Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S24 Ultra
Starting at
£500.60£1,448.62 new
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Starting at
£1,209.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro Max?
Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy S24 Ultra starts at £500.60, £708.40 less than the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM8650-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
- Battery: 5000 mAh on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, 4823 mAh, 5088 mAh on the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
- Screen size: 6.8 inch on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, 6.9 inch on the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max specs
The Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro Max share many features like 120 Hz refresh rates and 12 GB of RAM, making both strong performers for most users. The Galaxy S24 Ultra offers a larger 6.8 inch screen with a higher resolution and a very high megapixel main camera, appealing to those who want detailed photos and a bigger display. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a slightly larger screen and a sharper front camera, better for selfies. Battery capacities differ, with the Galaxy having a 5000 mAh battery and the iPhone showing two values, 4823 mAh and 5088 mAh. Both have USB-C connectors and support 5G, but the Galaxy supports dual physical SIMs while the iPhone has one physical SIM. Choose the Galaxy S24 Ultra for detailed photography and dual SIM needs, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max for a powerful front camera and slightly larger screen.
Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max price
Colour
Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, operating systems, and physical dimensions. These aspects affect daily use and how long you can expect the device to keep up with your needs.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S24 Ultra has a 5000 mAh battery, suitable for users who want long usage between charges. The iPhone 17 Pro Max lists two battery capacities, 4823 mAh and 5088 mAh, which means some models may offer slightly different battery life.
Operating System
The Galaxy S24 Ultra runs Android, which is known for its flexibility and customisation options. The iPhone 17 Pro Max uses iOS, offering a consistent and streamlined user experience. Your choice here depends on which ecosystem you prefer.
Physical Size and Weight
Both phones are similar in weight, with the Galaxy at 232 g and the iPhone at 233 g. The Galaxy is slightly wider at 79 mm compared to 78 mm for the iPhone, while the iPhone is a little taller and deeper at 163.4 mm height and 8.8 mm depth versus 162.3 mm height and 8.6 mm depth for the Galaxy. These small differences may affect how the phone fits in your hand or pocket.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max performance
Performance depends on chipset, RAM, and storage options available. These factors influence speed, multitasking, and how much data you can keep on the device.
Chipset and RAM
The Galaxy S24 Ultra uses the Qualcomm SM8650-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max features the Apple A19 Pro. Both devices have 12 GB of RAM, which supports smooth multitasking and keeps many apps open simultaneously.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S24 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage versions. The iPhone 17 Pro Max offers the same options plus a 2TB version, making it suitable for those who want very large local storage for files, photos, or videos.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max screen
The screen is your main interaction point. Differences in size, resolution, and screen technology affect how you view content and use the device for media or work.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a slightly larger 6.9 inch screen compared to the Galaxy S24 Ultra's 6.8 inch display. The Galaxy offers a resolution of 1440 x 3120 pixels, providing a sharp picture with plenty of detail. The iPhone's resolution is 2868 x 1320 pixels, which suits the screen size and delivers clear visuals.
Screen Technology and Refresh Rate
The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X screen, which is designed for vibrant colours and efficient power use. The iPhone 17 Pro Max uses a Super Retina XDR screen, known for high brightness and sharpness. Both screens refresh at 120 Hz for smooth scrolling and animations.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max camera
Camera quality is key for photos and video calls. Front and main camera resolutions determine image detail and clarity for selfies and main shots.
Front Camera
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has an 18 megapixel front camera, which suits users who often take selfies or video calls and want higher detail. The Galaxy S24 Ultra has a 12 megapixel front camera, still good for clear self-portraits and video chats.
Main Camera
The Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out with a 200 megapixel main camera, ideal for users wanting extremely detailed photos and the ability to crop or zoom in without losing quality. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a 48 megapixel main camera, which balances resolution with image processing to produce sharp photos.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max size and design
Other practical features include network compatibility, SIM options, connectors, and physical measurements. These affect connectivity, convenience, and usability.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy S24 Ultra supports dual physical SIM cards plus eSIM, ideal for people who manage two phone numbers or travel frequently. The iPhone 17 Pro Max supports one physical SIM and eSIM, which is sufficient for most users but offers fewer physical SIM slots.
Connector and Network
Both phones use USB-C connectors for charging and data transfer, which is common and versatile. Each supports 5G mobile networks, so either device can handle the latest mobile data speeds.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is 162.3 mm tall, 79 mm wide, and 8.6 mm deep, weighing 232 g. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is slightly taller and deeper at 163.4 mm and 8.8 mm, but 1 g heavier at 233 g. These small differences may affect how the phone fits in pockets or hands.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S24 Ultra or iPhone 17 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S24 Ultra if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £500.60, £708.40 less than the iPhone 17 Pro Max
- you want an OLED screen
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (200 megapixels vs 48 megapixels)
Buy the iPhone 17 Pro Max if
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (18 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
- you want the newer model (2025)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy S24 Ultra praise its condition and performance, noting the phone looks like new and the battery life holds up well. Many enjoy the presence of the S-Pen and the overall premium feel. Users appreciate the storage options and fast updates and several mention the phone being suitable for multitasking and photography. The phone's size and detailed camera are highlighted as positive features.
For the iPhone 17 Pro Max customers comment on the ease of transferring apps from previous iPhones and the good condition of the device. The battery health is noted as excellent and the phone works as described with a reliable screen and camera. Some users mention minor issues with call connectivity but overall recommend the device. The front camera quality and storage capacity are appreciated.
Both phones attract buyers looking for premium refurbished devices with strong performance and good screen quality. The Galaxy S24 Ultra suits those valuing high-resolution main cameras and dual SIM support, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max appeals to users who prefer iOS and a higher resolution front camera.
Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max FAQs
Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Qualcomm SM8650-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Battery: 5000 mAh on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, 4823 mAh, 5088 mAh on the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is cheaper refurbished, from £500.60 compared with £1209 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra has 5000 mAh and the iPhone 17 Pro Max has 4823 mAh, 5088 mAh.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra has a higher-resolution main camera: 200 megapixels vs 48 megapixels.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra gets updates until Jan 2031. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S24 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
