As the smartphone industry continues to evolve, Apple and Samsung remain the two dominant players in the market. Representing the pinnacle of technology for iOS and Android, the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra are two of the most sought-after flagship smartphones of 2025.
But which one is superior? Which one is worth buying? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll analyze these two devices in terms of design, display, performance, camera system, battery life and charging, software ecosystem, pricing, and purchase recommendations to help you make an informed decision.
1. Key Specifications: iPhone 15 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra
| Specification | iPhone 15 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra |
| Processor | A17 Pro (3nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (4nm) |
| RAM & Storage | 8GB RAM + 256GB/512GB/1TB | 12GB/16GB RAM + 256GB/512GB/1TB |
| Display | 6.7-inch LTPO OLED, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate | 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate |
| Resolution | 2796 × 1290 (460 PPI) | 3120 × 1440 (505 PPI) |
| Cameras | 48MP (main) + 12MP (ultrawide) + 12MP (telephoto, 5x optical zoom) | 200MP (main) + 12MP (ultrawide) + 50MP (periscope telephoto, 5x optical zoom) + 10MP (3x telephoto) |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Battery | 4441mAh | 5000mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired, 15W MagSafe wireless | 45W wired, 15W wireless |
| Operating System | iOS 17 | One UI 6.1 (based on Android 14) |
| S Pen Support | N | Y |
| Price | £1199+ | £1249+ |
- iPhone 15 Pro Max excels in chipset performance and iOS ecosystem, while Galaxy S24 Ultra offers a superior camera system, larger battery, higher display resolution, and S Pen support.
- If you prefer a smooth iOS experience with long-term software support, go for the iPhone 15 Pro Max. If you want a better camera, longer battery life, and a more flexible Android experience, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the better option.
2. Design & Build: Titanium vs. Glass & Aluminum
iPhone 15 Pro Max: Lightweight and Durable Titanium Frame
The iPhone 15 Pro Max introduces a titanium alloy frame, reducing weight compared to its predecessor for a more comfortable grip. The bezels are narrower, and the Dynamic Island remains a key design feature, adding a premium touch.
- Pros:
- Titanium material is more durable and lighter (221g)
- Improved grip, reducing wrist fatigue
- IP68 water and dust resistance
- Cons:
- No S Pen support
- Slightly thicker bezels compared to Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Boxy Design with S Pen Support
The Galaxy S24 Ultra retains its boxy design with sharper edges, optimized for the S Pen, making it ideal for business professionals and note-taking enthusiasts.
- Pros:
- Higher-resolution display for sharper visuals
- Unmatched S Pen handwriting experience
- Armor Aluminum + glass build for a robust feel
- Cons:
- Heavier (233g), making prolonged use tiring
- Larger body makes one-handed operation less convenient
- If you prefer a lightweight and elegant design → iPhone 15 Pro Max
- If you need the S Pen and prefer a boxier, larger display → Galaxy S24 Ultra
3. Display: Samsung Has the Edge
| Feature | iPhone 15 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra |
| Type | LTPO OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Size | 6.7 inches | 6.8 inches |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz adaptive | 120Hz adaptive |
| Resolution | 2796 × 1290 (460 PPI) | 3120 × 1440 (505 PPI) |
| Peak Brightness | 2000 nits | 2600 nits |
Samsung continues to lead in display technology, with the S24 Ultra featuring higher brightness and resolution, while the iPhone’s color accuracy and HDR performance remain top-notch.
4. Performance: A17 Pro vs. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
Apple’s A17 Pro chip is built on a 3nm process, leading in GPU performance and power efficiency. Meanwhile, Samsung’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (for Galaxy) is the best Android chip available.
- Gaming:
- A17 Pro supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing, making Genshin Impact run more smoothly.
- S24 Ultra performs better in PUBG and Honkai: Star Rail, but consumes slightly more power.
- Daily Use:
- iOS offers a smoother and more stable experience over time.
- One UI 6.1 is highly customizable and feature-rich.
5. Camera Comparison: 200MP vs. 48MP – Which One is Better?
The Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts a 200MP main sensor and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens, delivering higher resolution photos, better zoom, and superior night mode performance.
- S24 Ultra Advantages:
- Sharper 5x optical zoom
- Higher-resolution photography for detailed shots
- AI-powered enhanced night mode
- iPhone 15 Pro Max Advantages:
- More accurate HDR colors
- Superior video stabilization with cinematic mode
- Easier for casual users to capture great photos
- For photography enthusiasts & zoom lovers → Choose S24 Ultra
- For vloggers & those who prefer accurate colors → Choose iPhone 15 Pro Ma
6. Battery Life & Charging
| Feature | iPhone 15 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra |
| Battery | 4441mAh | 5000mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired / 15W MagSafe | 45W wired / 15W wireless |
| Battery Life | Excellent | Even better |
With a larger 5000mAh battery, the S24 Ultra lasts longer and supports faster 45W wired charging, making it the better choice for battery endurance.
7. Buying Recommendation: Which One Should You Choose?
| User Type | Recommended Phone |
| iOS User & Apple Ecosystem | iPhone 15 Pro Max |
| Heavy Mobile Gamer | iPhone 15 Pro Max |
| Photography & Zoom Enthusiast | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
| Business User & S Pen Fan | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
| Needs Longer Battery Life | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
Ultimately, which flagship phone would you choose?