Samsung S24 Ultra vs Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max: Who Wins?

The competition between the Samsung S24 Ultra and the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is a battle of flagship titans. Both models are packed with cutting-edge technology and offer an array of features designed to elevate the smartphone experience. The S24 Ultra boasts Samsung's signature display brilliance and a suite of advanced AI capabilities, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max leverages Apple's seamless ecosystem and powerful hardware. This head-to-head comparison dives into their respective strengths, exploring how each phone meets the demands of modern users. Without further delay, let’s dive in!
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Samsung S24 Ultra: Key Upgrades
The main difference between the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra lies in their core specifications and features, highlighting significant upgrades for both models. The Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts a 200MP main camera, providing exceptional detail and versatility, complemented by a diverse camera system that includes a 50MP telephoto and a 10MP telephoto lens for extensive zoom capabilities. In contrast, the iPhone 16 Pro Max features a 48MP main camera and an equally powerful 48MP ultrawide camera, emphasizing Apple's commitment to computational photography.
Performance-wise, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, offering up to 12GB of RAM, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max utilizes Apple's A18 Pro chip with 8GB of RAM. Despite having a slightly smaller 4,685 mAh battery, the iPhone benefits from optimized power management.
Both devices feature stunning displays, with the Galaxy S24 Ultra's 6.8-inch QHD+ AMOLED and the iPhone's 6.9-inch OLED.
iPhone 16 Pro max vs S24 Ultra: Price Comparison
As top contenders in their respective categories, you should be prepared to invest significantly to get your hands on these flagship devices. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra price in Australia starts at A$1,999 for the 256GB variant. If you're looking for more storage, the 512GB model will set you back A$2,199, and for power users needing substantial space.
In comparison, the iPhone 16 Pro Max presents a slightly different pricing structure. The 256GB model is available for A$2,149, making it more affordable than its Samsung counterpart. The 512GB version comes in at A$2,499, while the premium 1TB variant is priced at A$2,849, matching the S24 Ultra's top-end offering. Given these close price points, your decision may ultimately come down to brand loyalty and preferred ecosystem rather than cost alone.
If budget is a concern, both brands offer avenues for substantial savings without sacrificing quality. Whether you opt for a refurbished Samsung or a refurbished Apple iPhone, you can enjoy these premium devices at a more accessible price point.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung S24 Ultra: Design and Build Quality
The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a bold, boxy design with sharp edges, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max opts for a sleeker look with rounded corners. At 232 grams, the S24 Ultra feels heavier and less ergonomic compared to the lighter, 227-gram iPhone.
Apple uses stronger Grade 5 titanium for the iPhone’s frame, while Samsung uses Grade 2 titanium. Both have durable glass and water resistance, but the iPhone handles submersion up to 6 meters, compared to 1.5 meters for the Galaxy.
With bold colors like Titanium Violet and Titanium Yellow, the Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out. Plus, with exciting S24 deals, you can enjoy this premium design at a more affordable price.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung S24 Ultra: Display Differences
The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a 6.9-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 1320 x 2868 pixels. It delivers vibrant colors, and sharp details, and supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision for enhanced dynamic range. Whether you’re watching movies or scrolling through photos, the display offers stunning visuals.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra offers a slightly smaller 6.8-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED panel with a resolution of 1440 x 3120 pixels. Known for its deep blacks and bright whites, it provides excellent color reproduction. Both phones feature a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and seamless touch response, ideal for gaming and multitasking.
In terms of brightness, the Galaxy S24 Ultra leads with a peak brightness of 2600 nits, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max reaches 1000 nits, ensuring visibility in any environment.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung S24 Ultra: Camera
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra features a powerful quad-camera system, headlined by a 200 MP wide-angle lens for exceptional detail. It includes a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, a 50 MP periscope telephoto with 5x optical zoom, and a 12 MP ultra-wide lens with a 120° field of view, making it versatile for close-ups, distant shots, and landscapes. Features like PDAF and OIS ensure sharp images and stable videos.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max, with its 48 MP main camera, excels in computational photography for vibrant colors and crisp details. It also offers a 48 MP ultra-wide lens and a 12 MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom, providing flexibility for various scenes. Both phones support 4K video recording at 120 fps, with the iPhone adding advanced audio mixing for enhanced video quality.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Galaxy S24 Ultra: Processor Performance
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is powered by Apple’s A18 Pro Bionic chip, built on a 3nm process for enhanced power efficiency and speed. This chip excels in single-core tasks, ensuring smooth app launches, multitasking, and everyday interactions with seamless performance.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, designed for multi-core efficiency and superior graphics. It delivers smoother gameplay, faster frame rates, and advanced AI features, making it ideal for gaming and high-performance tasks. Both processors excel—choose the A18 Pro Bionic for overall efficiency or the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for graphics-heavy applications.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Galaxy S24 Ultra: Battery Life
The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a 4685 mAh battery, smaller than the Galaxy S24 Ultra's 5000 mAh. However, Apple’s efficient A18 Pro Bionic chip optimizes power usage, allowing the iPhone to last longer on a single charge, making it ideal for all-day use.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra offers strong battery performance and excels in charging speed, thanks to its 45W fast charging, reaching 65% in 30 minutes. In comparison, the iPhone charges 50% at the same time. While the Galaxy leads in quick charging, the iPhone edges ahead in overall endurance, perfect for those prioritizing longer battery life.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Galaxy S24 Ultra: Software and AI
The iPhone 16 Pro Max runs on iOS 18, offering a user-friendly experience with seamless integration across Apple’s ecosystem. Enhanced customization and improved privacy settings give users more control, while Siri’s upgraded conversational abilities make interactions smoother and more engaging.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra, powered by One UI 6.1.1, caters to power users with advanced AI features. Tools like Bixby Routines adapt to user habits, while Generative AI enables impressive photo editing. The S Pen adds versatility, and Samsung DeX transforms the phone into a desktop-like experience, perfect for multitasking. With richer AI tools and productivity features, the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers more flexibility for tech-savvy users.
Final Verdict: iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra
Ultimately, the choice between the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is more than just a comparison of specs—it's about finding the perfect fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max may not have shattered expectations like some of its predecessors, but it’s undeniably a powerhouse. It's designed to impress with a stunningly larger display, razor-thin bezels, and a supercharged chip that cools more efficiently. The new ultrawide camera and 4K120 video recording elevate your photography and videography to new heights, while the remarkable battery life ensures you stay connected all day. iOS 18 breathes new life into the experience, making this device feel fresh and relevant.
Conversely, the Galaxy S24 Ultra has carved out its reputation as a heavy-hitter in the smartphone arena. Its expansive screen with S Pen support provides a canvas for creativity, while the versatile zoom camera lets you capture every moment with stunning clarity. The advanced AI features bring a level of smart functionality that many argue edges ahead of Apple, not to mention unique offerings like DeX that make multitasking a breeze. With whispers of the Galaxy S25 Ultra launching soon, potential buyers might find themselves pondering whether to wait for the next wave of innovation.
If you’re ready to invest in a flagship smartphone today, both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S24 Ultra offer compelling reasons to make them your next device. For those considering a more budget-friendly route, don’t overlook the value of refurbished phones. Purchasing a Refurbished iPhone 15 Pro Max and a Refurbished Galaxy S24 Ultra from Phonebot will allow you to embrace premium features without breaking the bank.
Posted by Zedd

Zedd
Zedd is a tech enthusiast and an avid reader/writer. He has tested 100s of devices and prides himself on being an Android and iOS expert.