Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Which Is Better?

Introduction

The battle between Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra and Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max represents the pinnacle of Android vs iOS smartphones in 2024. Both devices are ultra-premium flagships loaded with cutting-edge technology, from powerful processors to advanced camera systems. Tech enthusiasts often wonder which is better – but the answer isn’t straightforward. Each phone excels in different areas, and the “best” choice depends on what matters most to you. In this in-depth comparison, we’ll break down the design and build quality, display technology, performance (processor, software, and updates), camera capabilities, battery life and charging, and unique features of the Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max. We’ll cite real-world data and reputable sources to back up the facts, and provide clear explanations (with real examples) to help you decide which flagship is the right fit for your needs. Let’s dive into the ultimate smartphone showdown of Samsung vs Apple!

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To quickly summarize at a glance before we get into details:

• Design & Build: Both phones now use strong but lightweight titanium frames; the S24 Ultra is a bit larger and heavier than the iPhone.

• Display: Galaxy S24 Ultra offers a slightly bigger, higher-resolution display that gets brighter (up to 2,600 nits vs 2,000 nits on the iPhone)androidauthority.com. Both have gorgeous OLED screens with 120Hz refresh rates.

• Performance & Software: Apple’s A17 Pro chip gives the iPhone a single-core performance edge, but the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the S24 Ultra is no slouch. Samsung promises 7 years of updates for the S24 Ultraandroidauthority.com, while Apple historically supports iPhones for around 5+ years (though without an official number). Each runs a different OS (Android 14 with One UI vs iOS 18), so ecosystem and app preferences play a big role.

• Camera: Galaxy S24 Ultra packs more cameras (quad-lens setup including a 200MP main and dual telephoto lenses for 3× and 5× zoom), offering greater zoom versatility up to 10× optical and 100× digital. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a superb triple camera system with Apple’s computational photography, including a 48MP main sensor and a new 5× optical periscope telephoto. iPhone tends to deliver more consistent results across all lenses and top-notch video quality, while Samsung offers extreme zoom and “social-media-ready” vibrant shots.

• Battery & Charging: Both phones easily last a full day (in fact around a day and a half of use) on a charge. The S24 Ultra’s 5,000 mAh battery is larger and it charges faster – about 1 hour for a full charge with 45W fast charging – whereas the iPhone’s ~4,422 mAh battery (Apple doesn’t quote mAh officially) takes over 2 hours to fully charge at ~27W maxandroidauthority.com. Both support 15W wireless charging, though iPhone uses MagSafe magnets and Samsung supports reverse wireless charging to juice other gadgets.

• Price: The base models start at different storage capacities (256GB for iPhone 15 Pro Max at $1199 vs 256GB for S24 Ultra at $1299). When comparing equivalent storage tiers, Samsung is about $100 more at base, but Samsung often offers deals (trade-ins, bundles) that can narrow the gapmarkellisreviews.com. Both are extremely expensive devices, so value may depend on how much you utilize each phone’s unique features (like S Pen or Apple’s ecosystem).

In the sections below, we’ll explore each of these aspects in depth, providing a step-by-step breakdown of how each phone performs in real life. By the end, you should have a clear understanding of which flagship is better for your usage – and why. Let’s start with how these phones look and feel.

Design and Build Quality

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (left) and Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max (right). Both devices feature premium build materials like titanium frames.

When it comes to design, Samsung and Apple took converging approaches in 2024 – both the Galaxy S24 Ultra and the iPhone 15 Pro Max feature chassis made from titanium alloy for the first time. Titanium is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio, meaning it’s very strong but lighter than the steel or aluminum used in past models. The iPhone 15 Pro Max’s frame is aerospace-grade titanium, which helped make it Apple’s lightest Pro Max everapple.com. Samsung followed suit: the S24 Ultra is the first Galaxy phone with a titanium frame, dramatically improving durability and longevity of the devicenews.samsung.com. In fact, the mid-frame that you touch on both phones is titanium, giving each a sturdy yet premium feel in the handandroidauthority.com.

Despite similar materials, the two phones have distinct aesthetics. Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra retains the bold, blocky design language of the Ultra series – a big rectangular slab with squared-off corners and nearly flat front and back glass. For 2024, Samsung actually made the S24 Ultra flatter and boxier than before, with fully flat display glass (no more curved edges) and super-slim symmetric bezels. It looks very sleek and modern, but the shape is quite large and unapologetically “Ultra”. Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max, on the other hand, also has flat front and back glass but features slightly rounded contoured edges on the titanium frame, which make it more comfortable to hold. Apple shaved a bit off the sharpness that the previous iPhones had, so the 15 Pro Max’s frame doesn’t dig into your palm as much. The result: the iPhone feels a touch smoother in hand, whereas the Samsung feels more angular and utilitarian.

In terms of size and weight, the iPhone is the more compact of the two (though both are large phones). The iPhone 15 Pro Max measures about 159.9 × 76.7 × 8.25 mm and weighs 221 grams, whereas the Galaxy S24 Ultra comes in at 162.3 × 79 × 8.6 mm and 232 gramsandroidauthority.com. That means Samsung is roughly 2.4 mm taller, 2.3 mm wider, a hair thicker, and ~11 grams heavier. In-hand, you’ll notice the Galaxy’s extra bulk – it truly feels like a big phone, crossing that 230g mark, whereas Apple’s emphasis on lightness with titanium brought the 15 Pro Max down to 221g (not exactly “light” but lighter than previous Pro Max models which were 240g+). If you have smaller hands or prefer a phone that’s a bit easier to manage one-handed, the iPhone might be slightly more comfortable; those with no problem handling a Note-sized device will find the S24 Ultra perfectly fine. Both phones are IP68 water and dust resistant (certified to survive 1.5m depth for up to 30 minutes), so durability against the elements is equalfreditech.comsupport.apple.com.

In terms of build materials beyond the frame, the Galaxy S24 Ultra uses what Samsung calls Gorilla Glass Armor (Victus 2) on the front and back for scratch and drop resistancenews.samsung.com. The iPhone uses Apple’s Ceramic Shield glass on the front and a textured matte glass backapple.com. Both devices feel extremely premium: the iPhone’s matte back and polished titanium edges exude a “jewelry-like” quality (almost like a fine watch)markellisreviews.com, while the Samsung’s minimalist design (especially the rear camera layout with just individual rings for each lens and no camera bump housing) looks futuristic and clean.

A quick note on colors and finishes: The iPhone 15 Pro Max comes in subdued natural titanium tones – Black, White, Blue, or Natural (which is a grayish titanium). These have a brushed metallic look. The Galaxy S24 Ultra has bolder options, named Titanium Black, Titanium Gray, Titanium Violet, and Titanium Yellow for its standard colorsandroidauthority.com. Additionally, Samsung often offers online-exclusive colors (for example, Jade Green, Sapphire Blue, etc.) sold only on Samsung’s website. The Samsung has a matte finish on the glass back as well, which resists fingerprints nicely. The iPhone’s back similarly stays pretty smudge-free due to the etched glass, whereas the polished titanium frame can pick up some fingerprints (though less so than last year’s stainless steel frame).

Durability: Both devices are built to high standards. The shift to titanium frames means better scratch and bend resistance for both phones (titanium doesn’t deform as easily as aluminum). Drop tests from third parties have shown that the Ceramic Shield and Gorilla Victus 2 are very tough, but not indestructible – a hard drop can still crack glass. It’s wise to use a case if you’re risk-averse. One difference: the S24 Ultra has slightly wider flat edges and a less protruding camera module (the rings stick out, but not as widely as the iPhone’s camera bump), so some users report it lies flatter on a table and is a bit less wobbly. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has that huge camera bump and also an Action Button on the side (replacing the old mute switch with a programmable button). The Action Button adds a new functional element to the iPhone’s design – by default it toggles silent mode, but you can customize it to open the camera, flashlight, voice recorder, etc., which some power users love. Samsung’s design includes the S Pen stylus stored in the bottom edge of the phone – a hallmark of the Ultra (previously Note) series. The S Pen silo is seamlessly integrated and the phone is still dust/water resistant with it. This gives the Galaxy S24 Ultra a unique advantage for those who like to jot notes, sketch, or navigate with a pen; Apple’s iPhones have no built-in stylus support (Apple Pencil only works on iPads). We’ll discuss the S Pen more in the features section, but in terms of design, it’s a difference: the S24 Ultra has a place for a stylus and a slightly asymmetrical bottom edge because of it (one side of the USB-C port has the pen slot). The iPhone’s design is symmetric with its speaker grills and port, and notably it too now uses USB-C (finally abandoning the Lightning port). Both phones’ USB-C ports are USB 3.2 Gen 2 speed capable (10 Gbps)apple.com, so they can transfer data fast if you have the right cable – a boon for photographers and videographers.

