The battle for smartphone supremacy continues in 2025 with Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra representing the pinnacle of mobile technology. Both devices pack cutting-edge features, premium materials, and powerful cameras, but they differ significantly in their approach to the flagship experience. This comprehensive comparison breaks down every aspect of these two titans to help you decide which deserves a place in your pocket.
Design and Build Quality: Premium Materials Face Off
Both manufacturers have embraced titanium for their flagship devices, but with different approaches. The iPhone 15 Pro Max features a grade 5 titanium frame with glass front and back panels, weighing in at 221g1. The Galaxy S24 Ultra, slightly heavier at 232-233g, utilizes grade 2 titanium with Corning’s latest Gorilla Armor protecting both front and back surfaces.
The dimensional comparison reveals interesting differences:
| Specification | iPhone 15 Pro Max | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm | 162.3 x 79 x 8.6 mm |
| Weight | 221g | 232-233g |
| Frame Material | Titanium (grade 5) | Titanium (grade 2) |
| Glass Protection | Ceramic Shield | Corning Gorilla Armor |
| Water Resistance | IP68 (6m for 30 min) | IP68 (1.5m for 30 min) |
| Color Options | Black, White, Blue, Natural Titanium | Titanium Black, Gray, Violet, Yellow, Blue, Green, Orange |
The iPhone offers superior water resistance depth (6m vs 1.5m), while the S24 Ultra provides more color options and includes S Pen functionality with full stylus integration. The S24 Ultra is noticeably larger in all dimensions, which impacts one-handed usability but provides more screen real estate.
Also read: Vivo X200s and X200 Ultra: Complete Specs, Features
Ergonomics and Handling
The iPhone’s more compact dimensions make it easier to handle one-handed, but the S24 Ultra’s squared edges and included stylus offer productivity advantages. The weight difference of approximately 12g may seem minimal on paper, but becomes noticeable during extended use.
Display Technology: Resolution vs Brightness
Both devices feature stunning displays with adaptive 120Hz refresh rates, but significant differences exist in their implementation:
| Display Feature | iPhone 15 Pro Max | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Size | 6.7 inches (110.2 cm²) | 6.8 inches (113.5 cm²) |
| Resolution | 1290 x 2796 pixels (~460 ppi) | 1440 x 3120 pixels (~505 ppi) |
| Refresh Rate | 1-120Hz adaptive | 1-120Hz adaptive |
| Peak Brightness | 2000 nits (HBM) | 2600 nits (peak) |
| Special Features | Always-On display, Dynamic Island | Always-On display, Anti-reflective coating |
The S24 Ultra offers a higher resolution display with superior pixel density (505 vs 460 ppi) and higher peak brightness at 2600 nits compared to the iPhone’s 2000 nits. However, in actual brightness measurements, the iPhone reached 1787 nits while the S24 Ultra hit 1447 nits in testing.
Real-World Display Experience
While specifications tell one story, the actual viewing experience combines multiple factors. The iPhone’s implementation of Dynamic Island provides a unique approach to notifications and system alerts, while Samsung’s anti-reflective DX coating helps with outdoor visibility despite measured lower brightness1.
Performance and Processing Power
Performance comparisons between these devices reveal different architectural approaches:
| Performance | iPhone 15 Pro Max | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) |
| CPU | 6-core (2×3.78GHz + 4×2.11GHz) | 8-core (1×3.39GHz Cortex-X4 & 3×3.1GHz + 2×2.9GHz + 2×2.2GHz) |
| GPU | Apple 6-core graphics | Adreno 750 (1 GHz) |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB |
| Storage | 256GB/512GB/1TB | 256GB/512GB/1TB |
| Storage Type | NVMe | UFS 4.0 |
| Benchmark | AnTuTu v10: 1,487,203 | AnTuTu v10: 1,823,822 |
The S24 Ultra’s higher RAM capacity (12GB vs 8GB) provides better multitasking capabilities, while its more recent release gives it an edge in benchmark performance. Apple’s vertically integrated approach with its own silicon provides optimization advantages despite fewer cores and less RAM.
Camera Systems: Megapixels vs Computational Photography
Perhaps the most significant difference between these devices lies in their camera approaches:
| Camera System | iPhone 15 Pro Max | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 24mm, 1/1.28″, OIS | 200MP, f/1.7, 24mm, 1/1.3″, OIS |
| Telephoto | 12MP, f/2.8, 120mm, 5x optical zoom | 10MP, f/2.4, 67mm, 3x optical zoom |
| Periscope | Included in telephoto | 50MP, f/3.4, 111mm, 5x optical zoom |
| Ultrawide | 12MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120° | 12MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120° |
| Special Features | LiDAR scanner, dual-tone flash | Laser autofocus, LED flash |
| Video Recording | 4K@24/30/60fps, Dolby Vision, ProRes | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@120fps, HDR10+ |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/1.9, PDAF, OIS | 12MP, f/2.2, dual pixel PDAF |
The S24 Ultra emphasizes hardware with its massive 200MP main sensor and dedicated 3x and 5x telephoto lenses. Apple focuses on computational photography with a 48MP main sensor that produces excellent results through processing rather than raw pixel count.
