Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. IPhone 17 Pro Max: A Clash of Titans
Samsung has unveiled its Galaxy S26 series, with the Galaxy S26 Ultra poised to be a leading Android phone. It directly competes with Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max. This comparison delves into the key differences between these flagship devices.
Design and Build: Subtle Shifts
Samsung’s design for the Galaxy S26 Ultra features more rounded corners, though not as pronounced as the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Both phones utilize aluminum frames, moving away from titanium. The Galaxy S26 Ultra measures 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm and weighs 214g, although the iPhone 17 Pro Max is slightly heavier at 233g with dimensions of 163.4 x 78 x 8.75 mm. The S26 Ultra is lighter and thinner. Both devices are IP68 water and dust resistant, though Samsung specifies a depth of 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, while Apple claims 6 meters.
Display: A Focus on Privacy
Both phones boast 6.9-inch displays with adaptive refresh rates from 1 to 120Hz. Samsung’s display is a Dynamic AMOLED 2X, while Apple’s is a Super Retina XDR. The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a resolution of 3120 x 1440 pixels, compared to the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s 2868 x 1320 pixels. Samsung introduces a new “Privacy Display” technology, using a combination of hardware and software to limit viewing angles and protect on-screen content. The S26 Ultra also features a 10-bit display capable of displaying 1.07 billion colors.
Performance and Memory: Top-Tier Power
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is powered by the A19 Pro chip, while the Galaxy S26 Ultra utilizes a Snapdragon 8 Elite, optimized for Samsung’s Galaxy devices. Both represent the current peak of mobile processing power. Both phones arrive with 12GB of RAM, with the S26 Ultra offering a 16GB option for the 1TB storage model. Storage options include 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB for both, with Apple also offering a 2TB option.
Cameras: Evolving Capabilities
Apple redesigned the telephoto lens for the iPhone 17 Pro Max, while Samsung made adjustments to the aperture of the main and periscope telephoto lenses on the Galaxy S26 Ultra to improve low-light performance. The S26 Ultra offers two telephoto lenses. The iPhone 17 Pro Max features a 48MP front camera, while the S26 Ultra has a 12MP front camera.
iPhone 17 Pro Max Camera Specs
- Main: 48MP, ƒ/1.78
- Ultrawide: 48MP, ƒ/2.2
- Telephoto: 48MP, 4x optical zoom, ƒ/2.8
- Front: 18MP, ƒ/1.9
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Camera Specs
- Main: 200MP, f/1.4
- Ultrawide: 50MP, f/1.9
- Telephoto: 10MP, 3x optical zoom, f/2.4
- Periscope Telephoto: 50MP, 5x optical zoom, f/2.9
- Front: 12MP, f/2.2
Battery Life and Charging
The Galaxy S26 Ultra maintains a 5000 mAh battery. It supports 60W wired charging (75% in 30 minutes) and 25W wireless charging via Qi2.2. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a 4823 mAh battery and supports PD3.2 wired charging (50% in 30 minutes) and 25W MagSafe wireless charging.
Other Features and Pricing
Both phones support 5G, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 6. The Galaxy S26 Ultra runs Android 16 with Samsung’s One UI 8.5, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max runs iOS 26. Samsung emphasizes its Galaxy AI features, while the iPhone lags in this area. The S26 Ultra includes an integrated S Pen and supports DeX for a desktop-like experience.
iPhone 17 Pro Max Pricing
- 256GB: 40,990 Czech Crowns
- 512GB: 40,990 Czech Crowns
- 1TB: 46,990 Czech Crowns
- 2TB: 58,990 Czech Crowns
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Pricing
- 256GB + 12GB: 35,699 Czech Crowns
- 512GB + 12GB: 40,599 Czech Crowns
- 1TB + 16GB: 47,499 Czech Crowns
FAQ
Q: What is the Privacy Display feature on the Galaxy S26 Ultra?
A: It limits viewing angles to protect on-screen content from prying eyes.
Q: Which phone has better battery charging speeds?
A: The Galaxy S26 Ultra supports faster wired charging at 60W compared to the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s PD3.2.
Q: Does the Galaxy S26 Ultra include a stylus?
A: Yes, the S Pen is integrated into the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