Summary: Design is largely subjective – both phones look and feel ultra-premium. The Galaxy S24 Ultra has a larger, more squared design with a utilitarian aesthetic and the added S Pen, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max is slightly more ergonomic with its rounded titanium edges and a slightly smaller footprint. Both feature top-notch materials (titanium frames, durable glass) and high build quality. There’s no clear “winner” here; it comes down to whether you prefer Samsung’s big, boxy style or Apple’s refined, slightly sleeker approach. Either way, you’re getting a phone that will turn heads and stand up to daily use.

For a detailed review of design trends in flagship smartphones, check out our Modern Smartphone Design Trends.

Display

When you’re spending over a thousand dollars on a flagship phone, you expect a phenomenal display, and neither Samsung nor Apple disappoints here. In fact, both the Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max have some of the best smartphone screens in the world – bright, high-resolution OLED panels with smooth refresh rates and excellent color accuracy. There are, however, some key differences to note:

Size & Resolution: 

The Galaxy S24 Ultra sports a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Quad HD+ resolution of 3120×1440 pixels (505 ppi density). In contrast, the iPhone 15 Pro Max has a slightly smaller 6.7-inch OLED (Super Retina XDR) display at 2796×1290 resolution (~460 ppi)comparisontabl.es. This means Samsung’s screen is a tad larger and packs more pixels per inch – in theory, it’s sharper. In practice, both screens are extremely crisp; you won’t see any pixels with the naked eye on either. The S24 Ultra’s higher resolution is beneficial if you use it in the full QHD+ mode (you can also switch to 1080p in settings to save battery if desired). Apple’s approach is to stick around “3K” resolution which is still very sharp on 6.7”. Text, photos, and 4K videos look pin-sharp on both displays. The aspect ratios are slightly different (Samsung 19.5:9, Apple 19.5:9 as well, essentially the same shape), so content framing is similar.

Refresh Rate and Smoothness: 

Both devices feature an LTPO adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz. Apple calls it ProMotion and Samsung just calls it adaptive 120Hz. This means scrolling and animations are very fluid on both screens, and they can throttle down to as low as 1Hz to save power on static content or always-on display modesupport.apple.com. You’ll notice that buttery smooth feel when swiping through home screens or compatible games – a big jump if you’re coming from a 60Hz phone. There’s essentially no difference here; both phones can ramp from 1Hz to 120Hz dynamically.

Brightness: 

This is a point of distinction – the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s display gets brighter than the iPhone’s. Samsung claims the S24 Ultra can reach 2,600 nits peak brightness for HDR or outdoor sunlight conditionsnews.samsung.com. In comparison, Apple rates the iPhone 15 Pro Max at 2,000 nits peak brightness outdoors (and 1,600 nits for HDR content, 1,000 nits typical max)support.apple.com. In real use, both screens are easily viewable in direct sunlight, but Samsung’s extra headroom means it can maintain clarity in even the harshest lighting. For example, if you’re trying to use your phone at the beach on a bright day, the S24 Ultra might remain a bit more legible without shade. It’s worth noting that these “peak” figures are for small portions of the screen and short durations – in actual full-screen brightness, the difference might be a little less drastic, but tests have found the S24 Ultra does hold an advantage. Pocket-lint’s comparison noted the iPhone is nominally dimmer at 2,000 nits vs 2,600 nits, but both are “plenty bright for most people” in everyday usepocket-lint.com. Still, if you often use your phone in sunlight, Samsung gets the slight edge.

Color, Contrast and HDR: 

Both are OLEDs, so you get perfect blacks and infinite contrast. Colors on Samsung’s AMOLED are typically vivid and punchy. Out of the box, the S24 Ultra tends to a more saturated look (which many people love for that wow-factor). You can also choose a Natural mode for more accurate colors on Samsung. The iPhone’s Super Retina XDR is tuned for accuracy by default – it supports the wide DCI-P3 color gamut and has excellent color calibration, typically very true-to-life. Both screens support HDR10/HDR10+ (Samsung) and Dolby Vision HDR (iPhone uses Dolby Vision in addition to HDR10). When watching HDR content (say HDR movies on Netflix or Apple TV+), highlights pop and you see improved detail in shadows on both. The Galaxy’s extra brightness can make HDR highlights slightly more spectacular (e.g. the glint of sunlight in a 4K HDR nature video might shine more). But the iPhone’s display is no slouch – it’s been rated one of the best calibrated displays.

Flat vs Curved: 

Not long ago, Samsung’s Ultra phones had curved edges on the screen – but the S24 Ultra now has a completely flat display (a change from S23 Ultra’s slight curves)news.samsung.com. Apple’s iPhone has been flat since the iPhone 12 generation. So both are flat screens – great for screen protectors and avoiding accidental edge touches. The bezels around the display are extremely thin on both; Samsung touts slightly slimmer, “fully symmetrical” bezels on the S24 series, while Apple actually reduced the border thickness on the 15 Pro Max as well (it has the thinnest bezels of any iPhone to date). The iPhone does have the Dynamic Island cutout at the top – a pill-shaped black cutout for the front camera and Face ID sensors that doubles as a small secondary display/notification area. Samsung’s S24 Ultra has a simple punch-hole for the selfie camera. The punch-hole is smaller and less intrusive when watching full-screen content (it’s just a tiny dot), whereas Apple’s Dynamic Island is larger but it’s used intentionally for software (e.g. showing ongoing call info, music playing, etc.). Whether one is “better” is personal – the Dynamic Island is functional and many people have gotten used to it as a part of the interface, but if you prefer an almost all-screen experience for videos, the Galaxy’s tiny hole is less noticeable.

Resolution and Clarity: 

We touched on this earlier, but to reinforce – the S24 Ultra’s QHD+ resolution (~1440p) means it can show more detail than the iPhone’s ~1290p. For instance, if you were comparing 4K photos or text-heavy content side by side, the Samsung could render a bit more detail or slightly sharper small text. However, the difference is relatively minor given how high both pixel densities are. Some users run the S24 Ultra at 1080p resolution by choice to save battery; even that looks pretty sharp on 6.8”. The iPhone’s rendering at its native resolution plus Apple’s excellent font antialiasing means you’ll rarely notice any lack of sharpness. In short, both look amazingly crisp, but spec-wise Samsung has the edge.

Touch Sampling and Other Notes: 

Both displays have very responsive touch sensors (great for gaming). Samsung typically offers some display tuning options like Enhanced comfort mode, Vision Booster (which adapts contrast in bright light to reduce washout)news.samsung.com, etc. Apple offers True Tone (adjusts white balance to ambient light) and things like Night Shift. The iPhone’s screen has that Ceramic Shield which Apple claims is very durable against drops. The Galaxy’s Gorilla Glass Armor (Victus 2) has improved drop performance especially on rough surfaces like concretefreditech.com. Still, neither screen is scratch-proof – use a protector if you want to avoid micro-scratches over time.

In summary, the Galaxy S24 Ultra arguably has the best display on any smartphone as of early 2024 – with a higher resolution and higher peak brightness than the iPhone 15 Pro Maxandroidauthority.com. Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s display is extremely close in quality, offering top-tier brightness and color with Apple’s renowned calibration. Whether you’re watching movies, scrolling through Instagram, or reading articles, both screens are a joy to use. If we must pick, Samsung wins on paper with resolution and brightness, but in day-to-day use, you’ll be impressed by either.

Performance and Software (Processor, OS, and Updates)

Under the hood, these two flagships are powered by the best chips their respective platforms have to offer – Qualcomm’s latest in the Galaxy and Apple’s latest in the iPhone. Performance is more than just raw chip speed, though; it also involves software optimization, operating system differences, and long-term support. Let’s break it down:

Chipsets: 

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (in most markets) comes with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy processorandroidauthority.com. This is an octa-core SoC built on a 4nm process, customized slightly for Samsung (usually a higher clock speed on the prime core, for example). It’s one of the fastest Android chips, delivering improvements in CPU, GPU, and AI performance over the previous Gen 2. The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is powered by Apple’s A17 Pro chip – notably, the first 3nm chip in a smartphoneapple.com. The A17 Pro has a 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores at up to 3.78 GHz) and a 6-core Apple-designed GPU with hardware-accelerated ray tracing.

In terms of raw performance, Apple’s A-series chips have historically led in CPU power per core. The A17 Pro is no exception – it achieves extremely high single-core scores (around 2900 in Geekbench 6), beating the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s single-core (around 2200-2300) by a fair margincashify.in. This means for tasks that rely on one big core (like certain app launch times or simple operations), the iPhone might feel a hair faster. In multi-core, the gap closes significantly; Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 has more cores (1 prime + 5 performance + 2 efficiency arrangement) and can actually match or exceed Apple in some multi-threaded tasks. For example, in Geekbench multi-core, both are in the ~7000 range, with some tests showing parity or slight edge to one or the other depending on thermal conditionsreddit.com. In GPU, Apple’s A17 Pro introduced hardware ray tracing and Apple claims 20% faster graphics than the A16. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s Adreno 750 GPU is also a beast – some benchmarks like 3DMark WildLife Extreme show the two are in the same ballpark, with Snapdragon sometimes pulling ahead in sustained performance thanks to better cooling in big phones. Bottom line: Both phones are incredibly fast. You won’t notice lag or hesitation doing anything from web browsing to high-end gaming. Apple’s A17 Pro has a slight advantage in certain CPU tasks and its GPU is highly optimized for Metal (Apple’s graphics API), so some games or apps on iPhone are super smooth. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 shines in AI and graphics too – Samsung leverages its AI for on-device features and Snapdragon’s NPU handles those wellnews.samsung.com.

