They are closely matched: Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max scores 85/100 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra scores 84/100 in our overall comparison — within 1 point. Neither is a clear winner overall, so the decision comes down to the specific features and price that matter most to you.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max overall by 8 points (84 vs 76 out of 100).
- Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra stands out on Memory RAM capacity: 16 GB, Storage capacity: 1,024 GB, Display Size: 6.9 in.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads overall
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
84
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
76
Why it stands out
- Memory RAM capacity: 16 GB
- Storage capacity: 1,024 GB
- Display Size: 6.9 in
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jul 2026.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
This is Apple's premium smartphone targeting professional and power users who require top-tier mobile capability. It features the A19 Pro chip and advanced camera systems, making it a flagship device optimized for high performance and durability. Its inclusion of specialized software like Apple Intelligence positions it as a powerful creative and productivity tool.
Best for Mobile photography and videographyBest for Professional content creationBest for Power users utilizing AI productivity tools
Pros
- Powered by the A19 Pro chipset, which utilizes vapor cooling technology to manage heat and sustain peak performance.
- Features an advanced camera system with 48MP rear sensors and includes the longest zoom capability ever implemented on the iPhone.
- The device boasts a Durable design achieved through a heat-forged aluminum unibody enclosure, enhancing longevity and structure.
- Improves user customization with a dedicated Action button for quick access to preferred functions.
- Runs on iOS 26 and features Apple Intelligence, providing new generative AI tools like image creation and Live Translation.
Cons
- The Pro Max model is noticeably heavier than its Pro counterpart at 233g compared to the Pro’s 206g.
- While highly advanced, the device's initial focus on raw capability may overwhelm average users who only need basic communication features.
- Achieving maximum performance requires sustained use of the specialized vapor cooling system.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a flagship smartphone engineered for high-end productivity and premium performance. It runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) processor and comes equipped with an integrated S Pen stylus. Key features include a robust 5000 mAh battery, fast 60W wired charging, and up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage.
Best for Mobile productivity and document editing with an integrated stylusBest for High-performance tasks and gaming that demand the latest hardware
Pros
- Equipped with the top-tier 3 nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor
- Built-in S Pen stylus enables precise drawing and handwriting input
- Supports faster 60W wired and 25W wireless charging compared to standard models
- Generous internal storage options scaling up to 1TB
Cons
- High premium pricing makes it a very expensive investment
- Heavy slate design weighing in at 214 grams
Value for Money
Which is the better deal for the price
Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Performance
Higher benchmark score = faster
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max1,900,000
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra3,800,000
Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.
Battery capacity
Larger cell — a hardware spec, not battery life
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max4,823 mAh
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra5,000 mAh
Capacity is the raw battery size. Real-world battery life depends just as much on the processor, software and display.
Physical Comparison
Weigh them up, then compare real dimensions in 3D
Apple iPhone 17 Pro MaxSamsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is 15 g (8%) heavier than Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Review Videos
Hand-picked expert reviews for each product
Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra comparison
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra are compared side by side above across every spec in the smartphones category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 85/100 for Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and 84/100 for Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.
At launch, Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max was the more affordable option ($1199) versus Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra ($1300). Weigh that against the overall scores (85/100 vs 84/100) and the value-for-money meter above to judge whether the higher-rated model justifies its price for your needs. Current retail prices vary — check the retailer.
It's close — Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max (85/100) and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (84/100) score almost the same. Pick based on price and the individual specs that matter most to you; the comparison above shows where each one pulls ahead.
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