Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Not rated yet
US launch / reference: $1,299.99
Manufacturer source ↗Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
An overall editorial verdict is not available for this pair yet. Your priorities and current prices can change the better choice.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
Not rated yet
US launch / reference: $1,299
US availability: September 18, 2026
Manufacturer source ↗Start with the tradeoffs
Consider Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra for
- Separate 3x and 5x telephoto cameras
- Built-in Privacy Display
- 1 TB storage option
Tradeoff: 214 g body with a 6.9-inch display
Consider Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max for
- Variable-aperture main camera with four aperture settings
- Dedicated 48 MP 4x telephoto camera
- 6.9-inch display with adaptive refresh up to 120 Hz
Tradeoff: 249 g body
Scores and judgments are editorial. Specdex does not run an in-house benchmark lab. Manufacturer claims and independent measurements may use different test conditions.
Specifications side by side
Arrows indicate a higher capacity, higher power rating, or lower weight/time for comparable simple quantities. They do not establish overall product quality. Unknown values remain unavailable.
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy (US models) | Apple A20 Pro; 6-core CPU, 7-core GPU, dual 16-core Neural Engine |
| Display | 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X; adaptive 1–120 Hz; built-in Privacy Display | 6.9-inch OLED; 2868 × 1320; adaptive refresh up to 120 Hz; Always-On |
| Memory and storage | 12 GB RAM with 256 or 512 GB storage; 16 GB RAM with 1 TB | Not documented |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh typical | Apple-rated video playback: up to 45 hours; actual use varies |
| Cameras | 200 MP wide + 50 MP ultrawide + 10 MP 3x telephoto + 50 MP 5x telephoto; 12 MP front | Not documented |
| Weight | ↑ 214 g | 249 g |
| Charging | Up to 60 W wired; up to 25 W wireless; power adapter sold separately | Not documented |
| OS | Android 16 with One UI 8.5 | iOS 27 |
| IP rating | IP68; manufacturer test: up to 1.5 m fresh water for 30 minutes | IP68; Apple test: 6 m for up to 30 minutes |
| Storage | Not documented | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB or 2 TB |
| Rear cameras | Not documented | 48 MP main with f/1.48, f/1.8, f/2.8 and f/4.0 apertures; 48 MP ultrawide; 48 MP 4x telephoto |
| Front camera | Not documented | 18 MP Center Stage; f/1.9; autofocus |
| Dimensions | Not documented | 163.4 × 78.0 × 8.75 mm (H × W × D) |
| Wireless charging | Not documented | MagSafe and Qi2 up to 25 W; charger sold separately |
| Connectivity | Not documented | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread; US sub-6 GHz and mmWave 5G |
| Port | Not documented | USB-C; USB 3 up to 10 Gb/s; DisplayPort |
| Biometrics and SIM | Not documented | Face ID; dual eSIM; no physical SIM slot in US models |
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Prices & availability
US launch / reference: $1,299.99. This is not a current retailer offer.
Checking current offers…
Price history
History appears when an approved retailer provides observations.
Prices apply to the listed configuration and condition. Tax and shipping are not included unless the retailer states otherwise.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
Prices & availability
US launch / reference: $1,299. This is not a current retailer offer.
Checking current offers…
Price history
History appears when an approved retailer provides observations.
Prices apply to the listed configuration and condition. Tax and shipping are not included unless the retailer states otherwise.