Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Pro Max
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S26 Ultra
Starting at
£894.79£1,449.00 new
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Starting at
£577.65£1,199.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S26 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max?
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 15 Pro Max starts at £577.65, £317.14 less than the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is the newer model, released in 2026.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Main camera
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) on the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
- The Galaxy S26 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4441 mAh.
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Pro Max specs
The Galaxy S26 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max differ in several key areas that suit different users. The Galaxy S26 Ultra offers a larger and higher resolution screen, more RAM, and a quadruple camera setup, which suits those who want more screen space and camera versatility. It also supports software updates until March 2033. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a slightly smaller but still large screen with a triple camera setup and supports iOS updates up to version 27. Both phones share features like 5G, USB-C connectors, and unlocked carrier compatibility. Your choice depends on whether you prioritise screen size, camera options, or specific software update support.
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Pro Max price
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability matters for how long your phone stays supported and ready for use. The Galaxy S26 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max both are not foldable and offer unlocked use with 5G support. They differ in software update timelines.
Software Updates
The Galaxy S26 Ultra offers software updates until March 2033, which means it will receive new features and security patches for several years. The iPhone 15 Pro Max supports updates up to iOS 27, ensuring it stays current within that version range. This difference can influence how long each phone remains up to date.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Pro Max performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Pro Max screen
Screen quality affects how you experience videos, games, and everyday use. Both phones offer a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate, but they differ in size and resolution, which changes the viewing experience.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a 6.9 inch screen, providing more room for watching videos, browsing, and multitasking. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a 6.7 inch screen, which is slightly smaller and may suit those who prefer a more compact device.
Resolution
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a resolution of 1440 by 3120 pixels, giving a sharper and more detailed display especially on the larger screen. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has 1290 by 2796 pixels, offering very good clarity but on a slightly smaller display.
Refresh Rate
Both phones support a 120 Hz refresh rate, which means scrolling and animations appear smooth and responsive on either device.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Pro Max camera
Camera and front-facing camera features affect your photos, videos, and video calls. Both phones have the same front camera resolution, but the Galaxy S26 Ultra offers a different rear camera setup.
Rear Camera Setup
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a quadruple camera system, which provides more options for photography such as wide, ultra-wide, telephoto, and possibly other lenses. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a triple camera setup, which still covers a broad range of photography needs but with one fewer lens. This difference suits users who value versatile camera options.
Front Camera
Both phones feature a 12 megapixel front camera, which supports clear selfies and video calls with similar resolution quality.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Pro Max size and design
Other physical and connectivity features influence everyday handling and compatibility. Both phones share some traits but differ in size, weight, and dimensions.
Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy S26 Ultra measures 163.6 mm in height, 78.1 mm in width, and 7.9 mm in depth, weighing 214 g. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is slightly smaller and thicker at 159.9 mm tall, 76.7 mm wide, and 8.3 mm deep, weighing 221 g. The Galaxy S26 Ultra's larger footprint suits those who prefer a bigger phone, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max is a bit more compact but heavier.
Connector and Carrier
Both phones use USB-C connectors and come unlocked, making them compatible with a wide range of carriers and chargers.
SIM Options
Each phone supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, offering flexibility for personal and business use or travel.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S26 Ultra or iPhone 15 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S26 Ultra if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4441 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.7 inch)
Buy the iPhone 15 Pro Max if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £577.65, £317.14 less than the Galaxy S26 Ultra
What our customers say
Customers buying the Galaxy S26 Ultra often highlight that the phone looks and feels like new, with many praising its smooth performance and excellent camera quality. They appreciate the large screen size and long battery life, which supports heavy use throughout the day. Some mention the phone's size and weight, with one noting the speaker volume as slightly quiet but otherwise positive experiences. Overall, customers find the Galaxy S26 Ultra to be a solid premium phone that meets expectations for condition and speed.
iPhone 15 Pro Max customers frequently report that their devices look brand new with no scratches or dents, even when refurbished. The camera quality receives praise, and users mention the phone's clear screen and compact size. Some note the device gets warm temporarily when setting up apps. The iPhone 15 Pro Max appeals to those wanting a high-end iPhone experience with reliable performance and good battery condition.
Both phones suit buyers seeking high-quality refurbished devices that combine good condition with strong features. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is preferred by those who want a larger screen and more camera versatility, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max fits those who want a premium iPhone with a slightly smaller form factor and solid battery health.
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Pro Max FAQs
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The Galaxy S26 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is cheaper refurbished, from £577.65 compared with £894.79 for the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4441 mAh.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a higher-resolution main camera: 200 megapixels vs 48 megapixels.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra gets updates until Mar 2033. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Both come in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB refurbished.