RAM and Storage: 

The Galaxy S24 Ultra comes with 12 GB of LPDDR5X RAM (in all variants), whereas the iPhone 15 Pro Max has 8 GB of LPDDR5 RAMcomparisontabl.es. On paper, Samsung has more RAM, which can help with heavy multitasking (keeping more apps in memory). iOS, however, is very memory efficient, and 8 GB is plenty for the iPhone to keep tasks fluid (previous iPhones had 6 GB and still performed great). For storage, both start at 256 GB base (nice that Apple finally dropped the 128 GB tier on Pro Max) and offer 512 GB and 1 TB options. Samsung uses UFS 4.0 storage which is extremely fast; Apple uses NVMe-based storage that’s also extremely fast – both in the ~1500+ MB/s read range. Neither phone has a microSD card slot (expandable storage is not supported on these premium devices). So choose your storage wisely at purchase.

Operating System: 

Perhaps the biggest difference: the S24 Ultra runs Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI 6 skin (at launch), while the iPhone runs iOS 17 (upgradable to iOS 18 and beyond). The user interface and ecosystem are very different. Android offers more customization, the ability to install apps from outside the Play Store (if needed), more granular control over the UI (widgets, custom launchers, etc.), and tight integration with Google’s services. One UI in particular adds a lot of features (some say it’s feature-packed, others might call it a bit heavy), including Samsung’s own apps, Edge Panels for multitasking, S Pen-specific software, Samsung DeX desktop mode, etc. iOS is known for its smooth integration and simplicity – while it’s gotten more customizable in recent years (with widgets and custom icon options), it’s still a curated experience. The iPhone’s strength is the Apple ecosystem: if you have a Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, etc., they all seamlessly work together (handoff, iMessage, iCloud, AirDrop, Continuity features like copy-paste between devices, etc.)androidauthority.com. Samsung has its ecosystem too (Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Book laptops, Buds, SmartThings), and it plays fairly well with Windows (Link to Windows, for example), but the integration isn’t quite as uniform as Apple’s walled garden. We’ll explore ecosystem in a moment. For day-to-day use, both OSes are extremely polished. It often comes down to personal preference or what other devices you own. If you’re deeply embedded in Google services or you love customizing your phone, the Android/One UI route appeals. If you value the privacy and simplicity of Apple’s approach and use things like iMessage/FaceTime with friends, iOS pulls you in.

One UI 6 on the S24 Ultra brings a fresh look with new iconography and some quality-of-life improvements. It also introduces AI features Samsung is pushing – e.g. generative AI in the gallery, voice assistant improvements, etc.news.samsung.com. The iPhone on iOS 17/18 has its own new features like StandBy mode (turns the phone into a smart display when charging), the Action Button customization, and so on. Both phones support always-on display mode (finally Apple added that in recent Pro models), which can show time and notifications when the phone is idle (One UI and iOS handle it slightly differently, but concept is similar).

Updates and Longevity: 

This is a crucial factor in performance and value. Apple is well-known for supporting iPhones for many years – typically 5 years or more of major iOS updates. For example, a 2017 iPhone X received iOS 16 in 2022 (5 years of updates). The iPhone 15 Pro Max launched with iOS 17 and will likely get updates through iOS 22 or 23 (around 2028) if Apple’s patterns hold. Apple doesn’t publicly state an exact number of years, but you can reasonably expect 5+ years of full support. Samsung has upped its game tremendously in recent years on updates. For the S24 Ultra, Samsung promises 7 years of updates – specifically, 4 generations of Android OS upgrades and 7 years of security patchesandroidauthority.com. That’s industry-leading on the Android side. If they stick to that, the S24 Ultra (launch on Android 14) would get OS updates up through Android 18, and security updates into 2030! Samsung has been quite reliable in delivering monthly security updates and was quick with updating the S23 series, so it bodes well. In raw numbers, Samsung’s commitment is actually slightly longer than Apple’s typical, but keep in mind Apple’s updates often include all feature/security in one. Regardless, both phones will easily remain usable and “up-to-date” for 5+ years, which is great for sustainability (and for those who keep their phones a long time).

Ecosystem and Exclusive Features: 

With performance also comes what you can do with it. The iPhone leverages its chip for things like ProRes video recording, seamless AR experiences (thanks to the Neural Engine and LiDAR scanner), and even console-like games (with A17 Pro, Apple showcased console game ports running on iPhone). The Galaxy uses its power for multi-tasking – you can run apps in split-screen or pop-up windows easily on that big display, something iPhone still doesn’t allow (no split screen on iPhone). Samsung’s DeX mode lets you connect the phone to a monitor/TV and use a desktop-like interface – great for productivity on the go. The S24 Ultra’s AI features include things like live voice message transcriptions, AI image editing (Magic Eraser, etc.), and new generative AI for searching within your device and appsnews.samsung.com. iOS has its Intelligence features too (like Visual Lookup, on-device Siri processing, etc.). If you’re into mobile gaming, both will handle anything you throw at them; iPhone’s Metal API and A17 might run some games more efficiently, while the S24 Ultra’s larger vapor chamber and performance mode can sustain heavy loads with less throttlingnews.samsung.com (Samsung specifically enlarged the cooling system by 1.9x to keep the Snapdragon chip running cool)engadget.com.

For a broader discussion on the benefits of each ecosystem, check out our article on Choosing Between Android and iOS.

User Experience: 

It’s worth noting the subjective “feel” – iPhones have a reputation for very smooth animations and touch response (thanks to iOS optimizations), and the 15 Pro Max is no exception; it feels buttery. Samsung’s One UI is also extremely smooth on 120Hz, though occasionally its animations are a bit heavier. Both are miles beyond phones of old in terms of speed. You open the camera – it’s instant on both. You multitask between a game and WhatsApp – both handle it effortlessly. You edit 4K videos on the phone – possible on both (Apple’s iMovie/Clips or third-party LumaFusion on iPhone, and Samsung’s built-in editor or CapCut on Android).

In short, performance is stellar on both devices. The iPhone 15 Pro Max’s A17 Pro might be technically the more powerful CPU/GPU in some metrics, giving it a slight edge for raw performance and certain intensive tasksandroidauthority.com. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 provides more than enough power and is paired with more RAM, which can aid heavy multitasking or future-proofing. Software-wise, iOS vs Android is a personal choice: the iPhone offers the tight-knit Apple ecosystem and polished simplicity, while the Galaxy offers flexibility, customization, and the feature-packed world of Android (with Samsung’s enhancements). Both phones will stay fast for years and receive updates for a long time, though Samsung proudly touts a 7-year support policy for the S24 Ultra now – an area where not long ago Apple had a clear lead, but Samsung has closed the gap. Ultimately, choose the platform where you feel most “at home,” because neither will disappoint in speed or capabilities.

Camera Capabilities

One of the biggest deciding factors for many buyers is the camera – or rather, the entire photography and videography experience. Here, Samsung and Apple take different philosophies: Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra goes all-in on hardware specs, boasting an array of high-resolution sensors and zoom lenses, whereas Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max leans on a balance of excellent sensors and cutting-edge computational photography to deliver consistently great results. Let’s compare what each brings to the table:

• Rear Camera Systems:

• Galaxy S24 Ultra: Quad camera setup – a 200 MP main wide camera, a 12 MP ultrawide, and two telephoto cameras (a 10 MP 3× telephoto and a 50 MP 5× periscope telephoto)androidauthority.com. It also has a Laser autofocus module to assist in focusing, especially in low light and for fast-moving subjects.
• iPhone 15 Pro Max: Triple camera setup – a 48 MP main wide camera, a 12 MP ultrawide, and a 12 MP 5× periscope telephoto lensandroidauthority.com. Additionally, the iPhone features a LiDAR Scanner (ToF 3D) on the back which aids in faster autofocus in low light and depth mapping for AR and portrait effects.

• For an in-depth look at mobile photography techniques, explore our Ultimate Smartphone Photography Guide.

