iphone 16 pro max vs samsung s24 ultra

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung S24 Ultra – a comparison

Which model to choose?
Bartek Zebrowski

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung S24 Ultra – a comparison

Which model to choose?
Bartek Zebrowski
If you are considering buying a high-end smartphone, this dilemma is very familiar to you. The iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra are models that tempt you with top-notch specifications, great cameras and long manufacturer support. However, they differ in their approach to the user, ecosystem and style of using technology. Below you will find a calm, concrete comparison to help you make an informed choice.

Differences between iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung S24 Ultra

Before we get into the details, it’s worth looking at the basic parameters of the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung S24 Ultra models.

Comparison of iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung S24 Ultra
Feature iPhone 16 Pro Max Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Screen 6.9″ OLED, 120 Hz 6.8″ AMOLED, 120 Hz
Resolution approx. 2868 × 1320 px 3088 × 1440 px
Processor Apple A18 Pro Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
RAM 8 GB 12 GB
Memory 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
Main camera 48 MP 200 MP
Additional cameras ultra-wide + telephoto ultra-wide + telephoto
Battery approx. 4700 mAh 5000 mAh
Add-ons MagSafe S Pen
System iOS Android (One UI)

The difference in philosophy is already apparent at this stage: Samsung focuses on maximum value and additional features, Apple on the consistency of the hardware with the system.

iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB Black Titanium
iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB Black Titanium
iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB White Titanium
iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB White Titanium

Screen-comfort of iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. functionality of S24 Ultra

ParamountiPhone 16 Pro MaxSamsung S24 Ultra
Diagonal6,9″6,8″
TypeOLEDDynamic AMOLED
Refresh rate120 Hz120 Hz
Resolution2868 × 13203088 × 1440

Both smartphones offer large, bright OLED screens with 120 Hz refresh rates, which are great for watching video, playing games or working with apps.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max stands out for its natural color reproduction and very pleasant smooth animation. It’s a screen that doesn’t dominate, but simply does its job well.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra goes a step further in terms of technology. Higher resolution, very high brightness and support for the S Pen stylus make this device especially appreciated by those who take notes, edit documents or work on the go.

Performance - A18 Pro vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

ParamountiPhone 16 Pro MaxSamsung S24 Ultra
ProcessorA18 ProSnapdragon 8 Gen 3
RAM8 GB12 GB
Technological process3 nm4 nm
Work styleiOS optimizationmultitasking Android

Samsung offers 12 GB of RAM, which is 4 GB more, giving you more freedom to work on multiple apps at the same time. The iPhone’s A18 Pro, on the other hand , provides very high single-threaded performance and great system optimization.

In practice, both phones are extremely fast – Samsung wins with multitasking, iPhone with stability and long-term smoothness.

Cameras - 48 MP vs 200 MP and different approaches to photography

ParamountiPhone 16 Pro MaxSamsung S24 Ultra
Main camera48 MP200 MP
Telephoto lensyesyes (more zoom options)
Ultra wideyesyes
The biggest advantagenaturalnesszoom and detail

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra impresses with its numbers – the 200 MP camera and extensive lens kit offer great versatility, especially when it comes to zooming and shooting in difficult conditions. This is a smartphone for people who like to experiment with photography.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max focuses on predictability and naturalness. Photos look realistic, and video has remained one of the iPhone’s strongest points for years. If you frequently record testimonials, reels or video footage, the difference will be noticeable.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 256GB Titanium Gray
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 256GB Titanium Gray
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 256GB Titanium Blue
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 256GB Titanium Blue

iPhone 16 Max vs Samsung S24 Ultra - which has better video?

ParamountiPhone 16 Pro MaxSamsung S24 Ultra
Max quality4K / 60 FPS (Dolby Vision)8K / 30 FPS
Stabilizationvery advancedvery good
Pro ModesProRes, LogPro Video
The biggest advantagequality and consistencyresolution

The iPhone 16 Pro Max is still one of the best smartphones for video recording. It offers very good stabilization, natural colors and professional modes like ProRes and Log.

The Samsung S24 Ultra lets you record in 8K and gives you more settings, but it’s the iPhone that more often provides a more predictable end result.

Battery and charging - numbers vs optimization

ParamountiPhone 16 Pro MaxSamsung S24 Ultra
Batteryapprox. 4700 mAh5000 mAh
Chargingca. 30 WUp to 45 W
WirelessMagSafeQi standard
Working timevery goodvery good

The Samsung S24 Ultra has a larger battery (5000 mAh) and faster charging, which you’ll appreciate with heavy use.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max makes up for it with system optimization – in practice, both models last a full day of work without a problem. The difference is most apparent with charging itself.

Which is better iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung S24 Ultra?

It depends on what you really expect from a smartphone:

  • The iPhone 16 Pro Max will be a good choice for those who value simplicity, system stability and long update support.

  • The Samsung S24 Ultra will work well for those who want more control over the phone, an S Pen stylus and expanded camera capabilities.

iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB Natural Titanium
iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB Natural Titanium
iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB Desert Titanium
iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB Desert Titanium

Refurbished iPhones and Samsungs - a flagship at a more reasonable price

If you want a top-of-the-line smartphone, but don’t want to overpay, refurbished iPhones including the 16 Pro Max and refurbished Samsung Galaxy S series available at SWOPiFY are reasonable alternatives. These are technically thoroughly tested devices, covered by a warranty and available at a much lower price than new models.

By choosing a refurbished phone, you gain not only financially. It’s also a real step toward reducing electro-waste and consuming more responsibly – without sacrificing quality and performance.

It is also worth remembering that slightly older flagships, such as the iPhone 14 Pro Max or iPhone 15 Pro Max, still offer a very high level of capabilities and are often an even better value for money.

iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB Blue Titanium
iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB Blue Titanium
iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB Natural Titanium
iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB Natural Titanium
iPhone 14 Pro Max 256GB Gold
iPhone 14 Pro Max 256GB Gold

Frequently asked questions

Is the iPhone 16 Pro Max better than the Samsung S24 Ultra?

It depends on your expectations. The iPhone offers simplicity and great video, the Samsung more features and personalization.

Samsung wins with zoom and flexibility, iPhone with naturalness of color and stabilization.

For many users, yes. Samsung offers the S Pen stylus, better multitasking and greater system flexibility. iPhone will work better for those who value simplicity and the Apple ecosystem.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max typically offers more natural colors, better stabilization and consistent effects, which is why it is often chosen by video makers. Samsung gives more options and higher 8K resolution.

Yes, provided you buy from a reliable source. At SWOPiFY, phones are tested and guaranteed.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Bartek Zebrowski

I’m passionate about refurbished electronics – I show that you can have great equipment without overpaying and without adding more electronics junk. On the blog, I share my knowledge and experience to inspire smarter and more informed technology choices.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Bartek Zebrowski

I’m passionate about refurbished electronics – I show that you can have great equipment without overpaying and without adding more electronics junk. On the blog, I share my knowledge and experience to inspire smarter and more informed technology choices.