iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Which Flagship Smartphone is Better For You?
A detailed comparison of the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, covering features, performance, and key specifications.
Updated : 2 months ago
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: A Complete Comparison
The iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra are both top-tier smartphones for 2024, representing the best from Apple and Samsung. This blog compares their key specifications, performance, and unique features to help you decide which flagship phone is right for you.
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a premium titanium design in Desert Titanium color, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra comes in Titanium Black with a rugged Gorilla Armor build. Both phones offer IP68 water and dust resistance, but the iPhone's lighter weight gives it an edge in portability. The S24 Ultra feels sturdier, with a slight increase in thickness to accommodate its larger battery.
Display
| Feature | iPhone 16 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Size | 6.9 inches | 6.8 inches |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz ProMotion | 120Hz |
| Peak Brightness | 2000 nits (outdoor) | 2600 nits |
| Resolution | 2868 x 1320 pixels | 3120 x 1440 pixels |
Samsung offers a slightly smaller but brighter display with higher resolution, while the iPhone boasts Apple's advanced True Tone and ProMotion technology for smooth animations and dynamic refresh rates.
Camera System
The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers a triple-camera system featuring two 48MP sensors (wide and ultra-wide) and a 12MP telephoto lens with 10x optical zoom. On the other hand, the Galaxy S24 Ultra steps it up with a quad-camera setup including a 200MP primary sensor, two telephoto lenses (50MP and 10MP), and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. While Samsung takes the lead in overall versatility and zoom, Apple’s advanced image processing and ProRAW features make it a top choice for photography enthusiasts.
| Feature | iPhone 16 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Camera | 48MP (f/1.78) | 200MP (f/1.7) |
| Telephoto | 12MP 5x Zoom | 50MP + 10MP (10x optical zoom) |
| Ultra-wide | 48MP (f/2.2) | 12MP (f/2.2) |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision, ProRes | 8K, HDR10+ |
Performance
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is powered by Apple's A18 Pro chip, a 6-core processor built for speed and efficiency, running iOS 18. Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra features the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 with an octa-core configuration for powerful performance, running Android 14 with One UI 6.0. Both chips are high performers, but Apple's tighter integration between hardware and software gives it an edge in efficiency, while Samsung excels in customizability and multitasking.
| Feature | iPhone 16 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | A18 Pro Chip | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| Core Count | Hexa Core | Octa Core |
| Operating System | iOS 18 | Android 14 (One UI 6.0) |
| RAM | 6GB | 12GB |
Battery and Charging
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra comes with a 5000mAh battery and supports 45W fast charging, giving it an edge in battery life. The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a slightly smaller battery but benefits from Apple's power-efficient A18 chip and iOS 18 software optimizations. Both phones support wireless charging, but the iPhone offers MagSafe technology for easy accessory attachment and 30W wireless charging.
Detailed Comparison between iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra with Notes
| Feature | iPhone 16 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| In The Box | Handset, USB C Charge Cable (1m), Documentation | Handset, Data Cable (Type C-to-C), Sim Ejector Pin, S-Pen | iPhone comes with a minimal package, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra includes an S-Pen, adding extra value for note-taking and creative use. |
| Model Number | MYWY3HN/A | SM-S928BZTCINS | Specific model numbers useful for warranty claims and support services. |
| Operating System | iOS 18 | Android 14 | iOS offers a more consistent experience across Apple devices, while Android 14 provides more customization options and flexibility. |
| Display | 17.53 cm (6.9 inch), Super Retina XDR Display, 2868 x 1320 pixels | 17.27 cm (6.8 inch), Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 3120 x 1440 pixels | Both devices have top-notch displays, but the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers a higher resolution, making it slightly better for media consumption. |
| Processor | A18 Pro Chip, Hexa Core | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, Octa Core | The A18 Pro provides excellent performance and efficiency, while Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 excels in gaming and multitasking. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB | Samsung offers more RAM, beneficial for heavy multitasking and advanced features like DeX mode for desktop experience. |
| Internal Storage | 256 GB | 256 GB | Both start at 256 GB storage, but the iPhone offers various configurations, while Samsung supports external storage options. |
| Primary Camera | 48MP + 48MP + 12MP, Triple Camera Setup | 200MP + 50MP + 12MP + 10MP, Quad Camera Setup | The S24 Ultra’s 200MP camera provides superior resolution and versatility with its quad setup, ideal for photography enthusiasts. |
| Secondary Camera | 12MP TrueDepth Front Camera | 12MP Front Camera | Both have excellent front cameras, but iPhone's TrueDepth camera offers enhanced Face ID functionality. |
| Battery | 4352 mAh, MagSafe Wireless Charging up to 25W | 5000 mAh, Fast Charging up to 45W | Galaxy S24 Ultra has a larger battery and faster charging capabilities, making it more suitable for power users. |
| Display Features | Dynamic Island, Always-On Display, ProMotion Technology, HDR, True Tone | Max Refresh Rate: 120 Hz, Peak Brightness: 2600 nits, HDR10+ | Both displays are advanced, but Samsung’s higher peak brightness and HDR10+ support offer better outdoor visibility and color accuracy. |
| Connectivity | 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3 | 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 | iPhone 16 Pro Max supports the latest Wi-Fi 7, ensuring better future-proofing and faster speeds. |
| Security | Face ID, Secure Enclave | Ultrasonic Fingerprint, Face Unlock | Face ID on iPhone is extremely secure, while Samsung offers versatility with both fingerprint and face unlock options. |
| Weight | 227 g | 232 g | The iPhone is slightly lighter, though the difference is negligible in daily use. |
| Build | Titanium frame, Ceramic Shield, IP68 water resistance | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus, IP68 water resistance | iPhone’s titanium frame offers better durability and a premium feel compared to Samsung’s aluminum frame. |
| Audio | Stereo speakers, Spatial Audio | Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos | Both provide excellent audio quality, but iPhone's spatial audio offers a more immersive experience for supported content. |
| Starting Price (INR) | ₹1,39,900 | ₹1,29,999 | Samsung offers a slightly lower starting price, making it more attractive for those on a budget. |
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the key differences between the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?
