iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Galaxy S24 Ultra
The short version
Both are elite flagships. Choose iPhone 15 Pro Max if you prioritize video quality and workflows (ProRes/Log, external SSD), seamless iOS ecosystem, Face ID, and a lighter titanium build. Pick Galaxy S24 Ultra if you want the best hybrid zoom range, the included S Pen for productivity, a larger sharper screen with anti-glare and higher peak brightness, faster charging with reverse wireless, and Samsung’s 7-year update commitment. Gamers and creators will be happy on either; your existing ecosystem and preferred apps should decide.
Different strengths. Same questions.
The facts, side by side
| What matters | iPhone 15 Pro Max | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy |
| Display | 6.7" 2796×1290 LTPO OLED, 1–120 Hz | 6.8" 3120×1440 LTPO OLED, 1–120 Hz |
| Peak brightness | Up to ~2000 nits (outdoor), ~1600 nits HDR | Up to ~2600 nits |
| Weight | ≈221 g | ≈232 g |
| Frame / glass | Titanium frame, Ceramic Shield front, matte back glass | Titanium frame, Gorilla Armor (reduced glare), back glass |
| Main cameras | 48 MP wide; 12 MP 5x periscope; 12 MP ultrawide; Photonic Engine | 200 MP wide; 50 MP 5x periscope; 10 MP 3x; 12 MP ultrawide |
| Video | Up to 4K60 across lenses; ProRes/Log; external SSD; Spatial Video | Up to 8K30; 4K60; HDR10+; advanced stabilization |
| Battery capacity | ≈4422 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | Wired up to ~27 W; MagSafe/Qi2 up to 15 W; no reverse wireless | Wired up to 45 W; wireless 15 W; reverse wireless 4.5 W |
| Biometrics | Face ID (3D) | Ultrasonic in-display fingerprint + face unlock |
| Connectivity | USB‑C (USB 3, up to 10 Gbps); Emergency SOS via satellite (regions vary) | USB‑C (USB 3.2 Gen 1); no satellite SOS |
| Software and updates | iOS; historically 5–6+ years of major updates | Android with One UI; 7 years OS and security updates promised |
| Storage options | 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB; no microSD | 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB UFS 4.0; no microSD |
| Stylus | No | S Pen included (in-body) |
| Launch price (US) | From $1199 (256 GB) | From $1299 (256 GB) |
Beyond the comparison chart
The differences that deserve a closer look
Cameras
iPhone excels in natural color and industry-leading video (ProRes/Log, external SSD). S24 Ultra leads in versatility with a 200 MP main and a strong 5x tele delivering very good 10x results, plus more granular manual/AI modes.
Display and durability
S24 Ultra’s 6.8-inch QHD+ LTPO panel is brighter (up to ~2600 nits) and less reflective with Gorilla Armor; iPhone’s 6.7-inch LTPO panel is slightly smaller, very color-accurate, and reaches up to ~2000 nits outdoors; both are 1–120 Hz and IP68.
Performance and longevity
iPhone’s A17 Pro is exceptionally fast and efficient, great for sustained gaming and pro video. S24 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy is also top-tier; Samsung promises 7 years of OS/security updates, while Apple historically delivers 5–6+ years.
Battery and charging
Both deliver all‑day use. S24 Ultra typically lasts longer on-screen with a 5000 mAh cell and charges faster at up to 45 W, plus 15 W wireless and reverse wireless. iPhone charges up to ~27 W, supports MagSafe/Qi2 15 W wireless.
Software and AI
iPhone offers tight ecosystem integration and Apple Intelligence features on-device/cloud (availability varies). S24 Ultra adds Galaxy AI (Live Translate, Note Assist, generative edit, Circle to Search) and deeper stylus-first multitasking.
Productivity and extras
S Pen, DeX, and granular file access favor S24 Ultra power users. iPhone offers pro video toolchains, AirDrop/AirPlay, Satellite Emergency SOS (in supported regions), and best-in-class app optimization.