Let’s break those down:

Primary (Wide) Camera: 

The S24 Ultra’s main camera is a 200 megapixel sensor (likely Samsung’s HP2 or a derivative). It uses pixel binning (combining 16 pixels into 1) to produce 12.5 MP images by default with very high light sensitivityandroidauthority.com. You can also shoot in full 200MP for crazy detail (in good light) or 50MP with 4-to-1 binning as options. The iPhone’s main camera is 48 megapixels (using Apple’s quad-pixel sensor introduced with iPhone 14 Pro). It normally bins 4-to-1 to give 12 MP photos with great light capture, but can also shoot 48MP ProRAW or the new 24MP “default” detailed mode Apple introduced (which essentially uses the 48MP data to output a 24MP image). Both main cameras have large sensor sizes (~1/1.3” for Samsung, 1/1.28” for Apple) and wide apertures (around f/1.7 for Samsung, f/1.78 for Apple)androidauthority.com. This means excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field (natural background blur) on both. In daylight, the 200MP can theoretically resolve more fine detail than the 48MP, but Apple’s processing is very strong at drawing detail out of its sensor too. In practice, you get tack-sharp, vibrant images from both phones’ primary cameras. Colors tend to differ: Samsung often produces punchier, saturated colors and a slightly cooler white balance, whereas Apple aims for a more natural, warm tone with very balanced dynamic range. For example, shots of a sunset might look more contrasty and vibrant on the Samsung, vs the iPhone might tone down highlights and preserve a realistic look. This is partly preference. Both cameras have optical image stabilization (OIS) for steadiness.

In low light (night shots), both employ multi-frame night mode processing. The Galaxy’s extremely high pixel count can help capture detail in very dark scenes (binning to 12.5MP with 2.4µm effective pixels). The iPhone’s larger base pixels (after binning, 2.44µm) plus LiDAR for focus help it excel in night portraits and scenes. Generally, both do a great job – you’ll get bright, detailed night photos. The iPhone might produce slightly more accurate color in very low light, while Samsung might sometimes go for a brighter exposure. It’s amazing how far smartphone night photography has come – either device will let you capture a city skyline or a dimly lit restaurant with ease.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Pro Max Camera

Ultrawide Camera: 

Both phones have a 12 MP ultrawide with a 120° field of viewandroidauthority.com. They’re great for fitting in expansive landscapes or tight interiors. Samsung’s ultrawide has autofocus, which allows it to double as a macro camera (focus close up on small subjects), whereas Apple’s 12MP ultrawide also has autofocus and can do macro since the 13 Pro series – so both can take macro shots by automatically focusing closely. Quality-wise, ultrawides typically have smaller sensors; in daylight both are fine (though a bit softer at edges). In low light, the ultrawides are the weakest link – the iPhone’s night mode works on ultrawide now and Samsung’s does too, but expect some noise or softness in very dark scenes. Still, for most uses, they do the job and it’s awesome to have that perspective. The color from ultrawide usually matches the main camera pretty well on both, thanks to good calibration.

iPhone 15 Pro Max ultrawide camera samples

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra ultrawide camera samples

Telephoto (Zoom) Cameras: 

Here’s where the Galaxy S24 Ultra leaps ahead in hardware versatility: it has two dedicated telephoto lenses – one at ~3× zoom (10 MP sensor, for portraits and mid-range) and one at ~5× (50 MP sensor, periscope for long range). The iPhone 15 Pro Max this year introduced its first periscope 5× telephoto (12 MP), replacing the 3× lens that the smaller 15 Pro still hasandroidauthority.com. So the iPhone 15 Pro Max can now optically zoom to 5× (120 mm equivalent focal length). Samsung’s 5× periscope is 50 MP, which it likely bins to 12.5 MP output, and the 10 MP 3× fills the gap between 1× and 5× for optical quality at around 70 mm equivalent. In use, the S24 Ultra covers an incredibly wide zoom range: from 0.6× ultrawide to 1× main, 3× tele, 5× tele, and then it can even do a digital merge to achieve 10× with optical quality (Samsung mentions the 5× 50MP sensor enabling a lossless 10× with sensor crop)news.samsung.com. It also can go up to 100× digital Space Zoom – which is mostly for bragging rights and occasional moon shots; quality at 100× is usable for observation, not so much for print. The iPhone maxes out at 25× digital zoom this yearsupport.apple.com (an improvement from 15× on previous models). The iPhone’s 5× telephoto has a 12 MP sensor with a tetraprism design and sensor-shift OIS – it takes very good shots at 5× (Apple tuned it for that, though aperture is f/2.8 so low-light is tougher). Below 5× (like 2×, 3×), the iPhone just crops from the 48MP main sensor (so you still get a 12MP image with that crop). Those actually look decent too because 48MP provides enough detail for a 2× crop. But anything between 1× and 5× on iPhone is a digital zoom or smart-crop; on Samsung, you have the dedicated 3× lens covering the mid-range with optical clarity. So for portrait shots at 3×, Samsung might look sharper/cleaner, whereas the iPhone might prefer using its main sensor at 2× or 5× tele for portraits (depending on distance). Many photographers love the 3× ~ 70mm focal length for portraits, and on the 15 Pro Max you actually can use 2× (48mm) or 5× (120mm) for portrait mode. Samsung gives you 3× (great for typical portraits) and also allows portrait mode at 1× or 10×.

In terms of quality, up to 5× optical both are great. The S24 Ultra’s 5× 50MP can produce a bit higher resolution zoom shots (you can see slightly finer detail when pixel-peeping at 5×) – for instance, if you zoom into text on a distant sign, the Samsung might resolve a couple more letters than the iPhone at 5×. Beyond 5×, Samsung clearly wins: at 10× zoom, the Galaxy S24 Ultra still delivers a very good shot (because it likely crops from that 50MP to achieve ~10× optical-quality)news.samsung.com, whereas the iPhone at 10× is purely digital and will be quite blurry or low-detail by comparison. And of course at extreme zooms (30×, 50×, 100×), the iPhone can’t compete – Samsung is the choice if you like to play paparazzi or capture far-off subjects (wildlife, the moon, etc.). That said, Apple focuses on consistency – making sure colors and exposure remain uniform when you switch lenses, and minimizing any weird artifacts. Samsung has gotten much better too in this regard, but sometimes you might notice a jump in color tone switching to the tele lens in tricky lighting. Both employ computational photography heavily for zoom: Apple has its digital zoom and smart HDR, Samsung stacks multiple frames even for telephoto to enhance detail.

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Image Processing & Character: 

The subjective side: iPhone photos are known for a more natural look, slightly subdued colors, and excellent Smart HDR that balances shadows and highlights well. Samsung photos tend to be punchier with higher saturation (especially greens and blues), a bit more contrast, and sometimes a “sharpened” appearance – Samsung isn’t shy about applying some sharpening to make details pop, which can sometimes look a little artificial if overdone. For instance, foliage in a landscape might look crisper on the Samsung but also a bit more processed. Apple, since iOS 16/17, has actually been ramping up the contrast again (after criticism that Smart HDR 4 made things flat, Smart HDR 5 in the 15 Pro Max aims for a more realistic contrast). Skin tones on iPhone are usually very accurate; Samsung has improved skin processing too but can sometimes make faces a tad smoother or brighter by default. This can often be adjusted by turning off certain scene optimizations on Samsung if you prefer a flatter look. One nice thing: both phones can shoot RAW images (Samsung supports Expert RAW app for RAW shooting up to 50MP, Apple supports ProRAW at 48MP). If you are a photography enthusiast, you can get the raw sensor data from both and edit to your taste. But for quick point-and-shoot, the out-of-camera JPEG/HEIF is what most use.

Video Recording: 

Apple’s iPhones have long been considered the king of video in smartphones, and the 15 Pro Max continues that tradition. It can shoot up to 4K 60fps in Dolby Vision HDR, extremely stable and color-accurate video, with fantastic dynamic range. Apple’s image processing and the new A17 Pro encoders produce very high-quality footage that many even use for semi-pro work. The iPhone 15 Pro Max also supports ProRes video recording (including up to 4K60 if you have an external recorder or massive storage) and the ability to record Log video for color grading – features aimed at professionalssupport.apple.coms. It even introduced a Spatial Video (3D) recording mode (though that’s niche, for Vision Pro headset playback). Samsung has significantly improved its video too – the S24 Ultra can record up to 8K video at 30fps (with a slight crop) and very good 4K up to 60fps as wellcomparisontabl.es. Samsung’s 8K is actually quite usable now (for those with 8K TVs or who want to crop in post). Both phones have excellent video stabilization: optical stabilization plus electronic. The iPhone has modes like Action Mode (super steady at the cost of some resolution, great for extreme movement)support.apple.com, Samsung has Super Steady mode similarly. In general, the iPhone’s video still tends to have the edge in overall consistency and especially in low light video – Apple’s night video retains color and detail a bit better with less noise. Samsung’s video might show more noise in very dark scenes and its HDR video isn’t Dolby Vision like Apple’s (it uses HDR10+ which is a bit more limited). Audio recording is top-notch on both; Apple’s might be slightly more balanced stereo. But Samsung offers some fun modes like 360 Audio when paired with earbuds, and so on. For most users, both can capture cherished moments beautifully. If you’re a serious videographer, you’ll appreciate the iPhone’s ProRes/Log capabilities – it’s literally like having a mini pro camera in your pocket. Samsung’s strength is offering that 8K option and more granular manual controls in its Camera Assistant/Pro Video modes for enthusiasts.

