Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: The Ultimate Flagship Showdown
The smartphone industry is a battleground where innovation, design, and performance collide. In 2024, two titans stand at the pinnacle: the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max. Each represents the best of its brand, pushing the boundaries of what a smartphone can do. But which one truly deserves your investment?
In this in-depth comparison, we’ll analyze every aspect—from design and display to performance, cameras, software, battery life, and ecosystem integration. Whether you’re a loyalist or considering a switch, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
1. Design & Build Quality
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Samsung continues its tradition of bold, industrial design with the S24 Ultra. The device features a titanium frame—a first for the Galaxy series—offering exceptional durability while reducing weight. The front and back are protected by Gorilla Glass Armor, improving scratch and drop resistance. Its squared-off edges and slightly curved display lend it a professional, modern look.
Dimensions: 162.3 x 79.0 x 8.6 mm
Weight: 232g
Colors: Titanium Black, Titanium Gray, Titanium Violet, Titanium Yellow (region-dependent)
IP68 water and dust resistance
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Apple also adopted titanium for its Pro Max, replacing the previous stainless steel. This change makes the phone lighter and more comfortable to hold, with a subtle matte finish that resists fingerprints. The flat edges and rounded corners maintain Apple’s signature aesthetic, while the Ceramic Shield front and textured matte glass back provide durability.
Dimensions: 159.9 x 76.7 x 8.25 mm
Weight: 221g
Colors: Black Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, Natural Titanium
IP68 water and dust resistance
Verdict
Both devices are premium, but the S24 Ultra’s slightly larger footprint and more angular design give it a more “pro” feel, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max is more compact and ergonomic. Titanium frames are a win for both.
2. Display
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Samsung is renowned for its displays, and the S24 Ultra is no exception. It boasts a 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and up to 2,600 nits peak brightness. The screen is flat, which is a departure from the previous Ultra models’ curved edges, making it more user-friendly and less prone to accidental touches.
Resolution: 3120 x 1440
Refresh Rate: 1-120Hz (LTPO)
HDR10+ support
S Pen support
iPhone 15 Pro Max
The iPhone 15 Pro Max features a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, with a 120Hz ProMotion adaptive refresh rate and up to 2,000 nits peak brightness (HDR). Apple’s color calibration and True Tone technology ensure natural, vibrant colors.
Resolution: 2796 x 1290
Refresh Rate: 1-120Hz (LTPO)
Dolby Vision, HDR10 support
Dynamic Island
Verdict
Samsung’s display is slightly larger, sharper, and brighter, with S Pen support for productivity. However, Apple’s display is more color-accurate and integrates seamlessly with iOS features like Dynamic Island. Both are class-leading, but Samsung edges ahead for productivity and brightness.
3. Performance
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The S24 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (globally, unlike previous years), paired with 12GB RAM and up to 1TB storage. Samsung’s “for Galaxy” chip is slightly overclocked for better performance. The device excels in gaming, multitasking, and AI-powered features.
CPU: Octa-core (1×3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 5×3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2×2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)
GPU: Adreno 750
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Apple’s A17 Pro chip is built on a 3nm process, offering industry-leading performance and efficiency. The 6-core CPU and 6-core GPU handle everything from gaming to professional video editing. The iPhone also benefits from unmatched software optimization.
CPU: 6-core (2 performance & 4 efficiency)
GPU: 6-core Apple GPU
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB
Benchmarks
Geekbench 6 (CPU Multi-Core):
S24 Ultra: ~7,000
iPhone 15 Pro Max: ~7,200
3DMark Wild Life Extreme (GPU):
S24 Ultra: ~5,500
iPhone 15 Pro Max: ~5,800
Verdict
Both phones are blazingly fast, but the A17 Pro is slightly ahead in raw benchmarks and efficiency. However, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 “for Galaxy” is more than capable for any task. For most users, the difference is negligible.
4. Cameras
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Samsung’s camera hardware is formidable:
Main: 200MP, f/1.7, OIS
Periscope Telephoto: 50MP, 5x optical, OIS
Telephoto: 10MP, 3x optical, OIS
Ultra-wide: 12MP, 120°
Front: 12MP, f/2.2
Samsung leverages advanced AI for better night mode, zoom, and photo editing (Generative Edit). The S24 Ultra’s zoom is unmatched, with detailed shots at 5x and usable images up to 100x digital.
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Apple’s camera system is more about computational photography:
Main: 48MP, f/1.78, sensor-shift OIS
Telephoto: 12MP, 5x optical, OIS
Ultra-wide: 12MP, f/2.2
Front: 12MP, f/1.9
Apple’s Photonic Engine, Smart HDR 5, and Deep Fusion deliver natural colors and excellent dynamic range. ProRAW and ProRes video recording are key features for creators.
Photo Comparison
Daylight: Both deliver excellent color, detail, and dynamic range. iPhone images are slightly warmer and more natural; Samsung’s are more vibrant.
