Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Our verdict: Budget-conscious buyers should note the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is £44.00 cheaper on contract than the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. For display sharpness, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads with 498 PPI. Keen photographers will appreciate the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and its 200MP main camera. Day-to-day comfort favours the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra at 214g.
11 reviews 4.4
12 reviews
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
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Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.4 11 reviews |
4.4 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.9" | 6.9" |
| Display | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1320 x 2868 | 1440 x 3120 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 458 | 498 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A18 Pro | Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) |
| Storage | 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/6e/7 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm | 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm |
| Weight | 227 grams | 214 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| Contracts |
£41.79/mo
£29.00 upfront |
£42.79/mo
£49.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £650.00 | £999.00 |
| Deals | Deals |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is cheaper on contract at £1031.96 over the life of the deal from £41.79 per month with £29.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.9", the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the sharper display at 498 pixels per inch versus 458, and the Apple iPhone 16 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 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 16 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 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £650.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra use?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A18 Pro, 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 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
It's a trade-off: the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is lighter but the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is more compact. It's 13g lighter at 214 grams, though the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is actually the more compact phone at 163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is slimmer at 7.9mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, 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 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra run?
The Apple iPhone 16 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.