Selfie Camera: 

Both have 12 MP front cameras. The iPhone’s selfie cam (12MP f/1.9) has a slightly wider aperture and features like Face ID sensors that also assist with portrait mode depth on front and Animoji, etc.. It autofocuses and can record 4K60 selfie video (with cinematic mode up to 4K30). The Samsung’s 12MP front (f/2.2) also autofocuses and can do 4K60 video. Selfie quality is very good on both; Apple tends to handle high-contrast backdrops with Smart HDR to keep your face evenly lit, Samsung might occasionally brighten the face a bit aggressively. For social media, either is great; the Samsung’s higher default field of view might fit more people in.

iPhone 15 Pro Max front camera samples

Special camera features: 

The S24 Ultra benefits from Samsung’s fun modes: 100x Space Zoom (with a zoom lock feature to stabilize those shots), Director’s View (record from front and back cameras simultaneously), Single Take (capture photos and videos with one tap), etc. Apple’s iPhone offers things like Photographic Styles (to tune the look of your photos globally), Cinematic Mode for video (rack focus between subjects with a depth effect, now in 4K24 on 15 Pro Max) – a very cool feature for faux bokeh in video, and the LiDAR enables instant Night mode portraits and AR experiences. Both allow Portrait Mode photos with adjustable blur after the fact; Apple even lets you change the focal length (1× or 2× or 5×) after shooting in some cases, and on the 15 Pro Max if you take a normal photo of a person/pet, it can retroactively add portrait blur thanks to depth sensing.

Image Results in Summary

In daylight, you can’t go wrong with either – the S24 Ultra will deliver bright, ultra-detailed images with vibrant colors, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max will produce realistic, balanced photos with Apple’s signature natural look. When comparing side by side, you might notice Samsung’s shots are more ready for Instagram without edits (saturated skies, etc.), whereas some pros prefer the iPhone’s output as a base for editing (since it’s more true-to-life). In low light, both are excellent; the iPhone might retain slightly more accurate color (for example, the exact hue of a dim lamp) whereas Samsung will try to brighten the scene more. When it comes to zoom, Samsung easily wins for long-range – being able to go up to 10× optically (and beyond) is a huge advantagenews.samsung.com. The iPhone’s new 5× telephoto is a great addition and produces superb 5× shots – but that’s its limit optically. At mid-range (2-4×), both are good; iPhone uses the high-res main to cover 2×, which looks great, but Samsung’s dedicated 3× is optically excellent too. For portraits of people, both have nice portrait modes – Apple has perhaps more refined segmentation and natural bokeh (thanks to years of tuning plus LiDAR), whereas Samsung offers more customization (different background effects, etc.).

Video is slightly in Apple’s favor for consistency and pro features – if you shoot a ton of video of family, or vlogs, the iPhone is often favored by content creators for its reliable focus, smoothness, and dynamic range. That said, the S24 Ultra’s video is very close in normal conditions and even exceeds with 8K resolution option if you need that.

Ultimately, the “better” camera depends on your needs. The Galaxy S24 Ultra is better for: zoom flexibility, long-distance shots, and those who love tweaking settings or shooting in RAW for maximum detail. It’s like carrying a mini DSLR kit with multiple lenses (0.6×,1×,3×,5×,10×…). The iPhone 15 Pro Max is better for: consistent point-and-shoot across all scenarios, industry-leading video recording, and seamless integration with editing workflows (AirDrop to a Mac, etc.). Its photos are extremely dependable – you get the shot right 9/10 times without messing with modes. Both are among the top camera phones available. As one reviewer put it, historically iPhones have had more consistent output across all lenses and superior video, whereas Samsung has shined with versatility and delivering images that pop on social mediaandroidauthority.com. That still holds true. Either way, you’ll be capturing fantastic memories with these devices.

Battery Life and Charging

No one wants a powerhouse phone that dies by afternoon – thankfully, both the S24 Ultra and 15 Pro Max deliver strong battery life to get you through a full day (and then some). But there are differences in capacity, charging speeds, and how each ecosystem handles power. Let’s unpack that:

Battery Capacity: 

The Galaxy S24 Ultra is equipped with a 5,000 mAh batteryandroidauthority.com, which is a large size typical for Samsung’s Ultra models. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a battery around 4,422 mAh (Apple never officially states mAh, but teardowns confirm ~4422-4450 mAh). At first glance, Samsung has a ~13% bigger battery. However, battery life isn’t solely determined by capacity – the efficiency of the chip and OS matters a lot. Apple’s iOS and A17 Pro chip are highly optimized for power, and historically iPhone Pro Max models have lasted very long on a charge despite slightly smaller battery than some Android flagships.

Battery Life in Use: 

In real-world usage, both phones can easily last all day, even for heavy users, and into the next day for moderate users. The consensus from reviewers and our experience:

• The iPhone 15 Pro Max can often achieve 6-8 hours of screen-on time on a charge (which for many translates to about 1.5 days of use). Apple rates it for up to 29 hours of video playback. Many users report ending the day (~16 hours off charger) with 30-40% left under normal use. iOS’s tight integration of hardware/software plus features like aggressive background app management contribute to this enduranceandroidauthority.com.

• The Galaxy S24 Ultra, with its big 5000 mAh cell, also typically hits 6-8+ hours of screen-on time depending on usage. Samsung’s power management (especially on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which is more efficient than previous chips) is improved. The Galaxy S23 Ultra was already a champ, often going beyond a day, and S24 Ultra is in the same class. One UI also has plenty of battery modes if needed (like light performance mode, etc.).

One point: the adaptive refresh rate helps both – they ramp down to 1Hz on static screens or always-on, saving juice. Also, the iPhone’s OLED can turn off pixels for true black (as can Samsung’s) which helps always-on display be less draining (on iPhone it’s ~1% per hour).

For further insights on battery optimization tips, read our How to Extend Your Phone’s Battery Life.

Usage Patterns: 

If you stream a lot of video, both do well thanks to efficient video decoding. If you record 4K video or play heavy 3D games, you will chunk through battery faster on either, but they still hold up admirably. For example, one test found the iPhone 15 Pro Max lasted ~11 hours web browsing and ~10 hours video streaming in controlled tests – among the top in smartphones, with only a few phones like some Xiaomi flagships beating it by a hair. The S24 Ultra, while not tested as widely yet, should be in that same ballpark or a bit more due to larger battery. Anecdotally, you can expect about a day and a half of moderate use on bothandroidauthority.com. Apple’s tight control sometimes gives it an edge in standby drain (iPhones barely lose charge overnight if idle). Samsung phones historically had a bit more standby drain due to background processes, but they’ve gotten much better with Android 14 and One UI 6.

In sum, battery life is excellent on both – you’re unlikely to find either significantly lacking. If forced to say, many tests show the iPhone 15 Pro Max slightly edges out the S23 Ultra in longevity due to iOS efficiency, but with S24 Ultra and Snapdragon improvements plus 5000 mAh, they are extremely close.

Charging Speeds: 

Here’s where a more noticeable difference appears. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra supports 45W wired fast charging (USB PD PPS). In practice, with a compatible charger, it can charge from 0 to 100% in around 60-65 minutes (and to ~50% in under 25 minutes)androidauthority.com. This isn’t the fastest in the industry (some Chinese phones do 100W+), but it’s decent. Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max supports up to about 20-27W (Apple says 50% in 30 minutes with a 20W+ charger)freditech.com. In testing, it actually can peak near 27W briefly, but generally takes about ~90+ minutes to fully charge from 0-100, and roughly 30 minutes to reach 50% (with a 30W+ charger)freditech.com. So Samsung definitely charges faster when wired – about an hour vs an hour and a half (the iPhone’s larger battery than previous models and Apple’s conservative charging curves mean it’s slower). As one source put it, “Battery life on both phones is great, but the iPhone has disappointing charging speed.”androidauthority.com If you prioritize quick top-ups, the S24 Ultra is more convenient. For example, a 15-minute top-up on Samsung gives you around ~30% or more, whereas on iPhone 15 minutes might give ~20%. Over long term, Apple’s slower charging might be gentler on battery health, but Samsung’s 45W isn’t overly aggressive either. Both have smart charging software to preserve battery health (Apple’s Optimized Charging, Samsung’s Battery Protect mode to stop at 85% if enabled).

Wireless Charging: 

Both support 15W wireless charging, but with a twist. The iPhone 15 Pro Max achieves 15W only with MagSafe-certified chargers (MagSafe is Apple’s magnetic alignment system); otherwise on a generic Qi pad it maxes at 7.5Wandroidauthority.com. The Galaxy S24 Ultra supports 15W via the more open Qi/PMA standard (and specifically Fast Wireless Charging 2.0), but on standard Qi it might also do around 10W. Samsung additionally has Reverse Wireless Charging (Wireless PowerShare) at up to 4.5W, meaning you can use the phone to charge accessories like Galaxy Buds or even give an iPhone some juice in a pinch, by placing them on its backcomparisontabl.es. The iPhone does not offer reverse wireless charging (rumors swirl every year, but nothing yet). MagSafe on the iPhone is nice if you invest in the ecosystem: magnetically attach car mounts, wallets, battery packs, etc. – the S24 Ultra doesn’t have built-in magnets for alignment (though cases can add that).

