Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. iPhone 17 Pro Max: Key Differences to Anticipate

Updated: Oct 08, 2025, 1:49 AM

Samsung is set to refresh its flagship smartphone lineup with the Galaxy S26 Ultra, expected to launch in early 2026. This model promises enhancements such as an improved main camera, a similar design to the Galaxy S25 Ultra, a brighter display, and the return of the beloved S Pen.

In contrast, Apple has already released its iPhone 17 series, led by the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which features a striking new design, enhanced performance, and an updated interface, making it the top choice for iOS users this year. So, which phone will be the better option come January 2026?

Design and Size

The Galaxy S26 Ultra will maintain the design elements introduced with its predecessor, featuring rounded corners that stand out compared to the angular aesthetics of earlier models like the Galaxy S22, S23, and S24 Ultra. While it may utilize titanium, a shift to aluminum is also possible, reflecting Samsung's strategy to keep pace with Apple.

On the other hand, the iPhone 17 Pro Max continues with its flat design but switches from a titanium to an aluminum unibody, aimed at reducing costs and improving thermal performance. Its design includes a two-tone finish, with a prominent glass cutout complementing the Liquid Glass style, and a significantly larger camera island dubbed the "camera plateau."

The Galaxy S26 Ultra will retain the S Pen stylus and maintain its IP68 water and dust resistance rating, though it may not adopt the higher IP69K rating for water resistance against jets. The iPhone 17 Pro Max comes in Silver, Cosmic Orange, and Deep Blue, while the Galaxy S26 Ultra may debut in black, silver, and burgundy.

Display Differences

The Galaxy S26 Ultra will feature a largely unchanged 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, but with notable upgrades. It will achieve a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, matching the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the Pixel 10 Pro. This improvement is likely due to a new CoE OLED filter that enhances clarity and conserves power. Additionally, a new privacy feature using AI to control viewing angles could eliminate the need for a privacy screen protector.

Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro Max retains a similar display to the iPhone 16 Pro but has seen slight brightness improvements and added layers of anti-reflective coating. While the iPhone’s anti-glare capabilities are effective, the Galaxy S26 Ultra may outperform it in this area. The iPhone relies on Face ID for security, while the Galaxy S26 Ultra will include an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner embedded in the display.

Performance and Software

The Galaxy S26 Ultra will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, succeeding the Snapdragon 8 Elite. This next-gen 3nm chip is expected to boost performance, potentially featuring an overclocked version tailored for Galaxy devices. Graphics performance could see a 30% improvement, complemented by faster RAM for enhanced system performance. The device will also support Wi-Fi 7 and include a new Qualcomm 5G modem for improved efficiency.

Both smartphones will come with 12 GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 256 GB to 1 TB, with the iPhone 17 Pro Max offering a 2 TB variant at a premium price.

Camera

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is anticipated to feature minor hardware upgrades, including a larger 1/1.1-inch main camera sensor, an upgrade from the previous 1/1.3-inch sensor. While the resolution will remain at 200 MP, the larger sensor size promises enhanced dynamics, natural bokeh, and greater detail. However, the effectiveness of the camera will also depend on software enhancements.

In Apple’s camp, the iPhone 17 Pro Max continues with a triple-camera system, with the notable upgrade being the telephoto lens, now featuring a 48 MP sensor with a 4X zoom, down from the previous 5X zoom. This change allows for in-sensor cropping to achieve near-optical quality 8X zooms.

Battery Life and Charging

Samsung has consistently equipped its Galaxy S Ultra lineup with a 5,000 mAh battery since 2020, and the S26 Ultra will follow suit. While this was once a top-tier battery capacity, advancements in battery technology mean that many competitors now offer larger batteries.

In contrast, the iPhone 17 Pro Max boasts the largest battery ever in an iPhone at 5,088 mAh, contributing to impressive battery life, supported by efficient hardware-software integration.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to see a charging speed upgrade, supporting 60W wired charging compared to the previous 45W. Wireless charging may also improve, with capabilities for Qi2 and magnetic attachments, though speeds might remain at 15W or increase to 25W. The iPhone 17 Pro Max, however, features 40W wired charging, a significant upgrade after years of being around 30W, while wireless charging remains at 25W with MagSafe 2.0.

Summary

Both the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Galaxy S26 Ultra will introduce key upgrades, including enhancements to display, performance, camera, and charging speeds. While the Galaxy may not see a battery upgrade for another year, the efficiency of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 could compensate. The iPhone 17 Pro Max stands out as the best choice for those fully integrated into the Apple ecosystem, but for those seeking a formidable competitor, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is poised to be a strong contender.