Low Light: Samsung’s larger sensor and AI excel in extreme low light, but Apple’s consistency and color accuracy are superb.
Zoom: Samsung wins with its 50MP 5x periscope and 10x hybrid zoom. iPhone’s 5x is great, but can’t match Samsung’s reach.
Video: Both shoot up to 4K60 (Samsung supports 8K30). iPhone leads in stabilization, cinematic mode, and ProRes.
Verdict
Samsung offers more versatility and zoom, while Apple is king of video and color accuracy. For photography enthusiasts, Samsung’s hardware is more flexible; for videographers, the iPhone is unmatched.
5. Software & Ecosystem
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
OS: Android 14 (One UI 6.1)
AI Features: Galaxy AI (live translation, transcript, generative photo edit, Circle to Search)
Customization: Highly customizable UI, themes, widgets
Ecosystem: Strong integration with Galaxy Buds, Watch, Tab, Windows PCs (via Samsung DeX)
Updates: 7 years of OS and security updates (matching Google Pixel)
iPhone 15 Pro Max
OS: iOS 17
AI Features: Siri, Live Text, Visual Lookup, improved autocorrect
Customization: iOS is more customizable than before (widgets, lock screen), but less than Android
Ecosystem: Seamless integration with Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, HomePod
Updates: 5+ years of iOS updates
Verdict
Apple’s ecosystem is more cohesive, especially if you use other Apple devices. Samsung’s Galaxy AI is a big leap, and its ecosystem is catching up, especially for Windows users. Software preference is highly subjective; Android offers more flexibility, iOS more consistency.
6. Battery Life & Charging
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Battery: 5,000mAh
Charging: 45W wired, 15W wireless, reverse wireless charging
Endurance: 1.5-2 days moderate use
No charger in box
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Battery: ~4,422mAh (Apple does not disclose, but teardown confirms)
Charging: 27W wired, 15W MagSafe wireless, Qi2 support
Endurance: 1.5-2 days moderate use
No charger in box
Real-World Use
Both phones offer excellent battery life, easily lasting a full day of heavy use. Samsung’s larger battery and more efficient chip balance out iOS’s optimization.
Verdict
Samsung charges faster, but iPhone’s MagSafe ecosystem is more mature. Both are excellent, but Samsung has a slight edge in battery size and charging speed.
7. Unique Features
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
S Pen: Built-in stylus for note-taking, drawing, remote control
DeX: Desktop experience via HDMI or wirelessly
Galaxy AI: On-device and cloud AI features
Advanced Zoom: Up to 100x Space Zoom
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Action Button: Customizable shortcut replacing mute switch
ProRAW/ProRes: Advanced photo and video formats
Dynamic Island: Interactive notifications and controls
Emergency SOS via Satellite
Verdict
Samsung’s S Pen and DeX are unique productivity tools. Apple’s Action Button and Dynamic Island enhance usability. Both phones push the envelope in their own ways.
8. Price & Value
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Starting Price: $1,299 (256GB)
Promotions: Often bundled with trade-in deals, Galaxy Buds, or Watch discounts
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Starting Price: $1,199 (256GB)
Promotions: Carrier deals, Apple trade-in program
Verdict
Both are expensive, but the iPhone is slightly cheaper at base storage. Samsung’s frequent deals can offset the price difference.
9. Pros & Cons Summary
Feature
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Design
Larger, angular, S Pen, titanium
Compact, ergonomic, titanium
Display
6.8″, QHD+, 120Hz, S Pen
6.7″, XDR OLED, 120Hz
Performance
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 12GB RAM
A17 Pro, 8GB RAM
Camera
200MP main, 50MP 5x zoom, 100x digital
48MP main, 12MP 5x tele, ProRAW
Software
Android 14, One UI 6.1, Galaxy AI
iOS 17, Dynamic Island
Battery
5,000mAh, 45W fast charge
~4,422mAh, 27W charge, MagSafe
Unique
S Pen, DeX, advanced zoom
Action Button, Dynamic Island
Ecosystem
Strong, esp. with Windows
Seamless with Apple devices
Price
$1,299+
$1,199+
10. Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra if:
You want the best zoom and camera versatility
You value the S Pen for productivity or creativity
You prefer Android’s customization and flexibility
You want a slightly larger, sharper, and brighter display
You need a desktop-like experience (DeX)
Choose the iPhone 15 Pro Max if:
You are already invested in the Apple ecosystem
You prioritize video recording and editing
You want the most consistent software experience and longer app support
You prefer a more compact, ergonomic design
You want seamless integration with Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, and AirPods
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max are both technological masterpieces, representing the best of Android and iOS. The S24 Ultra stands out for its camera versatility, S Pen, and productivity features, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max excels in video, software polish, and ecosystem integration.
Your choice ultimately depends on your priorities: productivity and versatility (Samsung) vs. consistency and ecosystem (Apple). Whichever you choose, you’re getting one of the finest smartphones ever made.