Charging Accessories: 

Neither phone includes a charger in the box (a trend now). So you’ll need to use or buy a USB-C PD charger. For Samsung, a PPS-supported charger of 45W is ideal to get full speed (older 25W Samsung chargers also work at 25W). For iPhone, any 20W or higher USB-PD will hit its max (Apple sells a 20W, but a 30W might sustain slightly better). Both come with a USB-C to C cable in the box. Notably, the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s USB-C port is USB 3.2 (10 Gbps) which allows for faster data and even charging an accessory; you could even charge your Apple Watch or AirPods from the iPhone’s port. The S24 Ultra’s port is also USB 3.2/PD. So as weird as it sounds, you could use a USB-C cable to charge another device from your iPhone (but that will kill iPhone’s battery quick), whereas Samsung intended the reverse wireless feature for that scenario.

Power Efficiency and Endurance: 

The iPhone’s A17 Pro chip being 3nm is very power-efficient for light tasks – which is why the phone can sip power on standby or doing basic stuff. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is improved, but high refresh and high brightness on Samsung’s big display can draw more power if you’re pushing it (like navigation in bright sun). Still, both phones’ battery endurance is markedly better than smaller phones or older models. You’ll rarely feel “range anxiety” with either, unless you’re doing something extreme like 5G hotspot + video recording continuously. In a typical scenario of mixed web, messaging, some camera use, streaming music, etc., expect to end a full day (8am to 11pm) with ~20-30% left on either device. If you’re a light user, you might stretch into midday of day 2.

To put a fine point: in one user’s experience, they got ~7 hours screen-on time on the iPhone 15 Pro Max over 1.5 daysandroidauthority.com. In another test, the S24 Ultra was compared to an iPhone in standby and screen drain and found to be similarly resilient. So it’s neck and neck.

Conclusion on Battery/Charging: 

The Galaxy S24 Ultra has a slight edge in charging speed and the flexibility of reverse wireless charging and higher wattage wired chargingandroidauthority.com. The iPhone 15 Pro Max holds its own with possibly a hair better battery life efficiency and the convenience of MagSafe for wireless. If you hate waiting for your phone to charge, Samsung will please you more (it’s not OnePlus-level fast, but 45W is decent). If you often charge overnight or in the car, the difference may not matter. Both are excellent for endurance – they are among the few phones that can truly go the distance even with heavy use. You won’t need to reach for the charger before evening with either, giving you confidence on long days out.

Other Features and Connectivity

Beyond the core specs, there are some additional features and differences worth noting that could sway your decision:

• S Pen (Galaxy) vs No Stylus (iPhone): The Galaxy S24 Ultra, like its predecessors, includes the S Pen stylus, which is embedded in the phone. This is a unique productivity and creativity tool – you can pull it out anytime to jot notes (even on the off screen via Screen-Off Memo), draw or sketch, sign documents, annotate screenshots, and use it as a remote shutter or presentation clicker via Bluetooth. If you are an avid note-taker, artist, or just appreciate the precision of a stylus, the S24 Ultra has a clear advantage. Apple’s iPhones do not support the Apple Pencil or any active stylus. The iPhone 15 Pro Max does have the new Action Button which you can customize to do something when pressed (like open the camera or turn on flashlight), but that’s a different kind of feature. So, those coming from a Galaxy Note or who want a phone+notepad combo, the S24 Ultra stands alone in this comparison.

• Biometrics: The iPhone 15 Pro Max relies on Face ID (3D facial recognition) as its sole biometric unlock. It’s fast and secure, working in most lighting conditions, but requires you to look at the phone. The Galaxy S24 Ultra offers an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner under the display, which is very fast and convenient (you can unlock without picking up the phone), plus it has less secure face unlock using the front camera for convenience. Some users prefer fingerprint, some prefer face – Samsung actually gives you both options simultaneously. Apple’s Face ID is extremely secure and now works at varied angles, but if you’re not into face unlock (or wearing masks, etc., though Face ID has improved with masks on newer models via partial face match), then Samsung’s approach is more flexible.

• Connectivity: Both phones support the full array of 5G (sub-6; and mmWave in the US models), as well as LTE, etc. They have the latest Wi-Fi – iPhone 15 Pro Max has Wi-Fi 6E, while Galaxy S24 Ultra goes a step further with Wi-Fi 7 supportcomparisontabl.es. Wi-Fi 7 is very cutting edge (the routers are barely available), but it means the S24 Ultra is more future-proof for next-gen wireless speeds. Bluetooth: both have Bluetooth 5.3 for connecting to earbuds, etc. NFC is present on both for mobile payments (Apple Pay vs Samsung Pay/Google Pay). The iPhone’s Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip is improved (v2) which helps in precision finding of AirTag trackers or using things like car keys with UWB. The S24 Ultra likely has UWB as well (previous Ultra did) for similar capabilities (SmartTags finding, etc.). Both have GPS/GNSS for navigation of course – Apple uses dual-frequency for super accurate location, Samsung likely does similar.

• Ports: Both use USB-C ports now, which is fantastic for universal compatibility. The iPhone’s port supports USB 3.2 data (finally not stuck at USB2 like the base iPhone 15 models)en.wikipedia.orgsupport.apple.com, so both phones can transfer files quickly to a computer or external storage. The Galaxy might allow video output (MHL/DP alt-mode) – historically Samsung supports DeX output via HDMI adapter; the Apple iPhone supports DisplayPort Alt Mode up to 4K via USB-C as well (so you can connect it to a monitor). One caveat: the iPhone’s port can do fast data and even quick charging of small devices, but Apple restricts certain accessory types (e.g., you can attach an external SSD and record ProRes video directly to it). The Galaxy’s port is more open – e.g., you can plug in a USB-C flash drive and it’ll appear in the file manager. If you like using external storage or peripherals, the S24 Ultra is like a mini computer. iPhone is more limited in file access (though the Files app and USB drive support exist, but more basic). Neither has a headphone jack – it’s 2024, so you’ll be using wireless earbuds or a USB-C audio dongle on both.

• Speakers: Both have stereo speakers (earpiece + bottom firing speaker). Quality is loud and clear on both, with Apple often having a slight edge in balance (iPhones tend to have very good sound with rich tone). The S24 Ultra’s large size gives it room for strong speakers too. You get Dolby Atmos support on both for spatial audio. Apple also supports Personalized Spatial Audio with AirPods. Samsung supports Dolby Atmos and other sound tuning (Adapt Sound etc.). In general, watching movies or gaming, the stereo effect is great on both. You can’t go wrong; they’re among the best phone speakers.

• Durability extras: Both phones have IP68 water resistance as mentioned (iPhone slightly deeper spec 6m vs Samsung 1.5m, but practically, both survive accidental dunks). The iPhone 15 Pro Max’s front glass (Ceramic Shield) and the S24 Ultra’s Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (or “Armor”) are top-notch tough glass. Neither is immune to drops, but better than older devices. If durability is a concern, a case and screen protector are recommended for either. Samsung’s back might be slightly less prone to shattering given improvements, and Apple’s back can be replaced more cheaply now due to a redesigned internal frame in 15 Pro series.

• Ecosystem/Compatibility: If you already own other devices, this might influence your pick. Apple’s ecosystem: the iPhone works seamlessly with Mac (iMessage, FaceTime calls on Mac, AirDrop files, Universal Clipboard copy-paste, etc.), with Apple Watch (best smartwatch experience is with iPhone), AirPods (instant pairing, spatial audio head tracking), iPads, HomePod, etc. If you are entrenched in Apple’s world, the iPhone 15 Pro Max will fit in like a puzzle piece – everything “just works” together, which is a huge convenience factorandroidauthority.com. On the flip side, Samsung/Android ecosystem: If you use Windows PC, the Galaxy can link via the “Phone Link” app to send texts, access photos, even mirror apps on Windows. Samsung’s own ecosystem includes Galaxy Buds (seamless switching between Samsung devices), Galaxy Watch (now on Wear OS, still best paired with a Samsung phone for full features), tablets (Galaxy Tab can extend screen), and appliances/SmartThings integration. Google’s ecosystem (Drive, Photos, Assistant, Chromecast) also is very smooth on Android. If you rely on Google services or Microsoft apps, Android might align better. So consider which world you live in – Apple or Google/Samsung – as each phone thrives in its respective sphere.

