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The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (2024) and Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max (2026) are not same-generation rivals. Their official specifications show different strengths: Samsung lists an S Pen, two optical telephoto cameras and a 5,000mAh typical-capacity battery; Apple’s newer Pro Max offers a larger storage ceiling of 2TB and runs iOS. The official U.S. price figures available are from different years, so they do not establish which phone costs more today.
What the generation gap means
The Galaxy S24 Ultra launched in 2024, while Apple identifies the iPhone 18 Pro Max as a 2026 model. That matters when interpreting their processors, features and prices: this is a comparison between a two-year-old Samsung generation and Apple’s newer Pro generation, not a direct same-year matchup. The specifications below come from the manufacturers, not comparative hands-on testing.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. iPhone 18 Pro Max: specs at a glance
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 2024 | 2026 |
| Display | 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X; adaptive 1–120Hz refresh rate | 6.9-inch OLED; ProMotion up to 120Hz |
| Dimensions | 79 × 162.3 × 8.6 mm | 78.0 × 163.4 × 8.75 mm |
| Weight | 232–233 g, depending on cellular-market variant | 249 g |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Apple A20 Pro |
| RAM | 12GB | Not stated in Apple’s cited technical specifications |
| Storage options | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| Rear cameras | 200MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 50MP 5x optical telephoto, 10MP 3x optical telephoto | Not established in the cited Apple specifications for this comparison |
| Front camera | 12MP | Not established in the cited Apple specifications for this comparison |
| Battery information | 5,000mAh typical capacity; rated minimum 4,855mAh | Capacity not stated in the cited Apple specifications |
| Water resistance | IP68; Samsung specifies up to 1.5m in freshwater for up to 30 minutes | IP68; Apple specifies up to 6m for up to 30 minutes under IEC 60529 |
Samsung’s figures are from its Galaxy S24 series announcement and Mobile Press specifications. Apple’s figures are from its iPhone 18 Pro Max technical specifications. Water-resistance ratings are manufacturer specifications, not a promise of protection in every real-world situation.
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Apple lists a 6.9-inch display, just 0.1 inch larger diagonally than Samsung’s 6.8-inch screen. Both support refresh rates up to 120Hz, although Samsung specifies adaptive 1–120Hz and Apple describes its implementation as ProMotion. Samsung provides the QHD+ and Dynamic AMOLED 2X labels; Apple’s cited specification identifies an OLED display. Those labels alone do not establish which screen looks better in person.
#1 Best Overall
- 6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with a 1–120 Hz adaptive refresh rate and up to ~2600 nits peak brightness — delivering a bright, sharp screen with smooth scrolling and great outdoor visibility.
The phones have similar height and thickness, but different proportions. Samsung lists the S24 Ultra as 79mm wide and 162.3mm tall; Apple lists the iPhone 18 Pro Max as 78.0mm wide and 163.4mm tall. The Samsung weighs 232–233g depending on cellular-market version, compared with Apple’s listed 249g. The Samsung Mobile Press source notes that the weight varies by market variant.
How do the cameras compare?
Samsung’s published hardware offers a 200MP main camera, a 12MP ultrawide, and two optical telephoto cameras: 50MP at 5x and 10MP at 3x. The front camera is listed at 12MP. This gives the S24 Ultra two distinct optical telephoto options in its stated camera setup.
Rank #2
- 6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with a 1–120 Hz adaptive refresh rate and up to ~2600 nits peak brightness — delivering a bright, sharp screen with smooth scrolling and great outdoor visibility.
The specifications cited for this comparison do not establish the iPhone 18 Pro Max’s camera hardware in a way that supports a complete side-by-side camera comparison. Megapixel counts and lens configurations also cannot, on their own, prove which phone produces better photos or video. There is no comparative camera test here, so choose based on verified sample images and the camera features you use rather than treating the Samsung’s listed numbers as a quality verdict.
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Performance, storage and software
The S24 Ultra uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and Samsung lists 12GB of RAM. Apple lists its A20 Pro processor but does not state RAM in the cited technical specifications. These component names and memory figures do not provide a comparable performance result; no independent benchmark comparison is established here.
