iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (2026): Which Is Still Worth Buying?
In 2026, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the better all-rounder for most buyers thanks to its longer software runway (Android updates through ~2031), built-in S Pen, brighter 2,600-nit display and faster 45W charging, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max wins for anyone in the Apple ecosystem who wants the most stable video recording and effortless iOS-to-Mac continuity. Both launched in 2024, both have since dropped well below their original $1,199 price, and both remain excellent flagships that are now best bought refurbished or certified pre-owned.
In a hurry? Jump to the quick verdict, the full spec comparison, camera shoot-out, software & longevity, or the FAQ.
The quick verdict: which one should you buy?
These two phones target very different buyers, so the honest answer is "it depends on your ecosystem." If you are already inside iMessage, FaceTime, an Apple Watch and a Mac, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the obvious pick and nothing here will change that. If you live on Android, want a stylus, or simply value flexibility, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the stronger long-term buy.
- Buy the Galaxy S24 Ultra if you want the longest update support, an S Pen, a brighter screen for outdoor use, a 5x periscope telephoto, faster charging and the freedom of Android.
- Buy the iPhone 15 Pro Max if you shoot a lot of video, rely on iMessage/FaceTime, want the smoothest hand-off to other Apple devices, or simply prefer iOS.
- Buying in 2026? Both are now value flagships. Refurbished 256GB units typically land around $525-$680 (iPhone) and $650-$800 (S24 Ultra), so confirm battery health before you pay.
Also Read: iPhone 14 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
Design and build
Both phones moved to a titanium frame in 2024, and both feel reassuringly premium. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the lighter of the two at 221 g versus the S24 Ultra's 233 g, and its 6.7-inch flat OLED sits in a slightly more compact body. Apple also rates it for deeper water resistance (IP68 to 6 m for 30 minutes) than the S24 Ultra's IP68 to 1.5 m, though in practice both shrug off rain, splashes and a brief dunk.
Samsung's advantage is the flat 6.8-inch display fronted by Gorilla Glass Armor, which noticeably cuts glare and is easier to read outdoors. The Galaxy is also the only one of the two with a built-in S Pen tucked into the body, an under-display fingerprint sensor, and a microSD-free but more customizable hardware package. Apple counters with Face ID (3D facial recognition), the Action Button and Dolby Vision-friendly haptics.
Display
The displays are close on paper and both run at a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, but they diverge in two meaningful ways. The Galaxy S24 Ultra's Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel is the brighter of the two, hitting roughly 2,600 nits peak versus the iPhone's 2,000 nits, and its higher QHD+ resolution (1440 x 3120) gives it a denser ~501 ppi. That extra brightness and the anti-reflective Gorilla Glass Armor make the S24 Ultra easier to use in direct sunlight.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max's OLED, at 1290 x 2796 (~460 ppi), is still gorgeous, colour-accurate and supports Dolby Vision, which the Galaxy does not. Samsung answers with HDR10+ support that Apple omits. Unless you watch a lot of one specific HDR format, both screens are flagship-class and you will be happy with either.
Performance
The iPhone 15 Pro Max runs Apple's A17 Pro (3 nm), while the Galaxy S24 Ultra uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (4 nm) paired with 12GB of RAM versus the iPhone's 8GB. In day-to-day use both are blisteringly fast and neither will feel slow for years.
In benchmarks the two trade blows. The A17 Pro leads on single-core CPU performance, which keeps the iPhone feeling snappy in bursty tasks, while the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 pulls ahead in sustained GPU/graphics tests like 3DMark Wild Life, making the S24 Ultra a touch stronger for long gaming sessions. Multi-core scores are essentially neck and neck. For nearly everyone, the chip is not the deciding factor here, more RAM on the Samsung side simply helps keep more apps in memory.
Camera shoot-out
This is where the two phones disagree the most. The Galaxy S24 Ultra leads on hardware versatility, with a 200MP main sensor and two dedicated telephoto cameras, a 3x and a 5x periscope, that give it more reach and more flexibility for zoom photography. The iPhone 15 Pro Max counters with a 48MP main sensor and a single 5x periscope telephoto, but Apple's strength is consistency.
- Stills: The S24 Ultra captures more detail at long range and offers punchier, social-ready colours straight out of camera. The iPhone tends toward more natural skin tones and white balance.
- Video: The iPhone 15 Pro Max is still one of the best video phones on the market, with Dolby Vision HDR, ProRes, Cinematic mode and extremely stable footage. The S24 Ultra shoots up to 8K and is excellent, but the iPhone remains the safer choice for serious video.
- Zoom: Thanks to its dual telephoto setup, the Galaxy is the more capable zoom camera overall.
Bottom line on cameras: pick the S24 Ultra for zoom reach and vibrant stills, pick the iPhone for the most dependable video.
Battery and charging
The Galaxy S24 Ultra packs a larger 5,000 mAh battery against the iPhone's 4,441 mAh, yet real-world endurance between the two is closer than the numbers suggest, both comfortably last a full day for most users. Where Samsung pulls clearly ahead is charging: the S24 Ultra supports up to 45W wired charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging to top up earbuds or a watch, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max tops out around 27W wired. Both offer 15W wireless charging (and the iPhone supports MagSafe).
Software and longevity
This is the most important section if you plan to keep your phone for years. As of 2026 the iPhone 15 Pro Max runs iOS 26, and Apple's long track record means it should keep getting major updates for several more years. The Galaxy S24 Ultra now runs One UI 8 on Android 16 and is covered by Samsung's seven-year update promise, putting its support window out to around 2031, with multiple major Android upgrades still to come.
