Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 11 Pro Max
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Galaxy S20 Ultra
Starting at
£269.45£1,199.99 new
iPhone 11 Pro Max
Starting at
£215.40£749.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S20 Ultra and iPhone 11 Pro Max?
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 11 Pro Max comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone 11 Pro Max starts at £215.40, £54.05 less than the Galaxy S20 Ultra. The Galaxy S20 Ultra is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Refresh rate
- The Galaxy S20 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3969 mAh.
- The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a bigger screen: 6.9 inch vs 6.5 inch.
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 11 Pro Max specs
The Galaxy S20 Ultra and iPhone 11 Pro Max both offer unlocked 4G connectivity and strong overall performance, but they suit different users. The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a larger battery and more RAM, supporting longer use and more multitasking. Its bigger, higher-resolution screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate is ideal if you want a very smooth and spacious display. Each has a distinct camera setup and charging connector that fit different priorities.
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 11 Pro Max price
Colour
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 11 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, operating system, and physical design. These factors influence how long the phone lasts on a charge, how current the software stays, and the user experience in daily use.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a 5000 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone 11 Pro Max's 3969 mAh. This means the Galaxy S20 Ultra can support longer use between charges, especially for heavy users or those relying on intensive apps. The iPhone 11 Pro Max's battery suits users with moderate daily use who also benefit from iOS power management.
Software Updates
Buyers who prioritise staying current with iOS features will find the iPhone 11 Pro Max suitable.
Operating System
The Galaxy S20 Ultra runs Android, offering flexibility and customisation that some users prefer. The iPhone 11 Pro Max uses iOS, known for its integration with other Apple devices and streamlined user experience. Your choice depends on which operating system suits your needs and preferences.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 11 Pro Max performance
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RAM
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 11 Pro Max screen
Screen quality affects how content looks and feels, including size, resolution, smoothness, and type of display technology. These influence video viewing, gaming, and everyday interactions with your phone.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a 6.9 inch screen with a resolution of 1440 x 3200 pixels, offering more space and sharper detail for watching videos or multitasking. The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a 6.5 inch screen with 1242 x 2688 pixels, which is slightly smaller but still provides a detailed and clear image. If you prefer a larger display, the Galaxy S20 Ultra suits you.
Refresh Rate
The Galaxy S20 Ultra features a 120 Hz refresh rate, which means the screen refreshes twice as often as the iPhone 11 Pro Max's 60 Hz. This results in smoother motion and scrolling, which is noticeable when gaming or browsing. The iPhone 11 Pro Max's 60 Hz screen is standard and fits everyday use well.
Screen Technology
The Galaxy S20 Ultra uses Dynamic AMOLED 2X, which offers vibrant colours and deep blacks. The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, known for accurate colour reproduction and sharpness. Both provide rich image quality, so your preference may come down to the kind of display experience you value.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 11 Pro Max camera
Audiovisual features include the cameras and front camera, which impact photography and video calls. Differences here cater to varying needs for image detail and camera versatility.
Main Camera Setup
The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a quadruple main camera setup with a 108 megapixel sensor, allowing for highly detailed photos and flexible shooting options. The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a triple camera setup with a 12 megapixel main sensor. If you want very high resolution images and more camera functions, the Galaxy S20 Ultra is suited to you.
Front Camera
The Galaxy S20 Ultra offers a 40 megapixel front camera, which captures high detail for selfies and video calls. The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a 12 megapixel front camera, which performs well for everyday use and video chats. The Galaxy S20 Ultra's front camera suits those who prioritise high-resolution self-portraits.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 11 Pro Max size and design
Miscellaneous details cover physical size, weight, connectors, SIM options, storage, and expandability. These affect convenience, compatibility, and how you use your phone day to day.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S20 Ultra is available with 128GB of storage, which suits many users but has less variety. The iPhone 11 Pro Max offers 64GB, 256GB, or 512GB options, providing more choice depending on how much storage you need. Choose the iPhone if you want a wider selection of storage capacities.
Expandable Storage
The Galaxy S20 Ultra supports microSDXC cards, allowing you to expand storage beyond its built-in capacity. The iPhone 11 Pro Max does not have this feature, so storage is fixed at purchase. If you want flexibility to add more storage later, the Galaxy S20 Ultra fits that need.
Connector Type
The Galaxy S20 Ultra uses a USB-C connector, a common standard for charging and data transfer. The iPhone 11 Pro Max uses Apple's Lightning connector. This difference affects what cables and accessories you use.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy S20 Ultra has Dual Physical SIM slots, which can be helpful if you want two separate phone numbers with physical SIM cards. The iPhone 11 Pro Max uses one Physical SIM and one eSIM, offering a mix of physical and digital SIM flexibility.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy S20 Ultra measures 166.9 mm tall, 76 mm wide, and 8.8 mm deep, weighing 222 g. The iPhone 11 Pro Max is slightly smaller at 158 mm tall, 77.8 mm wide, and 8.1 mm deep, weighing 226 g. The Galaxy S20 Ultra's larger size suits those who prefer a bigger device, while the iPhone 11 Pro Max fits users who want a slightly more compact phone.
Carrier compatibility
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Depth
Height
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Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
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Width
Galaxy S20 Ultra or iPhone 11 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S20 Ultra if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 3969 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.5 inch)
Buy the iPhone 11 Pro Max if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £215.40, £54.05 less than the Galaxy S20 Ultra
- you want longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended Mar 2025)
What our customers say
Customers say the Galaxy S20 Ultra looks like new and performs well, with many appreciating the battery life and camera quality. Some have found it powerful with 12 GB RAM and enjoy the large, smooth screen. A few mention minor setup issues such as leftover details from previous users, but most are satisfied with the condition and speed. The Galaxy S20 Ultra suits those who want a large, feature-rich Android phone for photography and multitasking.
Reviews of the iPhone 11 Pro Max highlight its solid performance and condition, with buyers happy with the screen and general usability. Battery life is described as good by some but noted as poorer by others. The iPhone's size and iOS system appeal to those who prefer Apple's ecosystem. Storage options up to 512GB give flexibility. Some users mention battery health concerns but still find the phone a good deal. The iPhone 11 Pro Max fits buyers who want a dependable iOS phone with choice in storage.
Both devices receive mostly positive feedback for their condition and features. Choose the Galaxy S20 Ultra if you want a bigger screen, higher resolution cameras, and expandable storage. Choose the iPhone 11 Pro Max if you prefer iOS, value software updates, and want a range of storage sizes.
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 11 Pro Max FAQs
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs iPhone 11 Pro Max comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. The Galaxy S20 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB. The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3969 mAh.
The iPhone 11 Pro Max is cheaper refurbished, from £215.40 compared with £269.45 for the Galaxy S20 Ultra.
The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3969 mAh.
The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a higher-resolution main camera: 108 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S20 Ultra ended in Mar 2025. The iPhone 11 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S20 Ultra comes in 128GB, and the iPhone 11 Pro Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