Rank #3
- 6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with a 1–120 Hz adaptive refresh rate and up to ~2600 nits peak brightness — delivering a bright, sharp screen with smooth scrolling and great outdoor visibility.
Both models offer 256GB, 512GB and 1TB storage configurations. The iPhone 18 Pro Max also has a 2TB option, which is the higher maximum capacity in these specifications. The operating-system choice is also central: the Galaxy runs Android with Samsung’s software and S Pen workflow, while the iPhone runs iOS. App availability, regional software features and ecosystem compatibility can affect the experience, so consider the devices and services you already use.
Battery capacity and charging
Samsung lists a 5,000mAh typical battery capacity for the S24 Ultra and a rated minimum of 4,855mAh. It says the phone can reach up to 65% charge in around 30 minutes using a 45W adapter and 5A USB-C cable, both sold separately. Samsung’s stated result comes from internal laboratory testing; actual charging varies with conditions and use. Its published information does not establish a directly comparable iPhone battery capacity, charging result or battery-life winner.
Rank #4
- 6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with a 1–120 Hz adaptive refresh rate and up to ~2600 nits peak brightness — delivering a bright, sharp screen with smooth scrolling and great outdoor visibility.
Water resistance: what the IP68 labels say
Samsung specifies IP68 resistance for the S24 Ultra based on immersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes, and says resistance may diminish with normal wear. Apple lists IP68 for the iPhone 18 Pro Max, with testing up to 6 meters for up to 30 minutes under IEC 60529. The companies describe different test depths; neither rating should be treated as a guarantee against damage in all water or wear conditions.
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The available official U.S. figures do not provide a current, like-for-like price gap. Apple announced a $1,299 starting price for the iPhone 18 Pro Max with 256GB in 2026. Samsung’s U.S. MSRP list effective October 2024 priced the unlocked S24 Ultra at $1,299.99 with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, or $1,419.99 with 12GB RAM and 512GB storage. These figures are from different dates and represent an announced starting price versus historical MSRP, not current retailer quotes.
Best Value
- 6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with a 1–120 Hz adaptive refresh rate and up to ~2600 nits peak brightness — delivering a bright, sharp screen with smooth scrolling and great outdoor visibility.
| Phone and configuration | Official U.S. figure | Date and price type |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro Max, 256GB | $1,299 | Apple-announced starting price, 2026 |
| Galaxy S24 Ultra, 12GB/256GB unlocked | $1,299.99 | Samsung U.S. MSRP, list effective October 2024 |
| Galaxy S24 Ultra, 12GB/512GB unlocked | $1,419.99 | Samsung U.S. MSRP, list effective October 2024 |
Apple said U.S. availability began September 18, 2026, with further countries and regions beginning September 25, 2026. Its U.S. launch announcement also listed Apple Trade In credit of $175–$885 for qualifying iPhone 13-or-later devices and carrier credits up to $1,200 for qualifying iPhone 14-or-later trade-ins in any condition, subject to terms. These are eligibility-dependent offer ceilings, not guaranteed reductions in the phone’s price. Samsung’s cited MSRP list is historical, and a current S24 Ultra selling price is not established here. To calculate what one costs more today, compare live offers in your country on the same date, matching storage, condition, carrier lock and trade-in terms. Sources: Apple’s September 2026 announcement and Samsung’s U.S. MSRP list effective October 2024.
Which one should you buy?
Choose the Galaxy S24 Ultra if
- You want Samsung’s listed S Pen workflow for supported tasks.
- You value the two optical telephoto options listed in its camera hardware.
- You prefer Android and Samsung’s ecosystem.
- You are considering a particular S24 Ultra offer and have confirmed its current price, storage and condition.
Choose the iPhone 18 Pro Max if
- You prefer iOS or rely on Apple devices and services.
- You want the option of up to 2TB of storage.
- You want Apple’s newer 2026 Pro Max model rather than Samsung’s 2024 flagship.
These are feature-based decision points, not a measured performance, camera or battery ranking. The best choice depends on ecosystem and workflow as much as the spec sheet.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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