In short, both are safe long-term buys. The Galaxy has a slightly longer guaranteed runway on paper, while the iPhone benefits from Apple's history of supporting devices well past their stated window. Galaxy AI and Apple Intelligence both add on-device and cloud AI features, so neither side is short on modern smarts.
Also Read: Samsung One UI 8.5 Beta: What's New and When to Expect It
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Galaxy S24 Ultra: full spec comparison
| Specification | Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7" OLED, 120Hz | 6.8" Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz |
| Resolution / Density | 1290 x 2796 px, ~460 ppi | 1440 x 3120 px, ~501 ppi |
| Peak Brightness | ~2000 nits | ~2600 nits |
| Chipset | Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (4 nm) |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB |
| Main Camera | 48 MP wide, f/1.8, sensor-shift OIS | 200 MP wide, f/1.7, OIS |
| Telephoto | 12 MP 5x periscope | 10 MP 3x + 50 MP 5x periscope |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP, 120° | 12 MP, 120° |
| Front Camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Max Video | 4K@60fps, Dolby Vision, ProRes | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps, HDR10+ |
| Battery | 4441 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Wired Charging | ~27W | 45W |
| Wireless Charging | 15W (MagSafe) | 15W + 4.5W reverse |
| Build | Titanium, IP68 (6 m) | Titanium, IP68 (1.5 m) |
| Weight | 221 g | 233 g |
| Biometrics | Face ID (3D) | Ultrasonic in-display fingerprint |
| Stylus | No | Built-in S Pen |
| HDR Formats | Dolby Vision, HDR10 | HDR10+, HDR10 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| OS (2026) | iOS 26 | One UI 8 / Android 16 |
| Update Support | Multi-year iOS updates | 7 years (through ~2031) |
| Launch Price | $1,199 | $1,299 |
How we compared
We based this comparison on hands-on time with both phones plus the manufacturers' official specifications and independent lab testing from trusted reviewers. We cross-checked display brightness, charging speeds, camera hardware and benchmark results (Geekbench, 3DMark) against multiple sources rather than relying on a single figure, and we refreshed every claim for 2026, including the current software versions (iOS 26 and One UI 8 / Android 16), the remaining update windows, and today's typical refurbished pricing. Where a precise number varies between sources, we describe it qualitatively rather than overstate a spec. We did not let brand loyalty pick a winner; the recommendation flows from what each phone does best for a specific kind of buyer.
Related reading
Bottom line
The iPhone 15 Pro Max and Galaxy S24 Ultra are both still genuinely great phones in 2026, and you will not be disappointed with either. For most buyers, especially anyone on Android, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the smarter long-term choice: it offers a brighter screen, an S Pen, more zoom flexibility, faster charging and an update runway that stretches toward 2031. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the one to pick if you are committed to Apple's ecosystem or want the most reliable video camera in your pocket. Since both have fallen well below launch pricing, the best value play now is a clean, battery-healthy refurbished unit in whichever ecosystem you already call home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the iPhone 15 Pro Max or Galaxy S24 Ultra better in 2026?
For most buyers the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the better all-rounder in 2026 thanks to its longer update support (through roughly 2031), built-in S Pen, brighter 2,600-nit display and faster 45W charging. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the better pick if you are in the Apple ecosystem or want the most reliable video recording. Neither is a bad choice.
Which has the better camera, the iPhone 15 Pro Max or the S24 Ultra?
It depends on what you shoot. The S24 Ultra's 200MP sensor and dual telephoto cameras give it more zoom reach and punchier stills, making it the more versatile photo phone. The iPhone 15 Pro Max remains the stronger choice for video, with Dolby Vision, ProRes and exceptionally stable footage.
Which phone charges faster?
The Galaxy S24 Ultra charges faster, supporting up to 45W wired charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. The iPhone 15 Pro Max tops out around 27W wired. Both support 15W wireless charging, and the iPhone adds MagSafe.
How long will each phone get software updates?
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is covered by Samsung's seven-year update promise, which extends support to roughly 2031. The iPhone 15 Pro Max runs iOS 26 in 2026 and, based on Apple's history, should continue receiving major iOS updates for several more years.
Are both phones water resistant?
Yes. Both carry an IP68 rating. Apple rates the iPhone 15 Pro Max for submersion up to 6 m for 30 minutes, while Samsung rates the S24 Ultra to 1.5 m. In everyday use, both handle rain, splashes and brief submersion without trouble.
Does the Galaxy S24 Ultra still come with an S Pen?
Yes. The Galaxy S24 Ultra has a built-in S Pen stylus that slots into the body, which is a key advantage over the iPhone 15 Pro Max for note-taking, sketching and precise editing. The iPhone does not include or support a stylus of this kind.
Which is better value to buy refurbished in 2026?
Both have dropped well below their launch prices. Refurbished 256GB iPhone 15 Pro Max units typically run around $525-$680, while comparable Galaxy S24 Ultra units land around $650-$800. The better value comes down to your ecosystem, just confirm the battery health and warranty before buying.
Do both phones support 5G and Wi-Fi 7?
Both support 5G. For Wi-Fi, the Galaxy S24 Ultra supports the newer Wi-Fi 7 standard, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max supports Wi-Fi 6E. In most homes today the difference is minor, but the S24 Ultra is slightly more future-proof on connectivity.
