Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: Ultimate Comparison
Samsung and Apple continue to dominate the premium smartphone market, with the Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max standing as their latest flagship models. But which device offers the best features, performance, and value for money?
In this detailed comparison, we analyze key aspects such as design, display, camera performance, battery life, and software experience to help you decide which flagship suits your needs.
Design & Build Quality
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Material: Titanium frame with Gorilla Glass Armor front and back.
- Size & Weight: Slightly larger and heavier than the iPhone.
- Design: Boxy design with curved edges, built-in S Pen for added functionality.
- Durability: IP68 water and dust resistance.
iPhone 15 Pro Max
- Material: Titanium frame with Ceramic Shield front and textured matte glass back.
- Size & Weight: Lighter and more compact than the S24 Ultra.
- Design: Flat-edged design with Dynamic Island and symmetrical bezels.
- Durability: IP68 water and dust resistance, slightly better drop protection.
Winner: Tie – The choice depends on whether you prefer Samsung’s curved design and S Pen or Apple’s minimalist aesthetics.
Display
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Size: 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 3088 × 1440 (QHD+)
- Refresh Rate: 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate
- Brightness: 2,600 nits peak brightness
iPhone 15 Pro Max
- Size: 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED
- Resolution: 2796 × 1290 (FHD+)
- Refresh Rate: 1-120Hz ProMotion
- Brightness: 2,000 nits peak brightness
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Higher resolution and brighter display for better outdoor visibility.
Performance & Hardware
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (for Galaxy)
- RAM: 12GB
- Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB (no microSD)
- Cooling: Advanced vapor chamber cooling for sustained performance
iPhone 15 Pro Max
- Processor: A17 Pro
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
- Cooling: Passive cooling with efficiency-focused architecture
Winner: Tie – Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 offers better gaming performance, but the A17 Pro excels in power efficiency.
Camera System
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Main: 200MP (f/1.7, OIS)
- Ultra-wide: 12MP (f/2.2)
- Telephoto 1: 50MP (5x optical zoom)
- Telephoto 2: 10MP (3x optical zoom)
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 15 Pro Max
- Main: 48MP (f/1.8, OIS)
- Ultra-wide: 12MP (f/2.2)
- Telephoto: 12MP (5x optical zoom)
- Front Camera: 12MP
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – 200MP sensor provides better details, while dual zoom lenses offer more flexibility.
Battery Life & Charging
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Battery Capacity: 5,000mAh
- Charging Speed: 45W wired, 15W wireless
- Battery Life: Lasts up to two days with moderate use
iPhone 15 Pro Max
- Battery Capacity: 4,422mAh
- Charging Speed: 27W wired, 15W MagSafe
- Battery Life: Efficient A17 Pro chip provides excellent optimization
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Bigger battery and faster charging.
Software & Updates
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- OS: One UI 6.1 based on Android 14
- Updates: 7 years of software and security updates
- Customization: More flexible UI with widgets, themes, and app options
iPhone 15 Pro Max
- OS: iOS 17
- Updates: 5+ years of iOS updates
- Ecosystem: Seamless integration with Mac, iPad, and Apple Watch
Winner: iPhone 15 Pro Max – Better long-term stability and ecosystem integration.
Special Features
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | iPhone 15 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| S Pen Support | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Face Unlock | ✅ Yes (less secure) | ✅ Yes (Face ID) |
| Fingerprint Scanner | ✅ Under-display | ❌ No |
| ProRes Video Recording | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Satellite Connectivity | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – More features, but Apple excels in security and video recording.
Price & Value
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Starts at ₹1,29,999 ($1,199)
- iPhone 15 Pro Max: Starts at ₹1,59,900 ($1,199)
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – More affordable and feature-rich for the price.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra if:
✅ You want the best camera setup with a 200MP sensor.
✅ You prefer Android’s customization and an S Pen.
✅ You need longer battery life and faster charging.
Buy the iPhone 15 Pro Max if:
✅ You’re invested in the Apple ecosystem (Mac, iPad, AirPods).
✅ You need ProRes video recording for professional content.
✅ You prefer long-term software stability with iOS updates.
Both smartphones are incredible flagships, and the right choice depends on your needs and brand preference.