If you’re in the market for the best of the best, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra are bound to have appeared on your radar. While the former has just gone official and the latter went official earlier this year, they are still the best of both worlds.
In this segment, even the slightest leverages are magnified and taken into consideration. So, I take a deep dive into the specs and features of both phones to determine which comes ahead. With that being said, allow me to share my findings with you right away here as we compare the iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Galaxy S24 Ultra: Specs at a Glance
| Specs | iPhone 16 Pro Max | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 163 x 77.6 x 8.25 mm | 162.3 x 79 x 8.6 mm |
| Weight | 227 grams | 232 grams |
| Processor | Apple A18 Pro (3nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (TSMC 4nm) |
| RAM + Storage | 8GB LPDDR5 + 1TB NVMe | 12GB LPDDR5X + 1TB UFS 4.0 |
| Display | 6.9-inch FHD+ (1320 x 2868 pixels) Super Retina XDR display OLED, 120Hz, 2000 nits, 460 PPI, Ceramic Shield | 6.8-inch QHD+ (1440 x 3120 pixels) 2X Dynamic LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 2600 nits, 501 PPI, Gorilla Glass Armor |
| Rear Camera | 48MP primary + 48MP ultra-wide + 12MP telephoto | 200MP primary + 50MP periscope + 10MP telephoto + 12MP ultra-wide |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Video | Up to 4K at 120FPS | Up to 8K at 30FPS |
| Dual SIM | Yes; Supports eSIM | Yes; Supports eSIM |
| Connectivity | 30 5G bands, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC | 17 5G bands, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
| Port | USB Type C | USB Type C |
| Battery | NA | 5000mAh |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Software | iOS 18 | Android 14-based One UI |
Design and Build: Aesthetic Comparisons
Both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S24 Ultra are monster devices that together weigh as much as a regular pair of shoes. However, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is a tad bit heavier at 233 grams, as compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s 227-gram body.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra also has a more chiseled personality, thanks to those sharp edges, which may pinch a bit. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is a regular couch potato like me, with visibly curvier edges, which will most likely feel smoother in hand.
These are top-of-the premium flagships we’re talking about, and their titanium frames certainly make them stand out. However, this time, alongside the Action Button, the iPhone 16 Pro Max also features a Camera Control button. This is a capacitative button integrated into the body of the iPhone. The button acts as your focus assist when you swipe over it and as the shutter button when you press it, as seen on DSLRs and Sony Mark series phones.
Display Quality: Which One Shines Brighter?
When it comes to the display, the iPhone 16 Pro Max features a massive 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2796‑by‑1290 pixels. In comparison, the Galaxy S24 Ultra comes with a slightly smaller 6.8-inch Quad HD Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, packed with more resolution of 3120 x 1440 pixels.
Both phones offer a fast 120Hz refresh rate, which is good. Additionally, both panels are backed by LTPO technology, enhancing the overall viewing experience with smoother transitions and better battery efficiency.
On paper, the Galaxy S24 Ultra has a sharper panel though, thanks to a pixel density of 510 PPI. In comparison, the iPhone 16 Pro Max offers 460 PPI. This difference may not be as apparent in daily usage, but closer inspection of videos will most likely make it more evident.
Performance: Powerhouses in Your Pocket
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is powered by the A18 Pro, which is a direct successor to last year’s A17 Pro on the 15 Pro Max. On the other hand, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Apple’s processor game has always been stronger, with significant benchmarks showcasing the A18 Pro outperforming its competitors.
For example, in Geekbench 6, the A18 Pro shines through in single-core tests, racking up around 3678 points. In contrast, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 scores 2193 points, which is 68% less in comparison. In the multi-core tests, the A18 Pro and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 managed to score 8974 and 7304 points, respectively, showing a difference of about 23%.
Alongside the processor, the iPhone 16 Pro Max features 8GB of LPDDR5, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra packs 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM, showcasing a clear advantage in multitasking capabilities for the latter.
Software Experience: iOS vs Android
The software experience can greatly influence your choice between these two phones. iOS 18 in iPhone 16 Pro Max brings a trove of features like the new Customizable Control Center, hidden apps, and enhanced messaging capabilities. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s One UI is feature-rich, offering powerful tools like DeX and various AI functionalities.
Notably, Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series are backed by 7 years of major OS updates, outpacing Apple’s typical support window. However, Apple offers a seamless integration across its devices, which is a significant selling point for many users.
Camera Capabilities: A Closer Look
When it comes to mobile phone cameras, the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S24 Ultra are among the best. The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a 48MP primary sensor, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts a 200MP ISOCELL HP2SX sensor, offering remarkable detail and clarity.
Both smartphones provide excellent performance in low light and have features like Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on all sensors, which helps in
