iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The short version
Both are top-tier flagships with elite cameras, long software support, and premium titanium builds. Choose iPhone 15 Pro Max if you want Apple’s ecosystem, best-in-class video workflows, simpler camera results, lighter weight, and satellite safety features. Choose Galaxy S24 Ultra if you want the most versatile zoom range, larger high-res display with anti-glare glass, S Pen, faster charging, on-device/online AI tools now, Wi‑Fi 7, and 7 years of Android/One UI updates.
Different strengths. Same questions.
The facts, side by side
| What matters | Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price (US) | $1199 (256GB base) | $1299 (256GB base) |
| Chipset | Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (4 nm) |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage options | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB (NVMe) | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB (UFS 4.0) |
| Display | 6.7" LTPO OLED, 120 Hz, up to ~2000 nits peak | 6.8" LTPO OLED, QHD+, 120 Hz, up to ~2600 nits peak, Gorilla Armor |
| Main cameras | 48 MP wide + 12 MP ultra‑wide + 12 MP 5x tetraprism tele | 200 MP wide + 12 MP ultra‑wide + 10 MP 3x tele + 50 MP 5x tele |
| Optical/usable zoom | 1x, 2x in-sensor crop, 5x optical | 3x and 5x optical; high‑quality 10x via 50 MP crop |
| Video capture | Up to 4K60 across lenses, ProRes/Log, Dolby Vision HDR, external USB‑C recording, spatial video | Up to 8K30, 4K60 HDR10+, advanced stabilization, Director’s View |
| Battery capacity | Not disclosed (approx. 4422 mAh equivalent); strong efficiency | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | USB‑C up to ~20W wired; MagSafe 15W; Qi2 up to 15W; Qi ~7.5W | USB‑C up to 45W wired; Wireless 15W; reverse wireless |
| Connectivity | USB‑C 3; 5G; Wi‑Fi 6E; Bluetooth 5.3; UWB; eSIM (US only) or nano‑SIM+eSIM | USB‑C 3.2; 5G; Wi‑Fi 7; Bluetooth 5.3; UWB; dual SIM in many regions |
| Build and protection | Titanium frame, Ceramic Shield front, IP68 (up to 6 m/30 min) | Titanium frame, Gorilla Armor glass, IP68 (up to 1.5 m/30 min) |
| Weight | Approx. 221 g | Approx. 232 g |
| Software at launch | iOS 17 (upgradable; Apple Intelligence rolling out to 15 Pro models) | Android 14 / One UI 6.1 (Galaxy AI), 7 years OS/security |
| Special features | Action Button; Emergency SOS/Roadside via satellite; Pro photo/video tools; MagSafe ecosystem | S Pen with silo; Circle to Search, Live Translate, Generative Edit; anti‑glare display |
Beyond the comparison chart
The differences that deserve a closer look
Performance and longevity
A17 Pro in iPhone delivers fast single‑core and strong sustained graphics for gaming and Pro apps; Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy offers excellent multi‑core and AI performance. Apple typically supports 5–6+ years; Samsung commits to 7 years OS and security on S24 Ultra.
Cameras and zoom
iPhone’s 48MP main with 5x tetraprism excels at natural color and industry‑leading video (ProRes, Log, spatial). S24 Ultra’s 200MP main, 3x and 5x tele, and 50MP 5x sensor deliver more framing options and detailed 10x crops; Samsung’s computational look is punchier.
Display and design
iPhone 6.7" LTPO 120Hz OLED is bright and color-accurate; S24 Ultra 6.8" LTPO QHD 120Hz is larger, sharper, flatter, and uses Gorilla Armor with reduced glare. Both use titanium; iPhone is lighter and more rounded, Samsung is boxier with S Pen silo.
Battery and charging
Both offer full‑day battery. S24 Ultra has larger 5000 mAh pack and faster 45W wired; iPhone charges slower via 20W but is very efficient. Wireless 15W on both; iPhone supports MagSafe/Qi2 accessories.
Software and AI
iOS is cohesive with seamless Apple ecosystem, pro video tools, and Apple Intelligence features rolling out to 15 Pro models. S24 Ultra ships with Galaxy AI (Circle to Search, Live Translate, Generative Edit) widely available now; Android offers deeper customization and S Pen features.
Connectivity and extras
Both have USB‑C and IP68. iPhone adds Emergency SOS via satellite and Roadside Assistance (select regions), Action Button, UWB. S24 Ultra adds S Pen, Wi‑Fi 7, 8K video, and anti‑glare glass; dual SIM flexibility in many markets.