Photo and Video Capabilities
Samsung’s approach enables 8K video recording, which the iPhone doesn’t offer, while Apple provides Dolby Vision HDR and ProRes video options for professionals. Both phones deliver exceptional photography in good lighting, but their approaches to low-light photography and zoom capabilities differ substantially.
Software and User Experience: iOS vs One UI
The software experience represents perhaps the most fundamental difference between these devices:
| Software | iPhone 15 Pro Max | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | iOS 17 (upgradable to iOS 18.4) | Android 14 with One UI 6.1.1 |
| Update Commitment | ~5-6 years (estimated) | 7 major Android upgrades promised |
| Special Features | Dynamic Island, Emergency SOS via satellite | Samsung DeX, Circle to Search, S Pen functionality |
| AI Integration | Basic Siri functionality | Advanced on-device AI features |
| Ecosystem | Apple (iCloud, MacOS, watchOS) | Samsung/Google (Samsung Account, Windows integration) |
The S24 Ultra promises longer software support with seven years of major Android updates1. Samsung’s One UI adds productivity features like DeX desktop mode and S Pen integration, while Apple offers seamless ecosystem integration with other Apple devices and services.
Battery Life and Charging: Capacity vs Optimization
Battery specifications reveal notable differences in capacity and charging capabilities:
| Battery | iPhone 15 Pro Max | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4441 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Wired Charging | PD2.0, 50% in 30 min | 45W, PD3.0, 65% in 30 min |
| Wireless Charging | 15W (MagSafe), 15W (Qi2) | 15W (Qi) |
| Reverse Charging | 4.5W wired | 4.5W wireless |
| Battery Life Testing | Active use score: 16:01h | Active use score: 13:49h |
| Endurance Rating | 118h | Not specified |
Despite the iPhone’s smaller battery capacity (4441mAh vs 5000mAh), it achieved a better active use score in testing (16:01h vs 13:49h). The S24 Ultra offers faster wired charging at 45W compared to the iPhone’s lower power but still achieves approximately the same charging rate (50% vs 65% in 30 minutes).
Connectivity and Special Features
Both phones offer extensive connectivity options:
| Connectivity | iPhone 15 Pro Max | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| 5G Support | Sub-6GHz, mmWave (model dependent) | Sub-6GHz, mmWave (model dependent) |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| GPS | L1+L5, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| USB | Type-C 3.2 Gen 2, DisplayPort | Type-C 3.2, DisplayPort 1.2, OTG |
| Special Features | UWB, Emergency SOS via satellite | Samsung DeX, UWB, Circle to Search |
The Samsung Galaxy S24, S24 Plus –includes the newer Wi-Fi 7 standard and supports Samsung DeX for desktop-like functionality1. The iPhone offers more comprehensive GPS support with L1+L5 bands and satellite connectivity for emergency situations in areas without cellular coverage.
Price and Value Comparison
Value assessment extends beyond the initial purchase price:
| Pricing | iPhone 15 Pro Max | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price (April 2025) | ~$607.95 / ₹124,900 | ~$668.95 / ₹92,140 |
| Storage Options | 256GB/512GB/1TB | 256GB/512GB/1TB |
| Included Accessories | USB-C cable | USB-C cable, S Pen (built-in) |
| Trade-in Value | Typically higher | Typically lower |
While starting prices vary by region, the iPhone generally commands a higher price in most markets but also tends to retain value better over time. The S24 Ultra includes the S Pen as an integrated feature, adding value for productivity-focused users.
Who Should Buy Which Phone?
Choose the iPhone15 Pro Max if:
- You’re already invested in the Apple ecosystem
- Battery life is your primary concern
- You prefer a slightly more compact, lighter device
- Video recording capability is important to you
- You value water resistance at greater depths
- Long-term resale value is important
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra if:
- You want the highest resolution display and camera
- S Pen functionality would benefit your workflow
- You prefer the customization options of Android
- You value the desktop-like experience of Samsung DeX
- You need the latest connectivity standards like Wi-Fi 7
- You prefer a device with more RAM for multitasking
Conclusion: Two Different Approaches to Excellence
The iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra represent different philosophies in smartphone design. Apple prioritizes integration, optimization, and ecosystem benefits with impressive battery efficiency despite lower raw specifications. Samsung focuses on pushing hardware boundaries with higher resolution displays, more powerful cameras, and productivity features like the S Pen and DeX.
Your choice ultimately depends on your ecosystem preferences, specific feature needs, and whether you prioritize the iOS or Android experience. Both phones deliver exceptional performance and stand as technological showcases for their respective platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has better camera quality?
Both offer excellent cameras, but the S24 Ultra provides more versatility with its 200MP main sensor and dual telephoto lenses. The iPhone excels in video recording with ProRes and Dolby Vision support.
How do the displays compare?
The S24 Ultra features a higher resolution display (505 ppi vs 460 ppi) and claimed higher peak brightness, but in testing, the iPhone actually measured brighter.
Which phone will receive updates longer?
Samsung officially promises 7 years of major Android updates for the S24 Ultra. Apple doesn’t specify but typically supports devices for 5-6 years.
Can I use these phones underwater?
Both have IP68 ratings, but the iPhone is rated for deeper water resistance (6m vs 1.5m for 30 minutes).
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