Galaxy S24 Ultra VS iPhone 16 Pro Max

90

Galaxy S24 Ultra

6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X 120Hz · Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 · 5000mAh · 200MP · IP68

$1299

MSRP

88

iPhone 16 Pro Max

6.9-inch OLED 120Hz · A18 Pro · 4685mAh · 48MP · IP68

$1199

MSRP

$1299

MSRP

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$1199

MSRP

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Our verdict

The Galaxy S24 Ultra takes the performance lead, 2% ahead overall, driven by its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and an AnTuTu score of 2,050,000.

On value the Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out at $1299, pairing a 200MP main camera with a 5000mAh battery.

For most buyers the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the smarter choice. One runs iOS and the other Android, so your existing apps, watch and ecosystem may matter more than the spec differences.

Performance winner

Galaxy S24 Ultra

2% faster overall

Best value for money

iPhone 16 Pro Max

9% better value per dollar

Galaxy S24 Ultra best for

Value for money

2% faster overall

Overview

The Galaxy S24 Ultra comes out ahead overall, scoring 90 to the iPhone 16 Pro Max's 88. Priced at $1299 against $1199, the choice between them is as much about budget as specs, and each phone leans toward a slightly different buyer.

Performance

For raw speed the Galaxy S24 Ultra takes the lead, with an AnTuTu score of 2,050,000 against 1,750,331, driven by its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Both feel quick in everyday use, but the gap shows up in demanding games and heavy multitasking where the faster chip pulls ahead.

Cameras

The Galaxy S24 Ultra pairs a 200MP main camera with 5x optical zoom and a 12MP front sensor. The iPhone 16 Pro Max answers with 48MP, 5x zoom and a 12MP selfie camera.

Battery and charging

Battery favours the Galaxy S24 Ultra, with a 5000mAh cell against 4685mAh. For refills the Galaxy S24 Ultra is quickest at , spending less time tied to a charger.

Display

Both use high refresh rate OLED screens. The Galaxy S24 Ultra measures 6.8" and peaks at 2600 nits, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max is 6.9" and reaches 2000 nits. Screen size and outright brightness are where they separate most.

Which should you buy

Overall the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the one we would steer most buyers toward. One runs iOS and the other Android, so your existing apps, watch and ecosystem may matter more than the spec differences. Consider the iPhone 16 Pro Max instead if a lower price matters more to you.

battery

Battery
5000mAh
4685mAh
Wireless charging
15W
25W

camera

Main camera
200MP
48MP
Optical zoom
5x
5x
Ultrawide
12MP
48MP
Front camera
12MP
12MP
Max video
8K30
4K120

display

Display size
6.8"
6.9"
Display type
Dynamic AMOLED 2X
OLED
Refresh rate
120Hz
120Hz
Peak brightness
2600 nits
2000 nits
Resolution
3120x1440
2868x1320

Performance

Chipset
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
A18 Pro
RAM
12GB
8GB
Storage
256GB
256GB

Physical

Weight
233g
227g
Thickness
8.6mm
8.25mm
Water resistance
IP68
IP68

Synthetic & compute benchmarks

Geekbench 6 (Multi-Core)
6,950 pts
8,789 pts
Geekbench 6 (Single-Core)
2,250 pts
3,285 pts
AnTuTu v11
2,050,000 pts
1,750,331 pts

Frequently asked questions

Is the Galaxy S24 Ultra better than the iPhone 16 Pro Max?

Overall the Galaxy S24 Ultra scores 90 out of 100 against the iPhone 16 Pro Max's 88, so it edges ahead on our combined rating. Even so, the two are close enough that price, size and your preferred ecosystem should also guide the decision.

Which has the better camera, the Galaxy S24 Ultra or the iPhone 16 Pro Max?

The Galaxy S24 Ultra has the stronger camera on paper, leading with a 200MP main sensor and 5x optical zoom. Both take excellent photos, but the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers more reach and flexibility.

Which has better battery life, the Galaxy S24 Ultra or the iPhone 16 Pro Max?

The Galaxy S24 Ultra carries the larger 5000mAh battery against 4685mAh, and the Galaxy S24 Ultra charges fastest at . For heavy all-day use the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the safer bet.

Which is faster, the Galaxy S24 Ultra or the iPhone 16 Pro Max?

In benchmarks the Galaxy S24 Ultra is quicker, posting an AnTuTu score of 2,050,000 against 1,750,331 thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Both handle everyday tasks smoothly, but the Galaxy S24 Ultra pulls ahead in demanding games.

Should I buy the Galaxy S24 Ultra or the iPhone 16 Pro Max?

For most buyers the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the smarter pick, balancing performance, features and price. One runs iOS and the other Android, so your existing apps, watch and ecosystem may matter more than the spec differences. Choose the iPhone 16 Pro Max if a lower price is your priority.

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