The key differences lie in their display technology, camera systems, processor, and operating system. The iPhone uses iOS while the Samsung uses Android, and each has distinct strengths in camera capabilities and display brightness.
- Which phone has a better camera: iPhone 16 Pro Max or Galaxy S24 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has a 200MP primary camera and offers more zoom versatility, while the iPhone excels in computational photography with its 48MP main camera and ProRAW features.
- Which phone is better for gaming?
Both phones are excellent for gaming, but the iPhone 16 Pro Max may offer slightly better performance due to the efficiency of its A18 Pro chip and better optimization with iOS 18.
- What is the price difference between the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?
The price difference varies based on region and storage configurations, but typically, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is slightly more expensive than the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
- Does the iPhone 16 Pro Max have better battery life than the Galaxy S24 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has a larger 5000mAh battery, but the iPhone 16 Pro Max offers excellent battery optimization through iOS, resulting in similar battery life.
- Which phone supports faster charging?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra supports 45W fast charging, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max supports up to 30W charging with MagSafe technology.
- Which phone has a better display?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers a higher resolution and a brighter display (2600 nits), while the iPhone 16 Pro Max has a Super Retina XDR OLED with ProMotion and True Tone, making it better for color accuracy.
- Which phone offers better security features?
The iPhone 16 Pro Max features Face ID, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra includes an in-display fingerprint scanner and facial recognition.
- Which operating system is better: iOS or Android?
iOS 18 on the iPhone 16 Pro Max offers seamless integration with other Apple devices, while Android 14 on the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers more customization and flexibility. The choice depends on user preference.
- Does the iPhone 16 Pro Max have an always-on display?
Yes, the iPhone 16 Pro Max includes an always-on display feature with customizable widgets and notifications.
- Which phone has better video recording capabilities?
The iPhone 16 Pro Max supports 4K Dolby Vision and ProRes video recording, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers 8K recording, which may be more appealing to videographers seeking ultra-high resolution.
- Is the iPhone 16 Pro Max or Galaxy S24 Ultra better for multitasking?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, with its 12GB of RAM and multitasking features in One UI, is better suited for heavy multitasking than the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which has 6GB of RAM.
- Which phone is better for professional photographers?
For professional photographers, the iPhone 16 Pro Max offers features like Apple ProRAW and advanced image processing, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra provides a 200MP sensor with more zoom and flexibility.
- Do both phones support 5G?
Yes, both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra support 5G connectivity.
- Which phone has more storage options?
Both phones offer similar storage options starting from 256GB, but the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers higher RAM configurations for better multitasking.
- Which phone has better durability?
Both phones have an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, but the iPhone 16 Pro Max's titanium build may offer slightly better durability compared to Samsung's Gorilla Armor protection.
- Does the Galaxy S24 Ultra come with an S-Pen?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra includes an S-Pen, making it a better option for those who need stylus support for productivity and creativity.
- Which phone has better wireless charging capabilities?
The iPhone 16 Pro Max supports MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra supports 15W wireless charging but offers reverse wireless charging.
- Which phone is better for productivity?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, with its S-Pen, larger RAM, and multitasking features, is better for productivity tasks, especially for those who use it for work or content creation.
- Which phone has better software support?
Apple typically supports iPhone models with software updates for a longer period compared to Android devices. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is likely to receive updates for around 5-6 years, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra will get about 4 years of software support.
