Choosing between the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S24 Ultra can be challenging given their impressive specs. Both smartphones represent the pinnacle of technology in their respective brands. To make your decision easier, let’s dive into a detailed comparison based on real data.
Design and Build Quality
iPhone 16 Pro Max
The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a sleek design with dimensions of 163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm and weighs 227 g. It has a glass front and back made from Corning’s ceramic shield, with a titanium frame (grade 5). This combination makes it both stylish and durable. The phone is IP68 dust/water resistant, able to withstand submersion in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes.
Galaxy S24 Ultra
In contrast, the Galaxy S24 Ultra has dimensions of 162.3 x 79 x 8.6 mm and weighs slightly more at 232-233 g. It also features a glass front and back, but uses Corning Gorilla Armor. The frame is titanium (grade 2), which is slightly less robust compared to the iPhone’s frame. The Galaxy S24 Ultra is also IP68 rated but offers less water resistance, handling submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes.
iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S24 Ultra based on the specifications provided
| Feature | iPhone 16 Pro Max | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Network Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| Launch Date | Announced: September 9, 2024 | Announced: January 17, 2024 |
| Body Dimensions | 163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm | 162.3 x 79 x 8.6 mm |
| Weight | 227 g | 232-233 g |
| Build | Ceramic Shield glass front/back, titanium frame | Gorilla Armor glass front/back, titanium frame |
| SIM | Nano-SIM, eSIM (dual for some regions) | Nano-SIM, eSIM (dual for some regions) |
| Water/Dust Resistance | IP68 (up to 6m for 30 min) | IP68 (up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| Display Type | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+ |
| Display Size | 6.9 inches | 6.8 inches |
| Display Resolution | 1320 x 2868 pixels (~460 ppi) | 1440 x 3120 pixels (~505 ppi) |
| Peak Brightness | 2000 nits | 2600 nits |
| OS | iOS 18 | Android 14, One UI 6.1.1 |
| Chipset | Apple A18 Pro (3 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) |
| CPU | Hexa-core (2×4.04 GHz + 4×2.X GHz) | Octa-core (1×3.39 GHz Cortex-X4 + others) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (6-core graphics) | Adreno 750 (1 GHz) |
| RAM/Storage | 8GB RAM, 256GB/512GB/1TB storage | 12GB RAM, 256GB/512GB/1TB storage |
| Main Camera | 48 MP (wide), 12 MP (telephoto), 48 MP (ultrawide), TOF 3D LiDAR | 200 MP (wide), 10 MP (3x telephoto), 50 MP (5x periscope telephoto), 12 MP (ultrawide) |
| Selfie Camera | 12 MP, SL 3D sensor | 12 MP, dual pixel PDAF |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 120fps, Dolby Vision, ProRes | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@60fps, HDR10+ |
| Battery Capacity | Non-removable, Li-Ion | 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Charging Speed | Wired: 50% in 30 min (PD2.0), 25W wireless (MagSafe) | Wired: 45W, 65% in 30 min, 15W wireless charging |
| Reverse Charging | 4.5W reverse wired | 4.5W reverse wireless |
| Colors | Black, White, Natural, Desert Titanium | Titanium Black, Gray, Violet, Yellow, Blue, Green, Orange |
| Price | ~$0.01 (Deals) | ₹99,899 (~$859) |
This table provides a quick comparison of the major features and specifications of both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S24 Ultra, helping you identify which aspects suit your needs best.
Display Quality
iPhone 16 Pro Max
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 6.9-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 1320 x 2868 pixels. It supports a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10, Dolby Vision, offering a peak brightness of 2000 nits. This display is known for its excellent color accuracy and sharpness.
Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a higher resolution of 1440 x 3120 pixels. It also supports a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+, with a peak brightness of 2600 nits. The S24 Ultra’s screen provides even more vibrant colors and better visibility in bright conditions.
Camera Capabilities
iPhone 16 Pro Max
The iPhone 16 Pro Max comes with a versatile triple-camera system. It includes a 48 MP main sensor, a 12 MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a 48 MP ultrawide lens. The additional TOF 3D LiDAR scanner enhances depth perception. It supports 4K video recording at up to 120fps and offers features like Night mode and ProRAW.
Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts a more advanced camera setup. It features a 200 MP main sensor, a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, a 50 MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a 12 MP ultrawide lens. The Galaxy S24 Ultra supports 8K video recording at 24fps and offers additional features like auto-HDR and laser autofocus.
Performance
iPhone 16 Pro Max
Powered by the Apple A18 Pro chip, the iPhone 16 Pro Max delivers exceptional performance. It features a hexa-core CPU and a 6-core GPU, ensuring smooth operation and high efficiency. The device excels in gaming and multitasking, thanks to its advanced processor.
Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU and Adreno 750 GPU. This setup provides powerful performance, comparable to the iPhone, with excellent gaming and multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
iPhone 16 Pro Max
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a sizable battery that supports wired charging with PD2.0, capable of reaching 50% charge in 30 minutes. It also supports 25W wireless charging via MagSafe and 15W wireless charging in China. Its battery life is robust enough for a full day of intensive use.
Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a larger 5000 mAh battery. It supports 45W wired charging, reaching 65% in 30 minutes, and 15W wireless charging. The battery is designed to last through heavy use and supports 4.5W reverse wireless charging.
Software and Features
iPhone 16 Pro Max
The iPhone 16 Pro Max runs on iOS 18, offering a smooth and intuitive user experience. It includes features like Face ID for secure authentication, and Apple Pay for easy transactions. The phone supports emergency SOS and Find My via satellite.
Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Galaxy S24 Ultra operates on Android 14 with One UI 6.1.1. It provides a customizable user interface with features like Samsung DeX for desktop-like experiences. The phone supports fingerprint authentication and offers Samsung Wireless DeX.
Price and Value
iPhone 16 Pro Max
The iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at a price of around $0.01 in some deals, reflecting its premium positioning. It offers a high level of integration with Apple’s ecosystem, which adds value for existing Apple users.
Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is priced at approximately ₹99,899 ($859), making it a slightly more affordable option compared to the iPhone. It offers extensive features, especially for photography enthusiasts, and is a strong competitor in the high-end market.
Conclusion
Both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S24 Ultra are excellent choices, each with its strengths. The iPhone excels in build quality, seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem, and optimized performance. The Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out with its superior camera system, high-resolution display, and larger battery capacity. Your choice will depend on which features align best with your needs and preferences.
