I’ve been using the Samsung Galaxy s24 Ultra i bought for well over few months , and now that I’ve gotten some time to compare it to my new iPhone 16 Pro Max that I bought , I’m going to take you through which one I think is the better phone. Both are powerhouses, but there are clear advantages and drawbacks for each.
1. Camera Systems: The Battle of Quality
The iPhone 16 Pro Max takes the lead with its camera system. While both phones capture excellent photos, the iPhone’s photo processing feels better, avoiding the oversharpening issues I’ve found on the S24 Ultra. Video quality is another win for the iPhone, but it’s not a landslide victory. The differences aren’t massive, but the Ultra’s struggles make Apple’s system the clear winner.
The iPhone also introduced adjustable photographic styles, which let you tweak tone, color, and intensity even after taking a photo if you save images in HEIF format. Samsung has filters, but Apple’s photographic styles give you more control, making the iPhone camera feel more flexible overall. However, Samsung’s S24 Ultra pulls ahead in zoom capabilities with its 10x zoom, even though it’s technically achieved through cropping a larger 5x sensor.
If you’re looking for better-than-smartphone photos, though, neither phone is going to beat a dedicated camera.
2. Pricing: Where Do They Stand?
The iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at $1,199, while the S24 Ultra is $1,299. However, Samsung’s phones are often on sale, so keep an eye out for deals. You can find links to check for the latest discounts on our blog post at 6monthsL.net.
3. Weight and Form Factor: Which Feels Better?
The iPhone’s rounded corners make it easier to handle, even though it’s slightly heavier than last year’s model. The S24 Ultra, with its sharper edges, feels bulkier in comparison. A big plus for Apple this year is that you don’t need the largest iPhone to get the best camera system, as the 16 Pro Max and 16 Pro share identical cameras.
4. iOS vs. Android: Ecosystem Wars
Apple’s ecosystem continues to shine with features like Control Center, which is now customizable, and seamless integration with devices like AirPods, iPads, and Macs. iMessage remains a standout, with new features like send later, satellite messaging, and enhanced animations. AirPlay lets you dynamically group speakers, and Continuity Camera turns your iPhone into a webcam.
Samsung fights back with OneUI, offering unmatched customizability. Features like Edge panels for split-screen multitasking and the S Pen make it stand out. The S24 Ultra also boasts AI-powered capabilities like live call translation and instant slow motion, features you won’t find on the iPhone.
5. Performance: Chips and Intelligence
In everyday use, both phones are blazing fast. Mobile gamers may notice a slight edge in GPU performance with the S24 Ultra, while Apple’s A-series chips continue to dominate CPU-intensive tasks. The iPhone’s new “Apple Intelligence” features—like call transcription and systemwide writing tools—are promising but not fully realized yet. Meanwhile, Samsung already has Google Gemini integration, though it’s not without its limitations.
6. Battery Life and Repairability
Both phones easily last a day with light to moderate use. The iPhone seems slightly better, but it’s not a fair comparison given the Ultra’s older battery. Repairability has improved for both models, but swapping a battery still requires either a kit or professional help, making it inconvenient for most consumers.
Final Verdict: Which Is Better?
If we strip away ecosystems and look purely at hardware and software, the iPhone 16 Pro Max feels like the better phone. It’s easier to handle, has a more dependable camera system, and offers top-notch chip performance. However, if you’re someone who loves customizability, multitasking features, or the S Pen, the S24 Ultra could be the better pick.
Ultimately, ecosystems play a huge role. If you’re already using Apple devices, the iPhone fits seamlessly. But if you’re on Windows or have Samsung tablets and TVs, the S24 Ultra might make more sense.
If you’ve used either phone, let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Would you buy them again?