Apple and Samsung have once again raised the bar in the world of smartphones, with Apple unveiling the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung showcasing its Galaxy S24 Ultra. Both devices are powerhouses in their own right, designed to appeal to tech enthusiasts, but how do these giants compare when placed side by side? FirstandGeek takes a deep dive into the specs and features that set these two flagships apart.
Display: Size vs. Pixel Density
Apple made a slight change this year by upping the display size of the iPhone 16 Pro Max to 6.9 inches, making it the biggest iPhone yet. Samsung, on the other hand, sticks to its 6.8-inch display on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Though Apple has the edge in size, Samsung leads in pixel density, offering 501ppi versus Apple’s 460ppi. But will these numbers really matter when the devices are in hand? Only a real-world test will reveal how much of a difference that 0.01-inch gap makes.
Display Breakdown:
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: 6.9-inch OLED Super Retina XDR, 2,868 x 1,320 resolution, 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate.
- Galaxy S24 Ultra: 6.8-inch AMOLED, 3,120 x 1,440 resolution, 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate, 2,600-nit peak brightness.
Cameras: Apple’s Software Meets Samsung’s Hardware
The camera battle between Apple and Samsung is intense, with both companies making significant improvements. Samsung is going all-in with a 200MP main sensor, while Apple has opted for its usual 48MP Fusion camera. But before you rush to crown Samsung the winner based on megapixels alone, remember that Apple’s computational photography has consistently delivered some of the best smartphone images around, and the ProRAW and ProRes features add a layer of professional-level editing.
Both phones also boast multiple zoom options, with Apple focusing on a 5x telephoto lens, while Samsung offers both 3x and 5x telephoto lenses for more flexibility.
Camera Breakdown:
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: 48MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 5x telephoto, 4K up to 120fps, ProRAW, ProRes, spatial video.
- Galaxy S24 Ultra: 200MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x telephoto, 50MP 5x telephoto, 8K video recording.
Performance: A18 Pro vs. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
Apple and Samsung each bring their A-game with top-of-the-line processors. The A18 Pro chip powering the iPhone 16 Pro Max promises a leap in power efficiency and gaming performance. On the other hand, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 running in the Galaxy S24 Ultra is no slouch, offering stellar multitasking and AI capabilities. Historically, Apple’s tight integration between hardware and software has given it an edge in benchmarks, especially in gaming and graphics performance.
Performance Breakdown:
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: A18 Pro chip, iOS 18, 256GB to 1TB storage.
- Galaxy S24 Ultra: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, Android 14, 12GB RAM, 256GB to 1TB storage.
Battery and Charging: Apple’s Longevity vs. Samsung’s Power
When it comes to battery life, Apple promises up to 33 hours of video playback with the iPhone 16 Pro Max, while Samsung’s 5,000mAh battery ensures all-day use for the Galaxy S24 Ultra. While Samsung offers faster 45W wired charging, Apple continues with 20W wired charging and 25W MagSafe wireless charging, which might appeal to those looking for wireless convenience.
Battery & Charging Breakdown:
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: Up to 33 hours of video playback, 20W wired charging, 25W MagSafe wireless charging.
- Galaxy S24 Ultra: 5,000mAh battery, 45W wired charging, 45W wireless charging, Wireless PowerShare.
Special Features: Action Button vs. S Pen
Apple’s Action Button is one of the standout features of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, allowing users to customize quick actions like opening the camera or launching a voice memo. This feature adds a new level of user customization. On the Samsung side, the S Pen continues to be a unique selling point, providing advanced functionality for note-taking, drawing, and even remote control for the camera.
Special Features Breakdown:
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: Action Button, Camera Control button, Face ID, Dynamic Island, 4x audio mics, IP68 water resistance, titanium frame.
- Galaxy S24 Ultra: Integrated S Pen, Wireless PowerShare, 7 years of OS updates, IP68 water resistance.
Pricing: Premium Devices, Premium Price Tags
Both phones cater to the premium smartphone market, with prices starting from $1,199 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max and $1,300 for the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Depending on storage options, prices climb to over $1,599 for both models.
Pricing Breakdown:
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: $1,199 (256GB), $1,399 (512GB), $1,599 (1TB).
- Galaxy S24 Ultra: $1,300 (256GB), $1,599 (1TB).
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra: Full Specs Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size & Tech | 6.9-inch OLED Super Retina XDR | 6.8-inch AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2,868 x 1,320 pixels | 3,120 x 1,440 pixels |
| Pixel Density | 460 ppi | 501 ppi |
| Refresh Rate | 1 to 120Hz adaptive | 1 to 120Hz adaptive |
| Brightness | 2,000 nits (max) | 2,600 nits (max) |
| Dimensions (inches) | 6.42 x 3.06 x 0.32 in | 6.40 x 3.11 x 0.34 in |
| Dimensions (mm) | 163 x 77.6 x 8.25 mm | 163 x 79 x 8.6 mm |
| Weight | 227g (7.99oz) | 233g (8.22oz) |
| Processor | A18 Pro | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| Operating System | iOS 18 | Android 14 |
| Camera (Main) | 48MP Fusion Camera, 48MP Ultrawide, 5X Telephoto | 200MP Wide, 12MP Ultrawide, 10MP 3X & 50MP 5X Telephoto |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 12MP Front-facing |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 120fps, spatial video 1080p at 30fps | 8K Video Recording |
| RAM/Storage Options | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 12GB RAM, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Expandable Storage | No | No |
| Battery Life | Up to 33 hours video playback | 5,000mAh battery |
| Charging | 20W wired, 25W MagSafe wireless, Qi2 up to 15W | 45W wired, 45W wireless charging, Wireless PowerShare |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Special Features | Action Button, Camera Control Button, Face ID, Dynamic Island, 4x audio mics, titanium frame | S Pen, Wireless PowerShare, 7 years of OS updates, Gorilla Glass Armor |
| Connector | USB-C | USB-C |
| Price (US) | $1,199 (256GB), $1,399 (512GB), $1,599 (1TB) | $1,300 (256GB) |
Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?
At the end of the day, choosing between the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the Galaxy S24 Ultra boils down to your specific needs. Apple loyalists will love the seamless integration with the broader Apple ecosystem, especially with ProRAW, ProRes, and the new Action Button. Meanwhile, Samsung fans looking for versatility, especially in photography and note-taking, will find the S Pen and 200MP camera on the Galaxy S24 Ultra hard to beat.
For those who prioritize performance, display quality, and battery life, both phones stand tall as top contenders, but only further hands-on use will reveal the real winner.
