Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Pro Max
An honest, side-by-side look at the Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Pro Max decision — specs, camera, battery and our price — so you can buy the right one with confidence.
The two flagships of 2024 that people actually cross-shop second-hand. Both are titanium, both cost over £1,200 new, and both are now available for a fraction of that.
The S24 Ultra counters with a 200MP camera, a built-in S Pen and a bigger 6.8-inch screen; the 15 Pro Max answers with the A17 Pro chip, the best video recording on any phone, and Apple's ecosystem.
Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: specs side by side
| Feature | Galaxy S24 Ultra | iPhone 15 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Released | 2024 | 2023 |
| Display | 6.8" AMOLED, 120Hz, 2600 nits | 6.7" LTPO OLED, 120Hz ProMotion |
| Chip | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy | A17 Pro |
| Camera | 200MP main, 5× + 3× tele, ultrawide | 48MP main, 5× tetraprism tele, ultrawide |
| Battery | 5,000mAh | Up to 29h video |
| Standout | Built-in S Pen, titanium frame, Galaxy AI | Titanium, Action button, USB-C 3 (10Gbps) |
| Our price from | £490 | £565 |
The verdict
For photography range, the S24 Ultra wins: 200MP detail, a genuine 5× optical zoom and a 3× on top, plus the S Pen for note-taking and editing. It also lasts longer on a charge.
For video, sustained performance and resale value, the 15 Pro Max wins. iPhones hold their price better, which matters if you trade in every couple of years, and the A17 Pro stays faster for longer in games and editing.
Software support is close: seven years for the S24 Ultra (to ~2031), and Apple historically six to seven years of iOS for the 15 Pro Max.
Buy the Galaxy S24 Ultra if…
You want the most camera versatility and the S Pen, a bigger screen and longer battery — and you are on Android or willing to switch.
Shop tested & certified Galaxy S24 UltraBuy the iPhone 15 Pro Max if…
You want the best video, the strongest resale value and the Apple ecosystem (Watch, AirPods, Mac handoff).
Shop tested & certified iPhone 15 Pro MaxCommon questions
Which has the better camera, the S24 Ultra or iPhone 15 Pro Max?+
The S24 Ultra is more versatile — 200MP main, 5× and 3× optical zoom — and better for detail and distance. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the better video camera and gives more natural skin tones straight out of the app.
Which holds its value better?+
The iPhone. Pro Max models depreciate more slowly than any Android flagship, which is worth factoring in if you upgrade every two or three years — it often cancels out the higher purchase price.
Can I move my data from one to the other?+
Yes. Samsung Smart Switch and Apple's Move to iOS both transfer contacts, photos, messages and most app data. Purchased apps and some subscriptions do not carry across, so check anything you pay for before you switch.