• Software Customization & Tweaks: On the Galaxy, you have more freedom to customize the interface – you can apply themes, change icon packs, put widgets anywhere, use Always On Display with custom clock styles or images, etc. On iPhone, you can now customize lock screen and have widgets on home screen too, but it’s more contained. Galaxy also allows things like split-screen multitasking (run two apps at once), floating window apps, etc., taking advantage of that big display for productivity. iPhone still does not allow split-screen apps (aside from Picture-in-Picture video). If you love multitasking, the S24 Ultra is more capable in that regard – e.g., you could have YouTube playing in a small window while browsing Twitter. However, with 6.7” on iPhone, Apple hasn’t enabled such features likely for user experience reasons.

• Special Modes: The S24 Ultra likely has DeX – connect to a monitor or even use wirelessly to a TV, and you get a desktop-like interface powered by your phone. This can be great for light office work or presentations, essentially turning your phone into a PC. Apple doesn’t have an equivalent desktop mode. But Apple does have things like Continuity Camera (use iPhone as a webcam for Mac in very high quality) which is neat if you have a Mac. Apple also supports CarPlay, Samsung supports Android Auto – both allow great in-car phone integration (assuming your car supports one or both).

• Security/Privacy: Both companies take security seriously, but approaches differ. Apple is known for its strong privacy stance (data on device, differential privacy, etc.) and long OS support with timely security patches. Samsung has Knox security and secure folder features, and now promises extended updates too. Both allow hardware-backed encryption, biometric data stored securely, etc. If privacy is a key concern, iPhone’s default settings tend to restrict data sharing a bit more (app tracking transparency, etc.), whereas on Android you have to be mindful of app permissions (though Android 14 is pretty robust with privacy controls now). Ultimately both are secure platforms; targeted attacks can hit either, but chances are low.

In summary, aside from the main specs, the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers greater versatility in features: the S Pen, more customization, and PC-like capabilities (DeX, multitasking). The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers a refined, cohesive experience with the benefits of Apple’s ecosystem (and features like Face ID, the new Action Button, etc.). Both have modern connectivity (5G, Wi-Fi 6E/7, etc.) and premium touches like great speakers. It often comes down to what you value: Do you want a phone that can double as a notepad and mini laptop (Galaxy)? Or do you prefer the polished synergy of Apple’s devices and perhaps a simpler user interface (iPhone)? Neither choice will leave you feeling short-changed in the premium department – these are truly no-compromise flagship phones in 2024.

Price and Value

For many, it may ultimately boil down to price and which device offers better value for the money. Both phones are very expensive, as they sit at the top of their respective lineups.

• Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Starting at $1,199.99 MSRP for the base model (12GB RAM, 256GB storage). The 512GB model costs around $1,379, and the 1TB model around $1,619 (prices can vary by region)androidauthority.com. Notably, Samsung often includes 12GB RAM standard across all tiers this generation. The colors or special online editions don’t typically change price.

• Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max – Starting at $1,199 for its base (8GB RAM, 256GB storage). The 512GB is $1,399, and the 1TB is $1,599 from Apple’s official pricing. Apple bumped the base storage to 256GB this year but also raised the starting price (previous Pro Max started at $1,099 for 128GB, now it’s $1,199 but with 256GB).

So at 256GB, they actually start at the same price in the US – $1199. Samsung is $1299 in some listings but that might include specific regional differences or bundled care. According to Android Authority, the S24 Ultra base is $1299.99 – which is $100 more than the iPhone’s base in the USmarkellisreviews.com. However, I suspect Samsung’s base might be 12GB/256GB at $1199 to match Apple. Let’s assume for argument S24U base is $1199 or $1299 (either way, within $100 of iPhone).

Promos: Samsung tends to offer aggressive promotions – for example, pre-order deals might give you a free storage upgrade (pay for 256GB, get 512GB model), or bundled accessories, or trade-in credits that can significantly lower the costmarkellisreviews.com. Over time, Samsung phones’ prices also drop faster at retailers. It’s not uncommon to see an Ultra on sale for a few hundred off within 6 months. Apple iPhones, conversely, maintain pricing very strictly; discounts are rare outside carrier contracts. So short-term value might lean Samsung if you take advantage of deals. If you have an older device to trade, Samsung often gives more trade-in value (even for cracked devices sometimes). Apple also does trade-ins but values are typically less generous.

At full price, both are pricey. The iPhone 15 Pro Max arguably gives you top-tier performance and cameras for that money and holds its resale value well (iPhones generally depreciate slower). The Galaxy gives you that incredible spec sheet and versatility.

Longevity for the price: Both will last you years (with software updates 5-7 years as discussed), so you can view it as a long-term investment. iPhones often have higher resale value after 2-3 years, meaning you recoup more if you sell it to upgrade. Samsung’s value will drop more, but if you bought it on a deal in the first place, it evens out.

Storage value: Apple charges a hefty premium for higher storage (extra $200 to go 256->512, etc.). Samsung’s jump from 256 to 512 to 1TB is also costly but sometimes that’s mitigated by free upgrade promotions. Neither supports microSD, so you might end up paying that premium if you need a lot of local storage (say for 4K video or big photo libraries). Alternatively, using cloud services (iCloud or Google Photos/Drive) can offset need for max storage.

Which is worth it? That depends on what you use your phone for. If you will fully utilize features like S Pen, 10× zoom, and maybe replace some tablet/laptop tasks with DeX or multi-window, the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers tremendous functionality for the price – it can legitimately do more things out-of-the-box than the iPhone can (which might reduce need for other devices in some cases). If you’re deep in Apple land and want the best iPhone experience possible, the iPhone 15 Pro Max justifies its price by offering the best of Apple’s tech (the best camera on an iPhone, best battery on an iPhone, etc.). It also includes that Apple polish and seamless experience that some are willing to pay a premium for.

It’s like choosing between a fully-loaded luxury Android that has every feature in the book, versus a refined luxury Apple device that prioritizes a cohesive experience. Both are overkill for the average user – hence “ultra” flagships. For many people, a Galaxy S24 (non-Ultra) or an iPhone 15 or Plus could suffice at lower cost. But if you demand the best and want to “future-proof”, these Pro Max/Ultra models are the ones to get.

One should also consider after-sales and support: Apple has an excellent support network (Apple Stores where you can get service, etc.), and their devices have a strong accessory market (cases, MagSafe accessories). Samsung has a good warranty and many service centers too, and also plenty of cases/accessories (though the proprietary ones like S Pen cases or Watch integration might be fewer than Apple’s third-party ecosystem).

At the end of the day, you’re likely not choosing purely on price between these two – you’re choosing based on which ecosystem or feature set you value more, given that you’re ready to spend $1200+ on a phone. For that spend, rest assured both phones deliver in spades. There is no outright “rip-off” here; they each justify their cost to the right buyer. The value is subjective: an artist might find more value in the S24 Ultra (with pen and zoom) while a filmmaker might find more value in the 15 Pro Max (with ProRes and that color accuracy).

For more tips on smartphone budgeting and buying decisions, visit our Smartphone Buying Guide.

SAMSUNG Galaxy S24 Ultra SM-S928B/DS 12GB 256GB Dual Sim Factory Unlocked International Model (Titanium Grey)

     CHECK AMAZON     

 

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, 1TB, White Titanium - Verizon (Renewed Premium)

     CHECK AMAZON     

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Conclusion

So, which is better – the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or the iPhone 15 Pro Max? The honest verdict is that both are the best of their respective worlds, and the “better” phone largely depends on your priorities and preferences.

From a pure hardware perspective, the Galaxy S24 Ultra arguably packs more features and versatility:

• It has the more flexible camera system (with dual telephoto lenses reaching up to 10× optical and 100× digital zoom) for those who love zoom photographyandroidauthority.com.

• It offers the S Pen stylus, which is a game-changer if you’ll use it for notes, drawing or precise input.

• Its display is slightly larger, higher-res, and can go brighter in harsh sunlight.

• Charging is faster and it has reverse wireless charging to top up your accessories.

• Customization and multitasking capabilities on One UI/Android are richer (split screen apps, floating windows, theming).

• Samsung promises very long software support now (up to 7 years updates), matching or even exceeding Apple in update commitment.

• For Android users, it represents the ultimate flagship experience – a true all-in-one device that can handle productivity, media, and everything in between.

On the other hand, the iPhone 15 Pro Max excels in polish, performance, and ecosystem synergy:

• Its A17 Pro chip and iOS optimizations give class-leading performance and efficiency, and a smooth, lag-free experience for years.

• The camera, while fewer in number, delivers outstanding photo and video quality with minimal effort – especially video, where iPhone remains a gold standard for creatorsandroidauthority.com. It’s consistent and reliable in diverse conditions.

• The phone’s design (lightweight titanium, contoured edges) makes it surprisingly comfortable for a big device, and Face ID still provides effortless secure unlocking.

• Apple’s ecosystem benefits (iMessage, FaceTime, Apple Watch, AirPods integration, continuity with Macs) can greatly enhance the user experience if you are invested in Apple’s world. The whole becomes greater than the sum of parts.

