The battle between Apple and Samsung continues with the release of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, a direct competitor to the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Both phones boast cutting-edge features, and the competition is fierce. Here’s a comprehensive look at how these two devices stack up iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 .
1. Pricing and Availability
Apple surprised many by keeping the pricing of the iPhone 16 Pro Max in line with its predecessor, starting at $1,200. In comparison, the Galaxy S24 Ultra starts at $1,300, making the iPhone slightly more affordable. What sets Apple apart this year is offering its best camera setup on the standard iPhone 16 Pro, a feature previously exclusive to the Pro Max model.
2. Design and Build
The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a sleek, rounded design that is not only more comfortable to hold but also lighter and thinner than the Galaxy S24 Ultra. On the other hand, Samsung maintains its ultra-boxy design, which gives it a premium, industrial feel but may not be as ergonomic as Apple’s rounded edges.
Apple introduces a new camera control button, allowing users to manage zoom, modes, and instant photo or video capture. Meanwhile, Samsung retains its iconic S Pen, offering a different kind of versatility.
3. Display
Samsung takes the lead in brightness with its 2,600-nit display, compared to Apple’s 2,000 nits. However, Apple’s Dynamic Island feature provides a more interactive experience, while Samsung offers a cleaner hole-punch design. The difference here comes down to personal preference, as both screens offer top-tier clarity and smoothness.
4. Performance
Both phones are powered by their respective industry-leading chipsets, with the iPhone 16 Pro Max using the A18 Pro chip, delivering 20% more power over last year’s model. Samsung’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip is equally powerful, though Apple has an edge in CPU performance, especially in handling high-end gaming and multitasking.
5. Camera
The iPhone 16 Pro Max ups its game with a new 48MP ultra-wide lens, improving low-light performance. Apple also brings 4K 120fps video recording with HDR and ProRes options, making it ideal for video enthusiasts. Samsung, however, maintains an advantage with its 8K video capabilities and an additional 3x telephoto zoom, offering more flexibility for photographers.
6. Battery Life
The Galaxy S24 Ultra comes with a larger 5,000mAh battery, slightly edging out the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s 4,600mAh. However, Apple’s new 3nm A18 Pro chip may help close the gap in efficiency, making real-world battery performance a close race.
In 2024, Apple delivers a phone that offers more value for its price, especially with the iPhone 16 Pro starting at $1,000. With innovative features like the camera control button and more advanced video capabilities, the iPhone might just have the edge in this year’s flagship battle.