When it comes to flagship smartphones, Apple and Samsung have always been at the top of the game. I recently got a chance to try out both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and I have to say—it’s a really close call this year. Both phones are packed with powerful features, sleek designs, and cutting-edge tech. But if you’re wondering which one is the better pick for you, here’s my honest breakdown based on real use.
Design & Build Quality
- iPhone 16 Pro Max:
Apple kept its premium titanium frame, but this time it’s slightly thinner and lighter, which feels great in the hand. The classic flat-edge design is still there, and the build screams luxury. The new Space Black finish is absolutely stunning. - Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra:
Samsung has finally switched to a titanium frame too, and it gives the phone a solid, sturdy feel. The curved edges are gone, replaced with flatter sides—more practical, in my opinion. It’s a big phone, but the weight is well balanced.
Display
- iPhone 16 Pro Max:
You get a gorgeous 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with ProMotion (120Hz). Colors are vibrant, and it’s perfect for streaming and gaming. Apple’s adaptive refresh rate works smoothly and saves battery too. - S24 Ultra:
Samsung’s 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is just jaw-dropping. With a peak brightness of 2600 nits and 1-120Hz refresh rate, it’s arguably the best screen on any phone right now. Watching videos on this is pure bliss.
Camera
- iPhone 16 Pro Max:
Apple added a new 48MP main sensor with improved low-light performance. The photonic engine and Smart HDR 5 make photos look super natural. Portraits are sharper and more detailed now, and the 5x telephoto lens is a big improvement. - S24 Ultra:
Samsung took it up a notch with a 200MP main sensor. It sounds like overkill, but the results are insane—especially in good lighting. You also get 10x optical zoom (plus digital zoom up to 100x), which is great for wildlife or travel shots.
Performance
- iPhone 16 Pro Max:
Powered by the A18 Pro chip, this phone flies through everything. Whether it’s gaming, editing videos, or multitasking—it never slows down. iOS 18 is snappy, and now with AI features built-in, it’s smarter than ever. - S24 Ultra:
With the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip (even in international models this time), the S24 Ultra is a beast. Samsung’s One UI 6.1 is cleaner and faster, and the added Galaxy AI tools like real-time translation and note summarization are super handy.
Battery Life
Both phones are excellent when it comes to battery life.
- I got a full day easily on the iPhone 16 Pro Max with heavy use, and sometimes even more.
- The S24 Ultra is slightly better in standby time and also charges faster, thanks to 45W fast charging (compared to Apple’s 27W).
Extras & Unique Features
- iPhone 16 Pro Max:
New AI features integrated into Siri, tighter ecosystem with Mac and Apple Watch, and the Action Button is now customizable. Still no USB-C port for regular users though. - S24 Ultra:
S Pen support is a game-changer if you’re into taking notes or designing. Samsung DeX is useful for turning your phone into a mini desktop, and yes—it has USB-C!
Final Thoughts – Which One Should You Buy?
If you’re deep into the Apple ecosystem and love that smooth, polished iOS experience, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is a no-brainer. It’s fast, beautiful, and extremely reliable.
But if you want a phone that pushes boundaries with features, customization, and camera versatility, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is an absolute powerhouse.
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either. It just depends on what you value more in a phone—simplicity and ecosystem (iPhone) or raw power and flexibility (Samsung).
Where to Buy These Phones (Best Deals Below)
If you’re planning to buy the iPhone 16 Pro Max or the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, I’ve added the best links below where you can check the latest prices and deals.
These are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. It helps me keep this blog running. Thanks for your support!
👉 Buy iPhone 16 Pro Max – Check Latest Price on Amazon
👉 Buy Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Check Latest Price on Amazon