Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S26 Ultra
Starting at
£894.79£1,449.00 new
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Starting at
£1,209.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S26 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro Max?
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, battery and main camera. Refurbished, the Galaxy S26 Ultra starts at £894.79, £314.21 less than the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is the newer model, released in 2026.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Main camera
Front camera
Software updates
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
- Battery: 5000 mAh on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, 4823 mAh, 5088 mAh on the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
- The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a higher-resolution main camera: 200 megapixels vs 48 megapixels.
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max specs
The Galaxy S26 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro Max share many high-end features, from screen size to RAM and 5G support, but their differences suit different users. The Galaxy S26 Ultra offers a higher screen resolution and a lighter, slimmer design, which benefits those who value display detail and handling comfort. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a front camera with more megapixels and offers storage up to 2TB, making it ideal for users who prioritise selfies and extensive storage.
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max price
Colour
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability here focuses on software updates, operating systems, and basic form factors. Your choice will likely depend on your preference for Android or iOS.
Operating System
The Galaxy S26 Ultra runs on Android, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max uses iOS. This affects the user interface, app ecosystem, and overall experience. Choose the Galaxy if you prefer Android's customisation and flexibility. Opt for the iPhone if you prefer iOS's integration and simplicity.
Update Compatibility
This keeps each device relevant and secure for daily use.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max screen
Screen quality is important for media, gaming, and daily interaction. Both phones have the same screen size and refresh rate, but resolution differences may influence your viewing experience.
Screen Size and Refresh Rate
Both the Galaxy S26 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro Max feature a 6.9 inch screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate. This means smooth scrolling and fluid animations for both devices, important for gaming and web browsing.
Screen Resolution
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a resolution of 1440 by 3120 pixels, offering a tall and detailed display that is great for watching videos and multitasking. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a resolution of 2868 by 1320 pixels, providing a wide, sharp image well suited to widescreen content and apps optimised for iOS.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max camera
Front camera quality can be important for video calls and selfies. Here, the two devices differ in megapixel count.
Front Camera Resolution
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a 12 megapixel front camera, which is sufficient for clear video calls and selfies. The iPhone 17 Pro Max offers an 18 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail in selfies and video calls, which may appeal if you take many photos or create video content.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max size and design
Other differences in size, weight, connectors, and storage influence everyday handling and convenience. These details help decide which device fits your lifestyle.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is slightly slimmer at 7.9 mm deep and lighter at 214 g. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is 8.8 mm deep and weighs 233 g, offering a bit more heft and thickness. This may affect comfort in hand or pocket.
Connector Type
Both devices use USB-C connectors. This standardised port allows easy charging and accessory compatibility without needing different cables.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is stocked with 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options. The iPhone 17 Pro Max includes those sizes plus a 2TB option, which suits users needing very large storage for apps, photos, videos, or files.
SIM Card Support
Both phones support a physical SIM and eSIM, offering flexible mobile network options whether you want to use one or two numbers.
Carrier Compatibility
Both phones come unlocked, so you can use them with any compatible network provider in the UK or abroad.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S26 Ultra or iPhone 17 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S26 Ultra if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £894.79, £314.21 less than the iPhone 17 Pro Max
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (200 megapixels vs 48 megapixels)
- you want a lighter build (214 g vs 233 g)
Buy the iPhone 17 Pro Max if
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (18 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers say the Galaxy S26 Ultra looks like new and performs very well. Many mention the phone feels like a brand new device, with excellent camera quality and long-lasting battery. Users appreciate how smooth and fast the phone runs, and some enjoy features like AI tutorials. The phone's size and condition are well received, with only a few noting minor marks that are hidden by cases. Overall, users are happy with the Galaxy S26 Ultra's speed, camera, and build quality.
Reviews for the iPhone 17 Pro Max often highlight the phone's like-new condition and excellent battery health. Customers find it easy to set up and enjoy the iOS experience, with good call quality and reliable performance. Some mention minor cleanliness issues which were easily cleaned, but many say the phone works perfectly. The larger storage options are noted by users who want ample space for apps and files. The device suits those comfortable with iOS and looking for a premium screen and camera experience.
Both devices satisfy customers who want a large screen and strong performance. The Galaxy S26 Ultra appeals to those who prefer Android and a lighter, slimmer phone, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max fits users who value iOS and higher front camera resolution along with extra storage choices.
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max FAQs
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, battery and main camera. Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Battery: 5000 mAh on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, 4823 mAh, 5088 mAh on the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is cheaper refurbished, from £894.79 compared with £1209 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has 5000 mAh and the iPhone 17 Pro Max has 4823 mAh, 5088 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 17 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S26 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
