Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S24+

Our Verdict: The clearest split between Samsung Galaxy S24+ and Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is portability against display quality. For the Samsung, that means a sharper 509 PPI display, its Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel, and a lighter 196g body. The iPhone is easier to recommend for its LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel, 256GB to 1000GB storage, and its IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes rating. Software may decide it too: the Samsung is the Android choice, while the iPhone keeps you in Apple's iOS ecosystem. Go with the Samsung for portability; lean toward the iPhone if display quality is higher on your list.

The S24+ is the cheaper one to own: around £898 over a typical contract, £74 less than the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Expert Rating
4.4
11 reviews
4.2
12 reviews
Screen
6.9" 6.7"
Display
LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1320 x 2868 1440 x 3088
Pixels Per Inch
458 509
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A18 Pro Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
Battery
4,685 mAh 4,900 mAh
Storage
256GB, 512GB, 1TB 256GB, 512GB
OS
Apple iOS Android
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e-SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE 5.3 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions
163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm 158.5 x 75.9 x 7.7 mm
Weight
227 grams 196 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes Not rated
Contracts
£39.29/mo (£29.00 upfront) £71.50/mo (£30.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£679.00 £349.00
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Samsung Galaxy S24+ Samsung Galaxy S24+
Expert Rating 4.4
11 reviews
4.2
12 reviews
Screen 6.9" 6.7"
Display LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1320 x 2868 1440 x 3088
Pixels Per Inch 458 509
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A18 Pro Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
Battery 4,685 mAh 4,900 mAh
Storage 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 256GB, 512GB
OS Apple iOS Android
SIM Type nano-SIM and e-SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE 5.3 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions 163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm 158.5 x 75.9 x 7.7 mm
Weight 227 grams 196 grams
Water Resistance IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes Not rated
Contracts £39.29/mo
£29.00 upfront
£71.50/mo
£30.00 upfront
SIM-free £679.00 £349.00
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

24 Months

256GB

Desert Titanium

Refurbished

10GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£39.29 per month, £29 upfront.

Samsung Galaxy S24+
Samsung Galaxy S24+

12 Months

256GB

Onyx Black

Refurbished

5GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£71.50 per month, £30 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S24+ cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S24+ is cheaper on contract at £898.00 over the life of the deal from £71.50 per month with £30.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S24+?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S24+'s 6.7", the Samsung Galaxy S24+ has the sharper display at 509 pixels per inch versus 458, and the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S24+ has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S24+?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S24+ has a 50 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 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S24+?

The Samsung Galaxy S24+ is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £349.00.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S24+?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S24+ comes in 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S24+ use?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A18 Pro, while the Samsung Galaxy S24+ uses the Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S24+?

The Samsung Galaxy S24+ is the more portable of the two: it's 31g lighter at 196 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 158.5 x 75.9 x 7.7 mm, and is slimmer at 7.7mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S24+?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy S24+ is rated Not rated.

What operating system do the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S24+ run?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max runs Apple iOS and the Samsung Galaxy S24+ runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.