Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: Which is Superior?

The highly anticipated Galaxy AI event lived up to expectations as it unveiled the Samsung Galaxy S24 series in its full splendor. Among the lineup, the Galaxy S24 Ultra particularly stole the spotlight for valid reasons. Now, the question arises: how does Samsung’s 2024 ultra flagship compare to last year’s Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max? In this comparison between the Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max, we delve into the features of both to determine which emerges as the superior device. Read on to discover all the details!

Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: Design and Display

Discussing the display specifications of both flagship devices, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts a spacious 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 3120 x 1440 pixels, providing a pixel density of 505 PPI. Notably, it incorporates a rapid 120Hz refresh rate and supports HDR 10+.

The display is safeguarded by the new Corning Gorilla Armor for enhanced durability, and this year, Samsung has opted for a flat display, diverging from the recent trend of curved displays. Moreover, the device achieves a remarkable peak brightness of 2,500 nits.

In contrast, the iPhone 15 Pro Max features a slightly smaller 6.7-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 1290 x 2796 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 460 PPI. While it offers a 120Hz fast refresh rate, the peak brightness is lower at 2,000 nits. The display is fortified with Ceramic Shield for added protection.

Moreover, both smartphones share the advantage of an IP68 water-resistance rating, contributing positively to their design durability. However, the choice between the designs of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max ultimately comes down to personal preference. The Galaxy S24 Ultra adopts a boxy design with dimensions of 79.0 x 162.3 x 8.6mm, whereas the iPhone 15 Pro Max features circular edges, offering a body measuring 76.7 x 159.9 x 8.3mm, ensuring a comfortable grip without the edges digging into the skin.

Despite their distinct designs, both devices maintain the aesthetic continuity of their predecessors, introducing minimal changes in design. Additionally, both the Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max carry a substantial weight, tipping the scales at 232 and 221 grams, respectively.

In terms of display specifications, the Galaxy S24 Ultra takes the lead on paper. With a larger display and higher resolution, featuring QHD+, it outshines the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s superior peak brightness contributes to better outdoor visibility. Furthermore, the enhanced Gorilla Glass Armor protection adds an extra layer of safety against accidental drops. The decision to opt for a flat display on the Galaxy S24 Ultra also reduces the likelihood of screen damage.

Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: Performance Differences

A significant enhancement in the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra lies in its performance, driven by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. This cutting-edge 4nm ARM-based chipset employs the latest ARM Cortex-X4-based prime core clocked at an impressive 3.3GHz. Complementing this, there are five ARM Cortex-720-based performance cores, operating at speeds ranging from 3.0 to 3.2GHz. Additionally, two ARM Cortex-520-based efficiency cores contribute to the overall efficiency, clocked at up to 2.3GHz.

In contrast, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is equipped with Apple’s latest A17 Pro processor. Distinguishing itself with a 3nm architecture, it surpasses the 4nm-based Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Notably, Apple deviates from using the Cortex X4 architecture, opting to develop their own cores based on the ARM architecture, a practice they have consistently pursued over the years, consistently positioning them ahead in the realm of performance.

In this instance, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, comes remarkably close to outpacing the A17 Pro in the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The latter is only marginally faster, with a 3% difference, making it an extremely tight competition. Notably, a comparison of benchmarks between the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and the A17 Pro reveals minimal numerical disparities. While Apple maintains its lead in the single-core department, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 manages to surpass it in multi-core performance.

Both smartphones deliver exceptional top-tier performance, but the A17 Pro edges ahead slightly in terms of both performance and power efficiency.

Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: Cameras Differences

The camera setup on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a robust quad-rear configuration. Anchored by a formidable 200MP primary sensor boasting Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and an impressive F 1.7 aperture, it sets the stage for high-resolution photography. Complementing the primary sensor is a dual telephoto setup. One of these telephoto sensors features a 50MP quad-pixel autofocus sensor with OIS, showcasing a remarkable 5x optical zoom capability and an F 3.4 aperture.

The second telephoto camera, a 10MP sensor with OIS, contributes a 3x optical zoom and carries an F 2.4 aperture. Completing the quartet is a 12MP ultra-wide-angle sensor featuring a wide 120-degree Field of View (FOV) and an aperture of F/2.2. On the front end, the selfie shooter boasts a 12MP sensor with an F/2.2 aperture.

