long distances. The 200MP sensor offers incredibly sharp images and the ability to crop without losing clarity.
iPhone 16 Pro Max:
Apple's iPhone 16 Pro Max continues its tradition of excellent image processing, though it sticks with a triple-camera system:
Main Sensor: 48MP, f/1.8
Ultra-Wide: 12MP, f/2.2
Telephoto: 12MP, f/2.8 (5x optical zoom)
Apple’s computational photography, powered by its updated Photonic Engine, offers superior image consistency, especially in challenging lighting conditions. While Samsung offers higher zoom capability, Apple’s attention to detail in color accuracy, low-light performance, and Smart HDR 5 give it an edge for casual photographers.
Verdict: The S24 Ultra outshines in zoom and raw megapixel count, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max excels in overall consistency and computational photography. If zoom matters, choose the S24 Ultra. For consistent day-to-day photography, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is a winner.
Performance
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip (or Exynos 2400 in some regions), the S24 Ultra ensures top-tier performance. It comes with up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage. Samsung continues to support multitasking, with DeX mode allowing users to expand their phone’s capabilities into a desktop experience.
iPhone 16 Pro Max: Apple’s new A18 Pro chip, built on a 3nm process, takes mobile performance to the next level. Known for outperforming in single-core and multi-core tasks, Apple’s chips are highly optimized for iOS, making the phone feel incredibly smooth, with no lag in day-to-day use. The iPhone 16 Pro Max will also likely support up to 1TB of storage, though Apple traditionally maxes out at 8GB of RAM due to superior memory management in iOS.
Verdict: For most users, both phones will feel lightning fast, but Apple’s A18 Pro chip tends to outperform on benchmark tests. However, for power users or multitaskers, the additional RAM and DeX mode on the S24 Ultra might make it a more versatile device.
Software Experience
Samsung S24 Ultra: Running on Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI 6.1, the S24 Ultra provides a highly customizable experience. You can change the entire look and feel of the phone, from icons to widgets. Samsung also supports features like split-screen multitasking and has made significant improvements in long-term software updates.
iPhone 16 Pro Max: Apple’s iOS 18, while more restrictive in terms of customization, excels in its seamless, user-friendly experience. iOS is deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, making it ideal for those with other Apple products like a MacBook, iPad, or Apple Watch. Apple also provides extended software updates—often longer than Android devices.
Verdict: The choice here comes down to customization (Samsung) versus seamless ecosystem integration (Apple). If you’re heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the clear choice.
Battery Life and Charging
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: The S24 Ultra houses a 5000mAh battery, which should comfortably last a full day of heavy use. It supports 45W fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging.
iPhone 16 Pro Max: The battery size for the iPhone 16 Pro Max is not yet confirmed but is likely around 4500mAh. Apple has optimized its power management through the A18 chip, providing excellent battery efficiency. It supports 30W fast charging and MagSafe wireless charging.
Verdict: Samsung offers faster wired charging and a slightly larger battery. If you need all-day, heavy-use power and quicker charging, the Galaxy S24 Ultra may offer a slight edge.
Price Comparison
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Expected pricing starts at $1,199 for the base model.
iPhone 16 Pro Max: Pricing will likely start at $1,199 as well, similar to previous Pro Max models, though storage configurations could drive up costs.
Verdict: Both phones are priced similarly, but Samsung might offer better value in terms of features like zoom, battery life, and screen size for the same price.
Size and Handling
Samsung S24 Ultra: With a 6.8-inch display, the S24 Ultra is larger and bulkier. It weighs approximately 234g and feels heavier due to the bigger battery and screen.
iPhone 16 Pro Max: The 6.7-inch iPhone 16 Pro Max is slightly smaller but still large. Apple aims to keep the device under 240g, making it marginally easier to handle, though both phones are still on the heavier side.
Verdict: The iPhone 16 Pro Max might be more comfortable for those who want a large phone without the bulk of the S24 Ultra.
Final Thoughts
Both the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max stand as excellent flagship devices, but which is better depends on your preferences:
Go for the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra if you value advanced zoom capabilities, prefer a larger display, want a stylus, or need a phone with high levels of customization.
Choose the iPhone 16 Pro Max if you prioritize ease of use, computational photography, seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem, and excellent performance in a more compact, lighter design.
Ultimately, each phone has its strengths, but both are sure to impress in terms of performance, features, and future-proofing.