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. The Galaxy S24 Ultra is priced at A$2,199, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at A$2,149, showcasing different value propositions in a competitive market.

iPhone 16 Pro max vs s24 Ultra: Price Comparison

As top contenders in their respective category, 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$2,199 for the 256GB variant. If you're looking for more storage, the 512GB model will set you back A$2,399, and for power users needing substantial space, the 1TB version is priced at a staggering A$2,799.

In comparison, the iPhone 16 Pro Max presents a slightly different pricing structure. The 256GB model is available for A$2,149, making it just a bit 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 refurbished Apple iPhones, you can enjoy these premium devices at a more accessible price point.

iPhone 16 Pro max vs s24 Ultra: Design and Build Quality

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max introduce subtle design tweaks. However, they also adhere to the familiar aesthetics of their predecessors. The Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts a more angular and rich design, highlighted by its boxy frame and sharp edges. Measuring 162.3 x 79 x 8.6 mm and weighing 232 grams, the S24 Ultra feels hefty in hand, making one-handed use a bit challenging. Well when compared to the more ergonomic iPhone 16 Pro Max. This device opts for a sleeker, more refined look with its rounded corners and slightly slimmer frame. Its dimensions of 163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm and weight of 227 grams make it lighter and easier to handle, especially over extended use.

In terms of build quality, Apple takes a slight edge by utilizing Grade 5 titanium for the frame, which offers superior strength and corrosion resistance compared to the Grade 2 titanium found on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Both phones are equipped with highly durable glass: Corning-made glass on the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Corning Gorilla Armor on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Water and dust resistance is a strength for the two devices. The Galaxy S24 Ultra can be submerged up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max extends that capability to 6 meters for the same duration, making them reliable in various conditions.

Both phones come in their own variations of desert, natural, white and black titanium. However, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra presents more bold options like Titanium Violent and Titanium Yellow, catering to different aesthetic preferences.

iPhone 16 Pro max vs s24 Ultra: Display Differences

The display often serves as the window into a world of vivid colors and stunning visuals and the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra each bring their own brilliance to the table. The iPhone 16 Pro Max showcases a 6.9-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display, featuring vibrant colors and sharp details that are truly eye-catching. With a resolution of 1320 x 2868 pixels, this display brings content to life, whether you’re scrolling through photos or watching your favorite movies. The iPhone's display also supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, providing an exceptional dynamic range that enhances visual quality, making bright highlights pop and dark shadows rich in detail.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra comes equipped with a 6.8-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED panel that is equally impressive. With a resolution of 1440 x 3120 pixels, it offers stunning clarity and vivid color reproduction. Samsung’s renowned technology excels in delivering deep blacks and bright whites, thanks to the self-emissive nature of OLED displays. Nevertheless, both phones feature a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and a responsive touch experience, which is particularly beneficial for gaming enthusiasts and heavy multitaskers.

Brightness also plays a crucial role in usability, particularly in bright environments. The iPhone 16 Pro Max shines here, reaching a peak brightness of 1000 nits, making it easier to view in direct sunlight. The Galaxy S24 Ultra, with its peak brightness of 2600 nits.

iPhone 16 Pro max vs s24 Ultra: Camera

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a photographer’s dream, featuring a quad-camera setup highlighted by an impressive 200 MP wide-angle lens. This sensor captures extraordinary detail, making it perfect for professional-level photography and large-scale printing. The camera system also includes a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, which allows users to zoom in on subjects without losing detail, and a 50 MP periscope telephoto lens that offers 5x optical zoom for capturing distant scenes with stunning clarity. Rounding out the setup is a 12 MP ultra-wide lens with a 120° field of view, perfect for expansive landscapes and group shots. This comprehensive camera array is bolstered by features like multi-directional PDAF and OIS, which help produce smooth and stable images and videos.

Although the megapixel count is lower, Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max still delivers exceptional photographic capabilities with its 48 MP main camera. This sensor utilizes advanced computational photography to enhance image quality, resulting in stunning detail and vibrant colors. The iPhone 16 Pro Max also includes a 48 MP ultra-wide lens, its biggest upgrade over the standard iPhone 16. Moreover, it features a 12 MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, offering versatility in capturing a variety of scenes.

