Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
SD8 Gen 3 · 200MP · Galaxy AI debut
iPhone 17 Pro Max
A19 Pro · 6.9″ OLED · IP68
iPhone 17 Pro Max takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra lands at 93 and iPhone 17 Pro Max at 96. That puts iPhone 17 Pro Max ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra if…
- ✓Galaxy AI Gen 1 features still useful
- ✓Titanium frame
- ✓Flat display vs curved predecessors
Pick iPhone 17 Pro Max if…
- ✓A19 Pro chip
- ✓Up to 39 hours video playback
- ✓Up to 2 TB storage
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testPhotography
TieStills and video quality across lenses
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Battery life
iPhone 17 Pro MaxScreen-on time and charging
iPhone 17 Pro Max leads on battery (92 vs 88).
Performance
iPhone 17 Pro MaxChipset speed for gaming and heavy apps
iPhone 17 Pro Max leads on cpu (98 vs 92).
Display
TiePanel quality, brightness, refresh rate
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Value for money
iPhone 17 Pro MaxSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
iPhone 17 Pro Max more score per dollar ($1,199 vs $1,299).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 2600 nits | ▲ 6.9″ OLED, 2868×1320 at 460 ppi |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy | Apple A19 Pro chip |
| RAM | 12 GB | — |
| Storage | 256 / 512 GB / 1 TB | 256 / 512 GB / 1 / 2 TB |
| Rear camera | 200 MP main + 12 MP UW + 50 MP 5× + 10 MP 3× | — |
| Battery | 5000 mAh | — |
| Charging | 45W wired, 15W wireless | ▲ 50% in 20 min with 40W adapter; MagSafe up to 25W |
| OS | One UI 6.1 | iOS 26 |
| Weight | 233 g | 233 g |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 (6 m, 30 min) |
| Battery (video) | — | Up to 39 hours |
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- +Galaxy AI Gen 1 features still useful
- +Titanium frame
- +Flat display vs curved predecessors
- −Massive at 233g
- −Tele zoom regressed from S23 Ultra
- −Premium pricing
iPhone 17 Pro Max
- +A19 Pro chip
- +Up to 39 hours video playback
- +Up to 2 TB storage
- −Premium price
- −Weighs 233 g
- −Wired charging requires 40W+ adapter
FAQ: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max
Which is better, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or iPhone 17 Pro Max? +
iPhone 17 Pro Max scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra worth the price? +
At $1,299, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in camera.
Is iPhone 17 Pro Max worth the price? +
At $1,199, iPhone 17 Pro Max delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in cpu.
Does Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or iPhone 17 Pro Max last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for battery life, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or iPhone 17 Pro Max? +
iPhone 17 Pro Max — leads on battery (92 vs 88). Screen-on time and charging.
Which is better for performance, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or iPhone 17 Pro Max? +
iPhone 17 Pro Max — leads on cpu (98 vs 92). Chipset speed for gaming and heavy apps.