In contrast, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max opts for a triple rear camera arrangement. The primary sensor is a 48MP wide-angle F/1.8 sensor, also serving as the primary lens. Accompanying it is a 12MP ultra-wide-angle F/2.2 secondary sensor. The third component is a 12MP periscope telephoto f/2.8 sensor, offering an impressive 5x optical zoom capability.

Undoubtedly, the camera setup on the Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out with an impressive array of features. Building upon the already commendable cameras of its predecessor, the inclusion of a superior 50-megapixel telephoto sensor enhances the imaging capabilities of the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

What sets the Galaxy S24 Ultra apart is not just the hardware but also the integration of AI features. These include Nightography zoom for photos, AI multi-frame processing across various zoom ranges, and super-resolution based on deep learning, elevating the overall photography experience.

In the videography realm, the Galaxy S24 Ultra continues to shine, offering features like 100x Space Zoom, 8K recording at up to 60 FPS, and Nightography video. In contrast, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is limited to 4K recording at 60 FPS, and its HDR capability is limited to 10-bit, whereas the Galaxy S24 Ultra supports 12-bit HDR. Whether capturing photos or videos, the Galaxy S24 Ultra clearly holds an advantage over the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: Battery and Charging Differences

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra maintains the same 5,000mAh battery capacity as its predecessor, the Galaxy S23 Ultra. On the other hand, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is equipped with a slightly smaller 4,441mAh battery unit. However, both brands have not excelled in providing fast charging capabilities. Samsung limits its flagship devices to 45W fast charging, while Apple’s maximum power delivery remains at 30W.

In terms of battery performance, it could be considered a tie. Although the Galaxy S24 Ultra features a larger 5000mAh battery, it also hosts a more power-hungry processor, especially with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 having fewer power efficiency cores than its predecessor. This increased power comes at the cost of battery life. Consequently, in everyday usage, both devices are expected to deliver similar screen-on time, creating a balanced scenario despite differences in battery size and charging speeds.

Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: Connectivity Differences

In terms of connectivity, both flagship devices offer a comprehensive set of features to facilitate seamless daily usage. Starting with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, it includes a USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 port, Bluetooth 5.3, and Wi-Fi 7.

Conversely, the iPhone 15 Pro Max also incorporates a USB Type-C port, featuring Bluetooth 5.3. Notably, it boasts a superior USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 port compared to the S24 Ultra’s Gen 1 port. However, the Galaxy S24 Ultra has an advantage with Wi-Fi 7, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max provides Wi-Fi 6E.

In this aspect, it’s a balanced scenario where each device has its strengths and weaknesses. Notably, Apple’s shift to a Type-C port from the lightning port is a significant development, potentially easing the transition for Android users considering a switch to iOS.

Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: Software Updates Differences

In a notable move, Samsung has followed in Google’s footsteps, ensuring that its Galaxy S24 series, particularly the Galaxy S24 Ultra, comes with an impressive commitment to software updates. Mirroring Google’s announcement for the Pixel 8 series, Samsung pledges to provide a remarkable 7 years of software update support for the Galaxy S24 Ultra. This extended support encompasses major operating system updates as well as regular security patches.

While this level of commitment has been a long-standing hallmark for iPhones, it represents a significant shift in the Android ecosystem, making premium Android flagships like the Galaxy S24 Ultra even more enticing for users who value long-term software support and the latest features.

Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: Specifications Differences

Takeaway

For the first time in years, a flagship Android device has remarkably approached the latest iPhone in terms of sheer, raw performance, at least on the specifications sheet. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra’s prowess extends beyond performance, with an array of impressive features.

The inclusion of numerous AI features enhances the overall user experience, offering functionalities like live call translation, AI note assist, and Nightography Zoom. The Galaxy S24 Ultra presents a broad range of possibilities, making it a device that stands out in various aspects.

It represents the pinnacle of the next-gen “ultra” premium Android experience available in the market currently. The addition of OneUI further enhances its value, as it stands out as one of the finest and most coveted Android skins. With vastly improved cameras, the Galaxy S24 Ultra boldly competes, and arguably surpasses, what is typically considered among the best in the smartphone world.

In the midst of this remarkable package, Samsung introduces a game-changer with the promise of 7 years of software update support, aligning with Apple’s renowned software longevity.

Yet, as the iPhone 16 series is already underway, only time will reveal if Samsung can sustain its position. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to individual requirements and preferences for an ultra flagship smartphone. Regardless, both devices promise to exceed expectations.