Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on camera hardware with a 200MP main sensor to the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max's 48MP, and the S26 Ultra has the bigger battery of the two, 5000mAh against 4323mAh, but capacity doesn't compare cleanly across iOS and Android, so it isn't a battery-life verdict on its own. The S26 Ultra has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.9" against 6.7" and sharper at 498 PPI, and the S26 Ultra is the lighter phone at 214g against 240g. The S26 Ultra is the one to have if you want what it adds, but the iPhone 14 Pro Max 5G is the smarter buy if you'd rather keep the money.
Over a full contract, the iPhone 14 Pro Max 5G works out around £611 all-in, about £329 less than the S26 Ultra.
10 reviews 4.4
12 reviews
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
|
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.6 10 reviews |
4.4 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.9" |
| Display | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1290 x 2796 | 1440 x 3120 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 460 | 498 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) |
| Battery | 4,323 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| OS | Apple iOS | Android |
| SIM Type | nano-SIM and e-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 | 5.3 with A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 160.7 x 77.6 x 7.9 mm | 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm |
| Weight | 240 grams | 214 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| Contracts |
£22.75/mo
£20.00 upfront |
£16.00/mo
£545.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £359.99 | £879.00 |
| Prices updated 25 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is cheaper on contract at £611.00 over the life of the deal from £22.75 per month with £20.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max's 6.7", the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the sharper display at 498 pixels per inch versus 460, and the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 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 14 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £359.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra use?
The Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra uses the Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
It's a trade-off: the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is lighter but the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is more compact. It's 26g lighter at 214 grams, though the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is actually the more compact phone at 160.7 x 77.6 x 7.9 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is rated IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min).
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra run?
The Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max runs Apple iOS and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.