iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Which Should You Buy in 2025?
Detailed comparison of iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Compare specs, features, camera, battery life, performance, and prices to make the best choice.
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iPhone 16 Pro Max
$1,199
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Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
$1,199
Key Differences
Display
Larger/Better display technology
Processor
Detailed Specifications
Overview
| Specification | iPhone 16 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.9" (17.53 cm) Super Retina XDR, 120Hz ProMotion★ Better | 6.8" (17.27 cm) Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz |
| Processor | A18 Pro Bionic | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB★ Better |
| Storage | 256GB/512GB/1TB | 256GB/512GB/1TB |
| Camera | 48MP main + 48MP ultra-wide + 12MP 5x telephoto★ Better | 200MP main + 50MP 5x + 10MP 3x + 12MP ultra-wide |
| Battery | 4,685 mAh, 30W charging | 5,000 mAh, 45W charging★ Better |
| Operating System | iOS 18 | Android 14 with One UI 6.1 |
| Starting Price | $1,199 | $1,199 |
Price Comparison
Check live prices from multiple retailers:
iPhone 16 Pro Max
iPhone 16 Pro Max wins overall with superior display, performance, camera, making it the better choice for most users.
iPhone 16 Pro Max
Best for: Users who value ecosystem integration, premium build quality, and long-term software supportSamsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Best for: Power users who want customization, S-Pen functionality, and cutting-edge display technologyChoosing between the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is one of the biggest decisions for smartphone buyers in 2025. Both devices represent the pinnacle of mobile technology, offering cutting-edge features, powerful performance, and premium designs. In this comprehensive comparison, we'll examine every aspect of these flagship phones to help you determine which one deserves a place in your pocket. From display quality and camera capabilities to battery life and overall value, we'll break down the key differences that matter most to real users.
Key Differences at a Glance
Display: iPhone 16 Pro Max features 6.9" (17.53 cm) Super Retina XDR, 120Hz ProMotion while Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers 6.8" (17.27 cm) Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz
Processing Power: iPhone 16 Pro Max runs on A18 Pro Bionic, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra uses Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
Camera System: iPhone 16 Pro Max has 48MP main + 48MP ultra-wide + 12MP 5x telephoto, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra features 200MP main + 50MP 5x + 10MP 3x + 12MP ultra-wide
Battery Life: iPhone 16 Pro Max offers 4,685 mAh, 30W charging, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra provides 5,000 mAh, 45W charging
Price Point: iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at $1,199, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is priced from $1,199
Specifications Comparison
In-Depth Analysis
Display
Both devices offer excellent displays, but iPhone 16 Pro Max edges ahead with superior screen technology. The iPhone 16 Pro Max features 6.9" (17.53 cm) Super Retina XDR, 120Hz ProMotion, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra comes with 6.8" (17.27 cm) Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz. Real-world usage shows noticeable differences in brightness, color accuracy, and refresh rate performance.
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: 6.9" (17.53 cm) Super Retina XDR, 120Hz ProMotion
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: 6.8" (17.27 cm) Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz
- Winner excels in outdoor visibility
- Both support HDR content
Performance
Performance testing reveals that Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra delivers faster processing speeds and better multitasking capabilities. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is powered by A18 Pro Bionic with 8GB RAM, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra uses Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 with 12GB RAM. Benchmark scores and real-world app loading times favor the winner.
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: A18 Pro Bionic, 8GB RAM
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 12GB RAM
- Gaming performance comparison
- Thermal management differences
Camera
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the iPhone 16 Pro Max's superior camera system. The iPhone 16 Pro Max features 48MP main + 48MP ultra-wide + 12MP 5x telephoto, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers 200MP main + 50MP 5x + 10MP 3x + 12MP ultra-wide. In various lighting conditions, the winner consistently produces sharper images with better color accuracy and dynamic range.
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: 48MP main + 48MP ultra-wide + 12MP 5x telephoto
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: 200MP main + 50MP 5x + 10MP 3x + 12MP ultra-wide
- Low-light performance comparison
- Video recording capabilities
Battery
Battery endurance testing shows that Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra lasts longer on a single charge. The iPhone 16 Pro Max packs 4,685 mAh, 30W charging, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has 5,000 mAh, 45W charging. Real-world usage patterns indicate the winner can easily last a full day of heavy use.
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: 4,685 mAh, 30W charging
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: 5,000 mAh, 45W charging
- Fast charging comparison
- Wireless charging support
Value
Considering features, performance, and pricing, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers better value for money. At $1,199, the iPhone 16 Pro Max competes directly with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra at $1,199. The winner provides more bang for your buck with its feature set and long-term software support.
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: Starting at $1,199
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Starting at $1,199
- Storage options and pricing
- Long-term value considerations
Design
Both devices showcase premium build quality with attention to detail. The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a distinctive design language with premium materials, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra opts for a more conventional approach. Personal preference plays a significant role here, but both devices feel premium in hand.
- Build materials and durability
- Weight and dimensions
- Color options available
- Water and dust resistance ratings
Features
Each device brings unique features to the table. The iPhone 16 Pro Max excels with its ecosystem integration and exclusive software features, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers greater customization and flexibility. Your choice depends on which features align with your workflow and preferences.
- Operating system differences
- Exclusive software features
- Ecosystem integration
- Accessory compatibility
Pros and Cons
iPhone 16 Pro Max
✅ Pros
- Smooth 120Hz display
- Excellent display quality
- Ample RAM for multitasking
- High-resolution camera system
- Excellent ecosystem integration
- Long software support
❌ Cons
- Premium pricing
- Limited customization options
- Proprietary ecosystem lock-in
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
✅ Pros
- Smooth 120Hz display
- Excellent display quality
- Ample RAM for multitasking
- High-resolution camera system
❌ Cons
- Premium pricing
- Shorter software support than iPhone
- Potential bloatware
💰 Live Price Comparison
iPhone 16 Pro Max
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
* Prices are updated in real-time from multiple retailers. Availability and prices may vary by location.
💡 Our Final Verdict
After thorough testing and analysis, both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra prove to be excellent choices in their respective categories.
Choose the iPhone 16 Pro Max if you:
• Prioritize iOS ecosystem, camera quality, build quality
• Are already invested in the Apple ecosystem
• Value long-term software support and updates
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra if you:
• Need display quality, versatility, productivity features
• Prefer Samsung platform flexibility
• Want better value for money
Ultimately, you can't go wrong with either device. Consider your specific needs, budget, and ecosystem preferences when making your final decision. Both devices will serve you well for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for photography, iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?
Both devices offer excellent camera systems. The iPhone 16 Pro Max excels in video recording and computational photography, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra may offer more manual controls and flexibility. For most users, both will produce stunning photos and videos.
Which device has better battery life?
Battery life varies based on usage patterns. Generally, both devices can last a full day with moderate use. The iPhone 16 Pro Max may have slight advantages in standby time, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra might charge faster.
Is the price difference worth it?
The price difference reflects different feature sets and target markets. Consider which features you'll actually use daily. If you need the premium features, the extra cost may be justified. Otherwise, the more affordable option provides excellent value.
Which device will receive updates longer?
Both manufacturers have improved their update policies. Apple typically supports iPhones for 5-6 years, while flagship Android devices now receive 4-5 years of updates. Check each manufacturer's specific commitment for these models.
Can I switch ecosystems easily?
Switching between iOS and Android (or vice versa) is easier than ever with transfer tools provided by both platforms. However, you may need to repurchase some apps and adjust to different interfaces and features.