When it comes to video capabilities, both phones offer 4K recording up to 120 fps, with the iPhone featuring advanced audio mixing options that enhance recording quality. The S24 Ultra, while lacking similar audio features, provides exceptional detail in video capture, showcasing its prowess in both photography and videography.

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra: Processor Performance

In the battle of the processors, the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S24 Ultra each bring their own formidable technology to the table. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is powered by Apple's latest A18 Pro Bionic chip, built on a 3nm process. This innovative design not only enhances power efficiency but also significantly boosts performance, enabling the device to handle intensive tasks with remarkable speed. With improved architecture, the A18 Bionic excels in single-core tasks, making everyday interactions—like app launches and multitasking—feel seamless.

 The Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, known for its impressive multi-core capabilities and optimized graphics performance. This processor shines particularly in gaming and high-performance applications, delivering smoother graphics and faster frame rates. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 incorporates advanced features such as an upgraded AI engine, which enhances the device’s machine learning capabilities and improves overall user experience, especially in demanding tasks like photo editing and gaming.

To be frank both processors excel in their own rights. The A18 Pro Bionic appeals to those seeking an all-around efficient powerhouse with outstanding app performance and battery optimization while the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is designed for users who demand superior graphics and gaming capabilities.

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra: Battery Life

In terms of battery life, both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra are powerhouses, but they approach endurance differently. The iPhone 16 Pro Max comes with a 4685 mAh battery, slightly smaller than the 5000 mAh battery in the Galaxy S24 Ultra. However, Apple’s latest iPhone has a reputation for stretching its battery life further, thanks to the highly efficient A18 Pro Bionic chip. The optimized power consumption allows the iPhone to keep running longer on a single charge, making it ideal for those who need endurance throughout the day.

While Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra comes with a larger battery, its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor may draw more power due to its high-performance demands, especially when paired with the device’s vibrant, power-hungry 6.8-inch AMOLED display. Nevertheless, Galaxy S24 Ultra battery does provide solid endurance for most users, lasting comfortably through a full day of heavy use.

Where the Galaxy S24 Ultra really shines is in its 45W fast charging capability. It can recharge to 65% in just 30 min, making it ideal for users needing a quick boost on the go. In comparison, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, reaches 50% in about 30 minutes.

In the end, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra excels in quick charging, the iPhone 16 Pro Max wins the overall battery battle with its longer-lasting power, making it the better choice for users who need endurance over speed.

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra: Software and AI

Today, the intersection of software and artificial intelligence defines the user experience on flagship smartphones, and both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the Galaxy S24 Ultra showcase impressive capabilities in this realm. The iPhone 16 Pro Max operates on iOS 18, which emphasizes user-friendly navigation and seamless integration across Apple’s ecosystem. This version refines existing features rather than reinventing the wheel, introducing enhanced customization options and privacy settings that empower users to tailor their devices to their preferences. A notable highlight is the updated Siri, now more conversational and context-aware, allowing for a more interactive and engaging user experience.

On the flip side, the Galaxy S24 Ultra runs on One UI 6.1.1, which is designed with power users in mind. Samsung has integrated advanced AI features that enhance functionality across various applications. Tools like Bixby Routines intelligently adjust settings based on user habits, while Samsung’s Generative AI allows for impressive photo editing capabilities, such as removing unwanted subjects from images. The S Pen adds another layer of utility, enabling users to take notes, sketch, or control their camera remotely, showcasing the phone’s versatility.

Additionally, Samsung DeX transforms the Galaxy S24 Ultra into a desktop-like experience, allowing users to multitask with ease, a feature that iOS lacks. Both devices excel in delivering unique software experiences, yet the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s rich AI features and extensive customization options cater to a wider range of user needs, making it the more compelling choice for those who prioritize software functionality and productivity.

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. With a stunningly larger display, razor-thin bezels, and a supercharged chip that cools more efficiently, it’s designed to impress. 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 Refurbished Galaxy S24 Ultra from Phonebot will allow you to embrace premium features without breaking the bank.