• Long-term value: iPhones traditionally retain resale value well, and you can expect at least 5+ years of iOS updates and support. Plus, Apple’s focus on privacy and security may appeal to those concerned with data protection.

• The new additions like the Action Button and USB-C port broaden its flexibility, but they fit within Apple’s cohesive philosophy – everything just works with minimal fuss.

In terms of Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T), you can trust that both Samsung and Apple have put their decade-plus of smartphone expertise into these flagships. They are both highly refined, premium devices created by industry leaders. Reviews from experts and user feedback are overwhelmingly positive for both, with each device often topping the charts of best smartphones albeit for slightly different reasons.

Which should you choose? Consider these scenarios:

• Choose the Galaxy S24 Ultra if you want maximum functionality in your phone. If features like a telephoto periscope camera, pen input, or customizing your device are important – or if you’re an Android power user who wants the absolute best that platform can offer – the S24 Ultra will likely make you happier. It’s the phone for those who want to do it all on their device and love tweaking and exploring capabilities.

• Choose the iPhone 15 Pro Max if you value streamlined excellence. If you’re already in the Apple ecosystem or you prioritize things like top-tier video recording, a slightly more compact feel, and the assurance that comes with Apple’s long-term support and integration, the 15 Pro Max is the better fit. It’s ideal for those who prefer a device that works effortlessly out-of-the-box and ties into a broader ecosystem of devices and services.

It’s also worth noting that neither phone has any glaring weakness. Battery life is great on both, displays are fantastic on both, performance is stellar on both. The differences are in the details and fringe capabilities that might or might not matter to you.

In a direct head-to-head, one could argue the Galaxy S24 Ultra wins on specs – more RAM, bigger battery, more cameras, faster charging, etc. – while the iPhone 15 Pro Max wins on optimization and integration – ekeing a bit more out of its hardware through software synergy, and offering a polished, arguably more user-friendly experience for many (especially those used to iOS).

As a potential buyer, you really can’t make a bad choice here. It’s akin to choosing between a high-end luxury SUV vs a high-end luxury sedan – each will get you where you’re going in comfort and style, but the journey might feel a little different. If possible, try them out in person: see how the S24 Ultra’s size and pen feel in your hand, or how the iPhone’s display and Face ID appeal to you. Sometimes personal preference on interface or feel will immediately tell you which you’re more comfortable with.

In conclusion, the “better” phone is the one that better fits your needs:

• For the feature-hungry tech enthusiast or Android devotee – the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is likely the better choice, as it pushes boundaries in what a phone can donews.samsung.com.

• For the creative professional, Apple ecosystem user, or someone who wants a phone that just consistently delivers with minimal tweaking – the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max will be hard to beat with its blend of performance, camera prowess, and software eleganceandroidauthority.com.

Either way, you’re getting a flagship that represents the peak of smartphone technology in 2024. Both the S24 Ultra and the 15 Pro Max are winners, and they will continue to push each other (and the industry) forward – which is a win for all of us consumers.

Ultimately, the best device for you comes down to which ecosystem and feature set aligns with your preferences. If you decide based on the factors we’ve discussed, you’ll likely be thrilled with your new phone, whichever model it is. Happy smartphone hunting!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which phone has a better camera – the Galaxy S24 Ultra or iPhone 15 Pro Max?

Both have exceptional cameras but excel in different ways. The Galaxy S24 Ultra offers more versatility with its quad-lens setup, including a 200MP main sensor and dual telephoto lenses (3× and 5×) that can achieve up to 10× optical zoom (and 100× digital)androidauthority.com. This makes the S24 Ultra better for long-distance zoom shots and detailed high-res images. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a superb triple-lens system with a 48MP main and a 5× periscope telephotoandroidauthority.com. While it lacks extreme zoom, the iPhone delivers extremely consistent photos across all conditions and class-leading video recording (up to 4K Dolby Vision). Apple’s computational photography produces very natural colors and excellent dynamic range, and the iPhone is generally superior for video and low-light portrait shots (thanks to LiDAR). In summary, if you value zoom and detailed spec flexibility, the S24 Ultra’s camera is “better” for those uses. If you prioritize overall image consistency, realistic quality, and especially video performance, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is “better.” Both are among the best cameras on any phone, so you’ll get fantastic results with either.

Which phone has longer battery life in real-world use?

Both phones have long battery life that will easily last a full day of heavy use. The iPhone 15 Pro Max (approx. 4422 mAh) and Galaxy S24 Ultra (5000 mAh) have been reported to last about 6-8 hours of screen-on time, which for most people is ~1.5 days of moderate usageandroidauthority.com. In head-to-head endurance tests, the iPhone 15 Pro Max sometimes edges out the S24 Ultra by a small margin due to Apple’s highly efficient A17 Pro chip and iOS optimizations (iPhones excel in standby drain and light usage scenarios). However, the difference is not huge. The S24 Ultra’s larger battery and adaptive refresh can equally push it through a long day – it also benefits from efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 power management. In practical terms, battery life is excellent on both. Unless you’re doing an all-day 5G hotspot or continuous video recording, both phones won’t require an afternoon charge. If we nitpick, some users find the iPhone stays a bit cooler and retains battery slightly better with screen off usage or standby. But others have gotten better screen time on the Samsung by adjusting settings. So it’s very close – no clear winner, and battery life should not be a major worry on either device.

Is the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra faster than the iPhone 15 Pro Max?

In general day-to-day usage, both phones feel extremely fast and you won’t notice slowdowns with either. Technically, the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s A17 Pro chip has higher single-core CPU performance than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the S24 Ultraandroidauthority.com, and in some benchmarks the iPhone leads (especially in CPU tasks and certain GPU tests). The S24 Ultra’s chip is no slouch though – it actually matches or beats the iPhone in some multi-core and graphics benchmarks, and it has more RAM (12GB vs 8GB) which can help with multitasking. iOS and Android handle performance differently, but both are silky smooth with app launches, gaming, and multitasking. In practical terms, the iPhone might load some apps a split-second faster or stay a bit more fluid under heavy processor load, while the Galaxy can keep more apps open in memory and offers more gaming features (like tweaking performance modes). Unless you’re pushing the devices to their limits (e.g. rendering 4K videos or playing the most demanding 3D games at max settings), you won’t perceive one as faster than the other – they’re two of the fastest phones on the market. For bragging rights: the iPhone’s A17 Pro is considered the more powerful CPU overall, but the difference in everyday performance is minor. Both will comfortably handle any task you throw at them for years to come.

Does the Galaxy S24 Ultra come with an S Pen? Does the iPhone 15 Pro Max support a stylus?

The Galaxy S24 Ultra does include the S Pen stylus integrated into the phone (slot at the bottom). It’s a key feature of the Ultra, allowing handwriting, drawing, remote camera shutter use, and more. The S Pen is stored inside the device and charges passively for Bluetooth functions. In contrast, the iPhone 15 Pro Max does not support any stylus input – it isn’t compatible with the Apple Pencil, and Apple has not built pencil support into iPhones. The iPhone is purely touch-input (plus some third-party capacitive styluses can mimic a finger, but nothing with pressure sensitivity or official support). If a stylus is important to you for notes or sketching, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the clear choice (and really one of the only mainstream phones with a true active stylus). Apple’s stylus support remains iPad-only at this time.

How do prices compare, and which is better value?

Both the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Galaxy S24 Ultra are priced in the ultra-premium range. In the U.S., they start at around $1,199 for a 256GB model (Apple is $1199, Samsung roughly $1199-1299 depending on retailer)androidauthority.com. At equivalent storage tiers, their MSRP is very similar (within $100). Samsung’s 512GB and 1TB models are also priced similarly to Apple’s 512GB ($1399) and 1TB ($1599) options. In terms of value, it depends on what you consider valuable:

• The Galaxy S24 Ultra often provides more bang for your buck in pure specs (more RAM, more cameras, higher refresh screen, etc.) and Samsung frequently runs promotions (pre-order deals like free storage upgrades, trade-in credits, bundle offers)markellisreviews.com. Additionally, Samsung phones tend to see price drops or discounts sooner after launch. So you might acquire it for less than MSRP if you time it right.

• The iPhone 15 Pro Max holds its value longer (higher resale prices a year or two later) and offers strong longevity with software updates and support. The value for some is also in the ecosystem – if you benefit from continuity with other Apple devices, that integration adds intangible value.

Neither device is “cheap,” and both are top-tier in what they offer. If you’re platform-agnostic, Samsung might give you more features for the dollar (especially if you utilize S Pen, expandable software features, etc.). If you’re entrenched in Apple’s world, the iPhone’s value comes from how well it works with everything else you have (and you likely find that worth the cost). In summary, they’re roughly equal in price for comparable models. Better value is subjective: the S24 Ultra can often be bought at a discount or with extras, while the iPhone retains value and arguably has a slightly higher build cost justification (3nm chip, etc.). Evaluate what features you prioritize and perhaps consider total cost of ownership (including resale) when determining value.