Quick Verdict
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra — best for power users who want the largest zoom range, S Pen productivity, and a highly configurable Android experience. Strong camera versatility (200MP main + two telephotos) and long battery life. Samsung br
- iPhone 16 Pro Max — best for iOS users who want excellent video, deep Apple ecosystem integration, and long-term software support; stronger single-core CPU performance and a polished system camera/video pipeline. Note: Apple moved on to newer models in 2025 and the 16 Pro line has been discontinued by Apple’s storefronts in some regions. Apple+1
At-a-Glance Comparison Table
| Category | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Launch / Availability | Announced Jan 2024 · Available Jan 31, 2024. PhoneArena | Announced Sep 9, 2024 · Released Sep 20, 2024. Apple |
| OS (out of box) | Android 14 → One UI 6.1 (upgradable). | iOS 18 → (later iOS updates available). Samsung br+1 |
| Display | 6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, QHD+ (≈3088×1440), LTPO, 1–120 Hz, ~2600 nits peak. Samsung br | 6.9″ Super Retina XDR OLED, 2868×1320 px (460 ppi), ProMotion up to 120 Hz, 2000 nits peak (outdoor burst). Apple Support |
| SoC | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (4 nm) — global configuration. Samsung br | Apple A18 Pro (custom Apple silicon) — highest single-core CPU performance in many benchmarks. Apple |
| RAM | 12 GB LPDDR5X (typical top-end config). Samsung br | 8 GB LPDDR5X. Wikipedia |
| Storage options | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0). Samsung br | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe). Apple |
| Main camera(s) | Quad: 200 MP main (wide), 12 MP ultra-wide, 10 MP 3x tele, 50 MP periscope 5x (optical) — multi-camera zoom system. Columbia Information Technology | Triple: 48 MP main (with computational improvements), 48 MP ultra-wide, 12 MP periscope tele (improved), plus LiDAR on Pro models. PhoneArena |
| Front camera | ~12 MP, wide, dual-pixel / good low light. Samsung br | 12 MP TrueDepth with new computational improvements. Apple Support |
| Video | Up to 8K recording (main sensor), advanced AI and editing tools in One UI (Generative Edit). Samsung br | Pro video features, Cinematic modes, ProRes options; up to 4K/60 (some models support higher depending on codec/settings). Apple |
| Battery | ~5,000 mAh (typical), long-lasting in heavy use; wireless charging + reverse Wireless PowerShare. Samsung br | Larger battery than previous iPhones (model-dependent), MagSafe / Qi2 wireless charging, USB-C with fast charge. (Apple lists charging guidance). Apple Support |
| Biometrics | Under-display ultrasonic fingerprint + face unlock (software). Samsung br | Face ID (TrueDepth Face Unlock). Apple |
| Materials & build | Titanium frame (Ultra), Gorilla Glass Armor front, IP68 dust/water. Samsung br | Grade 5 Titanium (Pro series), Ceramic Shield front (as Apple denotes), IP68. Apple |
| Extras | Built-in S Pen (note taking & Air actions); Wi-Fi 7 support; extensive Galaxy AI features. Samsung br | Apple Intelligence features, Deep iCloud-AI integration, USB-C (with high bandwidth on Pro), long app ecosytem. Apple |
| Launch price (USD) | From ~$1,299 (base S24 Ultra at launch). Lifewire | From $1,199 (iPhone 16 Pro Max base). Apple |
| Who it’s for | Power Android users, photographers wanting long zoom ranges and S Pen users. | Users invested in Apple ecosystem, creators wanting video workflows, buyers who prefer iOS. The Guardian+1 |
Note: small spec variations (AV metrics, peak brightness numbers, codecs) can vary slightly by region and firmware updates — the table above uses manufacturer and major review sources as references. Samsung br+1
Deep Dive — Design & Display
Samsung S24 Ultra
- Flat 6.8″ QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, LTPO 1–120Hz, extreme peak brightness for HDR and readability outdoors; titanium frame and Gorilla Glass Armor for durability. Great for color-accurate editing and long sessions. Samsung br
iPhone 16 Pro Max
- 6.9″ Super Retina XDR OLED, ProMotion up to 120Hz, Apple’s color and brightness tuning with a very bright outdoor mode and accurate color reproduction — excellent for video color grading and HDR view. Apple emphasizes natural color profile and consistent video capture pipeline. Apple Support+1
Design note: The S24 Ultra is heavier (large battery + S Pen), while the iPhone 16 Pro Max is typically slightly lighter but larger in footprint; Apple’s titanium finish aims for lighter strength.
