iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

The battle between Apple and Samsung is well known in the world of smartphones, and now both companies have strong competitors in the market. The iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S24 Ultra are currently the most powerful devices of each, but which is better?

In this article, we will show some comparisons made between the two devices in some most important aspects. Shall we check it out?

Also read:

Which is better: iPhone 16 Pro Max or Motorola Edge 50 Ultra?
Which cell phone is faster: Galaxy S24 Ultra or iPhone 15 Pro Max?

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Design and Construction

• Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max: 227 g, 163.0 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm
• Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: 232 g, 162.3 x 79.0 x 8.6 mm

The names “Max” and “Ultra” are indicative of the size of these devices, which is why they are both large and heavy. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is slightly taller and wider than the company’s previous model, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra maintains similar dimensions to its predecessor, although it is still slightly larger and heavier than the iPhone. Both devices use titanium in their construction, which is important to bring that premium and robust feel.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max has an extra button that brings more functionality to the camera and allows the previously available action key to be used for other purposes. The Galaxy S24 Ultra, on the other hand, has an S Pen, which offers a range of features for both work and leisure, making it a multifunctional tool. In terms of color options, the Galaxy offers a more vibrant selection, especially with exclusive options on Samsung’s website.

Display

• Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max: 6,9″ LTPO OLED, 120Hz, 1320×2868 pixels, 460 ppi
• Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: 6,8″ LTPO OLED, 120Hz, 1440×3120 pixels, 505 ppi

The iPhone’s display has grown to 6.9 inches in this generation, slightly surpassing the S24 Ultra’s 6.8-inch screen. Both screens are extremely sharp, support high adaptive refresh rates and promise very high brightness, in addition to being compatible with HDR. The Galaxy’s resolution is slightly higher, resulting in a slightly higher pixel density.

In tests, the iPhone was brighter, reaching 1,796 nits in automatic mode versus 1,447 nits for the Galaxy. But still, Galaxy’s low reflectivity can neutralize this advantage in certain conditions. Both devices support HDR10, with the iPhone also supporting Dolby Vision, while the Samsung sticks with HDR10+.

Battery Life

• iPhone 16 Pro Max: 4685mAh. Active use: 17:18h, Calls: 30:54h, Internet: 16:31h, Videos: 22:34h, Games: 10:04h
• Galaxy S24 Ultra: 5000mAh. Active use: 13:49h, Calls: 35:34h, Internet: 11:08h, Videos: 16:48h, Games: 9:06h

Apple has increased the battery capacity of the iPhone 16 Pro Max to 4685mAh, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra maintains its traditional 5000mAh. Even before the increase, Pro Max models generally outlasted Samsung’s competitors, and that remains true in this comparison. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a notable advantage in web browsing and video playback, and a less significant advantage in gaming.

However, the Galaxy S24 Ultra excels in voice calls, outperforming the iPhone. For everyday use, the iPhone’s advantage in durability is clear, especially for users who rely on web browsing and media consumption.

Loading Speed

• Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max: 4685 mAh, 15min: 27%, 30min: 46%, Full: 117min
• Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: 5000 mAh, 15min: 39%, 30min: 69%, Cheio: 65min

The Galaxy S24 Ultra recharges significantly faster than the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Samsung may not be at the forefront of fast charging technology, but it can still recharge the S24 Ultra in less time. This time difference is notable and can be a deciding factor for many users.

Both devices do not come with a charger included in the box, which may result in different recharging times depending on the charger used. Both support wireless charging, with the iPhone reaching up to 25W with MagSafe chargers and the Galaxy reaching a maximum of 15W.

Performance

• Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max: Apple A18 Pro, 3 nm. 256GB 8GB RAM
• Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SM8650-AC, 4 nm. 256GB 12GB RAM

The iPhone 16 Pro Max is powered by Apple’s latest A18 Pro chipset, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. The iPhone has cutting-edge silicon, unlike the Galaxy, whose chip is about to be replaced. In terms of RAM, the Galaxy has 12GB compared to the iPhone’s 8GB, although each operating system’s efficiency in managing memory makes this comparison less direct.

In benchmarks, the iPhone outperforms the Galaxy in CPU performance, while the Galaxy has an edge in GPU tests. Both devices are extremely powerful and will guarantee exceptional performance for years to come. Samsung promises 7 major OS releases and 7 years of security updates, while Apple generally offers 5 years of support, which is more than enough for most users.

Cameras

The rivalry between iPhone and Galaxy in terms of camera performance is intense. Both devices are among the best options available for photography and video capture. The Galaxy S24 Ultra is better equipped at the long end of the zoom range, with a larger, higher-resolution sensor in the 5x camera.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max, on the other hand, has a main camera with more pixels and a larger ultra-wide camera with more resolution. Galaxy also offers a 3x optical zoom module, providing more flexibility. Both devices are capable of capturing exceptional photos and videos in a variety of conditions.

Verdict

The comparison between these two great smartphones is more theoretical than practical. In practice, it must be agreed that the preference for the ecosystem still weighs heavily among consumers. In other words, if you already use an iPhone and want to stick with it, it’s unlikely you’ll switch to a Samsung. Now if you already use Android and don’t intend to switch to iOS, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is still the best option.

But, taking into account details, for those who are still really unsure between the two devices and don’t care much about the ecosystem, we can highlight the areas where each one does better, which could be a choice for many people.

In terms of battery, for example, the iPhone showed that it lasts longer in active use, but at the same time, the Galaxy showed that it can charge faster. Furthermore, the Galaxy has an S Pen, which can be a differentiator for many people who want an improvement and more productivity possibilities with the device. In addition, the Samsung smartphone also stands out in capturing images from further away, having greater zoom and close-up quality.

The differences between screen and performance are very subtle and both are really powerful devices. Another detail to be considered, especially here in Brazil, is the pricesince in comparison the Galaxy still has the advantage for being cheaper (even though it is still an expensive device).

Check the price of the Galaxy S24 Ultra on Amazon by clicking here.

Check the price of the iPhone 16 Pro Max (512 GB) by clicking here.