Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has the better camera on paper, 200MP versus 12MP, and there's more battery in the S24 Ultra, 5000mAh to 3687mAh, though iOS and Android manage power differently, so more mAh doesn't always mean longer battery life. Storage goes higher on the S24 Ultra, up to 1TB against 512GB, and the S24 Ultra has the sharper display at 501 PPI to 457. Only pay up for the S24 Ultra if you'll use what it offers; if not, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max makes more sense.
If you'd rather pay up front, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is the cheaper buy at £225 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.6
11 reviews
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
|
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 10 reviews |
4.6 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.8" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1284 x 2778 | 1440 x 3088 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 501 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 3,687 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| OS | iOS14 | Android 14 |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | nano-SIM and e-SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4 mm | 162.3 x 79 x 8.6 mm |
| Weight | 228 grams | 232 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts | - |
£16.75/mo
£10.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £224.99 | £399.99 |
| Prices updated 26 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has the sharper display at 501 pixels per inch versus 457, and the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has a 200 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £224.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra use?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra uses the Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is the more portable of the two: it's 4g lighter at 228 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4 mm, and is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra run?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max runs iOS14 and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra runs Android 14. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.