Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Phones
$1,299List price
Explore this product Your shortlist, side by side
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max
Find the differences that matter for your next decision.
Apple
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Phones
$1,199List price
Explore this product What matters most to you?
Start with all rankable specifications, or focus on a particular use.
Your starting point
Buy the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
- Leads 7 of 10 rankable overall specs; Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra takes 3.
- Weight: 231 g vs 232 g
How we reached this
We compare the published specifications relevant to your priority. Each rankable specification counts once; your selected requirements can rule a product out. This is a guide to the numbers, not a laboratory performance score.
Size: 6.9 inches vs 6.8 inches
It is also $100 cheaper.
The trade-off to know
Check first: the iPhone 17 Pro Max has no stylus. Tick them under deal-breakers if that rules it out.
Look at the differences ↓Refine your requirements
Your other devices
What would rule one out?
Side by side
The differences, in detail.
Start with the key specs, then explore as much as you need.
| What you’re comparing | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| WeightBody | 232 g | 231 g (8.15 oz) |
| SizeDisplay | 6.8 inches | 6.9 inches |
| ChipsetPlatform | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (4 nm) | Apple A19 Pro (3 nm) |
| Max optical zoomRear camera | 5x optical (10x lossless / 100x digital) | 5x optical zoom (up to 25x digital zoom) |
| CapacityBattery & charging | 5,000 mAh | 4,850 mAh |
Showing 5 of 48 specifications. Missing values stay unlisted. About the sources
Both sides of the decision
What you gain. What you give up.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Reasons to choose it
- S Pen built in
- 200MP main + 5x periscope telephoto
- 7 years of OS and security updates
Worth considering
- Larger and heavier than iPhone 16 Pro
- No charger in the box
- Flat 6.8-inch body is harder one-handed
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Reasons to choose it
- A19 Pro chip with class-leading single-core and GPU compute
- All-48MP triple rear camera array with 5x optical zoom and 24MP Center Stage front camera
- Exceptional battery life up to 35 hours video playback
Worth considering
- Premium starting price ($1,199)
- Large 6.9-inch frame requires two hands for most tasks
Beyond the spec sheet
Living with your choice.
Explore the ownership details available for this pair.
What three years could cost
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
3-Year Estimated Total$1,334
iPhone 17 Pro Max
3-Year Estimated Total$1,199
Pocket, Palm & Desk Usability Check
One-handed reachability, pocket weight, and table wobble when typing without a case.
One-Handed Palm Reach
Samsung
6.8" display with 79.0mm wide squared edges (stretches palms)
Apple
Standard smartphone width
Desk Typing Table Wobble
Samsung
Individual camera lens rings cause corner wobble on flat tables
Apple
Corner camera bump causes minor wobble
Pocket Weight & Heft
Samsung
232g (substantial titanium brick)
Apple
Standard phone weight
Everyday ownership notes
Documented ergonomic quirks, hardware annoyances, and maintenance realities reported by real owners.
Samsung: What to watch for
- Ergonomics
Sharp 90-degree squared corners dig aggressively into palms.
- Hardware Quirk
Anti-reflective Gorilla Armor glass smudges easily with skin oils.
Apple: What to watch for
- Hidden Cost
No wall charging adapter included in the retail box.
Know what’s behind the comparison
Published specs. Visible sources.
Clinchmark compares manufacturer specifications and other published information. We have not independently lab-tested these products. Editorial assessments and unknown values are identified in the specification details.
Catalog snapshot: September 1, 2026. Prices, availability, and provider terms can change.
Still weighing it up?
Which is cheaper, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or the iPhone 17 Pro Max?
iPhone 17 Pro Max costs $100 less at list price.
What is the biggest catch with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or iPhone 17 Pro Max?
iPhone 17 Pro Max has this deal-breaker: no stylus. No pen input for handwritten notes or markup.
Which is better for photos, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or the iPhone 17 Pro Max?
For photos, buy the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Leads 3 of 4 rankable photos specs; Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra takes 1. Ultrawide: 48 MP vs 12 MP, f/2.2, 13 mm, 120°
What cannot be compared from spec sheets?
Of the 48 specs tracked here, 38 are descriptive and cannot be ranked on numbers alone. Spec sheets also cannot measure subjective factors like build quality, real-world performance, or comfort.