The iPhone 15 Pro Max Versus Samsung Galaxy S24

In the premium smartphone world, two names stand out: the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max. These flagship devices represent the pinnacle of mobile technology, delivering top-tier hardware, cutting-edge cameras, and blazing-fast performance. But which one takes the crown?

The Galaxy S24 Ultra is Samsung’s ultimate powerhouse, featuring an impressive 200MP camera, S Pen support, and a silky-smooth 6.8-inch QHD+ LTPO OLED display. Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 Pro Max shines with Apple’s mighty A17 Pro chip, exceptional battery life, and the seamless Apple ecosystem.

In this detailed comparison, we’ll break down their design, display, performance, cameras, battery life, and software to help you decide which flagship suits you best. Whether you’re a loyal Apple user or an Android enthusiast, this head-to-head showdown will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of both devices.

Let’s get started!

Design & Build

Both units have titanium frames, but they have their own unique styles:

• Samsung S24 Ultra: Slightly angular, sharp corners, and distinct camera lens design.
• iPhone 15 Pro Max: More rounded shape with an entirely new camera module.

Size and Durability

• The S24 Ultra is a bit larger and heavier.
• Both are IP68-rated, making them dust and water-resistant.
• The iPhone is more waterproof, lasting 6m for 30 minutes, compared to the Galaxy’s 1.5m for 30 minutes.
• The S24 Ultra features an S Pen, which is also waterproof and neatly housed inside the phone.

Display

• Samsung S24 Ultra: 6.8-inch LTPO OLED, 120Hz refresh rate, QHD display (505 PPI).
• iPhone 15 Pro Max: 6.7-inch OLED, 120Hz refresh rate, (460 PPI).

Primary Differences

• The resolution gap is barely noticeable in day-to-day use.
• Both provide exceptional contrast and brightness.
• iPhone supports Dolby Vision, while the Galaxy is limited to HDR10+.
• The S24 Ultra may show slight graininess at very low brightness levels.
• The iPhone’s Dynamic Island adds extra functionality around the front camera.

Security and Biometrics

• Galaxy S24 Ultra: Under-display optical fingerprint scanner + Face Unlock.
• iPhone 15 Pro Max: Face ID (3D sensor), which is more secure than standard face unlock.

Audio

Both feature stereo speakers with excellent loudness.

• iPhone delivers richer mids and vocals, resulting in better overall sound quality.

Performance

• iPhone 15 Pro Max: Powered by the A17 Pro chipset, Apple’s most advanced.
• Galaxy S24 Ultra: Equipped with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, Qualcomm’s top-tier Android processor.

Benchmark Showdown

• CPU Power: iPhone is the winner.
• GPU Performance: Galaxy has the upper hand.
• Both deliver a smooth experience in real-world usage and gaming.

Software & AI Features

Galaxy S24 Ultra:

• AI-driven tools like live translation, advanced photo editing, and object resizing.
• 7 years of software updates (Samsung’s new commitment).

iPhone 15 Pro Max:

• 5-6 years of software updates, following Apple’s usual trend.
• iOS ecosystem perks, such as seamless integration with other Apple devices.

The iPhone lasts longer, but the Galaxy charges faster. Only the Galaxy supports reverse wireless charging.

Photo Quality Breakdown

Main Camera: The Galaxy captures a more natural look, while the iPhone delivers true-to-life colors.

• Zoom Performance:

3x Zoom: Galaxy wins thanks to its dedicated telephoto lens.

5x Zoom: Both are competitive, but the Galaxy retains more detail.

Ultra-Wide Shots: Both perform well, but the Galaxy renders foliage with greater sharpness.

• Low-Light Imaging:

The Galaxy delivers superior sharpness and dynamic range.

The iPhone reduces noise more effectively, especially in ultra-wide shots.

• The iPhone is the better option for content creators, thanks to ProRes Log support.
• The Galaxy records in 8K, but iPhone’s 4K is superior in low-light conditions.

Selfies

• 12MP front cameras on both phones.
• The Galaxy excels in noise reduction and sharpening.
• Selfie videos: Both record in 4K.

Pricing & Value

• Galaxy S24 Ultra: More affordable in Europe & India.
• iPhone 15 Pro Max: $100 cheaper in the U.S..