Deep Dive — Cameras & Imaging
Samsung S24 Ultra
- Main system: 200 MP main sensor (large sensor, pixel binning), very capable ultra-wide, and two distinct telephoto lenses (3x + 5x periscope) giving flexible optical zoom up to 100x hybrid. Excellent for distant subjects and high-resolution crops. Samsung’s software emphasizes detailed stills and zoom performance. Columbia Information Technology
iPhone 16 Pro Max
- Main system: Apple’s computational pipeline produces excellent color, dynamic range and video quality. The 48 MP/48 MP setup (depending on the subcamera configuration) with improved telephoto/periscope on Pro Max closes the gap on zoom—Apple focuses on natural color and video-centric tools (Cinematic, ProRes). PhoneArena+1
Winner (camera): depends on needs — S24 Ultra favors zoom & sheer resolution; iPhone 16 Pro Max favors video, color consistency and system-level editing. Both are top in 2024 flagship camera lists. The Guardian+1
Performance & Benchmarks
- CPU/GPU: A18 Pro in the iPhone typically outperforms in single-core CPU workloads and is very efficient; Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (the Galaxy’s tuned variant) offers stellar multi-core throughput and GPU performance for Android tasks, gaming, and heavy multitasking. Real-world: both handle anything mobile users will throw at them — gaming, editing, multitasking. Samsung br+1
- RAM & storage: Samsung gives more RAM (12 GB) in top SKUs vs Apple’s 8 GB, but iOS memory management differs — both feel fluid. Storage options extend to 1TB on both lines for power users.
Battery & Charging
- S24 Ultra: ~5000 mAh battery — excellent endurance in daily mixed use; supports fast wired charging, wireless charging and reverse wireless share. Samsung br
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: larger than prior Apple batteries with strong real-world endurance for streaming/gaming; MagSafe & Qi2 wireless charging plus fast wired charging with USB-C (speeds depend on adapter). Apple provides conservative fast-charge figures in its tech docs. Apple Support+1
Software & Longevity
- Samsung: Ships with One UI on Android 14; Samsung commits to multiple major Android updates and long security support (Samsung’s extended update policy). Strong integration with Galaxy AI features and Samsung Notes (S Pen). Samsung br
- Apple: iOS 18 with Apple Intelligence features; historically leads in long-term OS updates (7+ years on flagship hardware). Deep ecosystem integration (iCloud, Continuity, AirDrop, Apple Pro apps). Apple
Pros & Cons (short)
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Pros: Top zoom system, 200MP main, S Pen productivity, large battery, Wi-Fi 7, customizable Android.
Cons: Big/heavy, expensive, Android app ecosystem still isn’t iOS for some creators.
iPhone 16 Pro Max
Pros: Excellent video & color pipeline, top single-core CPU, polished ecosystem, Pro user workflows.
Cons: Pricey, less RAM on paper, and (as of 2025) Apple has shifted focus to newer models; you may find discounts but less direct Apple stock availability. TechRadar
Buying Advice & Use Cases
- Pick S24 Ultra if you: photograph wildlife/sports (long zoom), want an S Pen for notes/drawing, or prefer Android customization. Columbia Information Technology
- Pick iPhone 16 Pro Max if you: shoot professional video, are embedded in Apple ecosystem (Mac/iPad/Final Cut/Logic), or prefer consistent software updates and resale value. PhoneArena
FAQ (SEO & Schema-Ready)
Q1 — Which phone has better camera zoom?
A: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has a distinct advantage with two telephoto cameras (3x and 5x optical) plus a high-res 200MP sensor for detailed crops and hybrid zoom. Columbia Information Technology
Q2 — Which is better for video creators?
A: The iPhone 16 Pro Max is often preferred for video due to Apple’s processing pipeline, ProRes support, and ecosystem integration. The S24 Ultra is still excellent and offers more flexible zoom for specific shots. PhoneArena+1
Q3 — Are there significant battery differences?
A: The S24 Ultra’s ~5000 mAh battery typically results in longer screen-on time in heavy use, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max is optimized for efficiency and excels in mixed-use scenarios. Samsung br+1
Q4 — Is the iPhone 16 Pro Max discontinued?
A: After Apple released the iPhone 17 series, Apple’s store removed some older Pro listings and several retailers started discounting/clearing iPhone 16 Pro inventory. News outlets reported the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max being discontinued from Apple’s storefront in 2025. Check Apple’s regional store for current availability. TechRadar
