iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Galaxy S24 Ultra
An honest, side-by-side look at the iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Galaxy S24 Ultra decision — specs, camera, battery and refurbished price — so you can buy the right one with confidence.
The two biggest, most capable phones of their generation, one from each camp. The iPhone 16 Pro Max leads with the A18 Pro chip, the longest battery life of any iPhone and Apple's polished iOS ecosystem. The Galaxy S24 Ultra answers with a built-in S Pen, a 200MP camera and Samsung's more customisable Android.
Neither wins outright — it comes down to ecosystem, the S Pen and how you shoot.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Galaxy S24 Ultra: specs side by side
| Feature | iPhone 16 Pro Max | Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Released | 2024 | 2024 |
| Display | 6.9" LTPO OLED, 120Hz ProMotion | 6.8" AMOLED, 120Hz, 2600 nits |
| Chip | A18 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy |
| Camera | 48MP main, 5× tele, 48MP ultrawide | 200MP main, 5× + 3× tele, ultrawide |
| Battery | Up to 33h video | 5,000mAh |
| Standout | Largest iPhone screen, Camera Control, titanium | Built-in S Pen, titanium frame, Galaxy AI |
| Refurbished from | £700 | £460 |
The verdict
Choose the iPhone 16 Pro Max for the smoothest, most consistent experience: class-leading video, the longest iPhone battery life, effortless handoff with Macs and iPads, and years of guaranteed updates. It's the safe pick if your household already runs on Apple.
Choose the Galaxy S24 Ultra for flexibility and reach: the S Pen for notes and signatures, a 200MP sensor with more zoom range, and Android's deeper customisation. Both are superb — the deciding factor is which ecosystem you live in.
Buy the iPhone 16 Pro Max if…
You're in the Apple ecosystem, prioritise video and battery life, and want the most hassle-free, long-supported flagship.
Shop refurbished iPhone 16 Pro MaxBuy the Galaxy S24 Ultra if…
You want the S Pen, the most versatile camera and zoom, and the freedom of Android. The power-user's Android flagship.
Shop refurbished Galaxy S24 UltraCommon questions
Which is better, the iPhone 16 Pro Max or Galaxy S24 Ultra?+
Both are top-tier. The iPhone 16 Pro Max leads on video, battery life and ecosystem polish; the S24 Ultra wins on the S Pen, camera zoom range and customisation. The right choice usually comes down to whether your other devices are Apple or Android.
Does the iPhone have an S Pen like the Galaxy Ultra?+
No — the built-in S Pen is unique to Samsung's Ultra line. iPhones support the separate Apple Pencil only on iPads, not on the phone itself.