Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max (2026) runs on the Apple A20 Pro, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (2026) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads — 75/100 vs 40/100 (a 35-point difference). Key differences: the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max has the bigger battery (5100 mAh vs 5000); the main camera is 48 MP vs 200 MP.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- Bigger battery: 5100 vs 5000 mAh
- Better design/ergonomics (50/100 vs 32/100)
- Better value for money (55/100 vs 20/100)
- Faster charging: 60W vs 25W
- Better main camera: 200MP vs 48MP
- Higher performance (84/100 vs 0/100)
- Better camera (86/100 vs 66/100)
- Longer battery life (51/100 vs 44/100)
Comparing the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max vs the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra scores 35 points higher (75/100 vs 40/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads (84/100 vs 0/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads (86/100 vs 66/100). In the "value for money" category, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max leads (55/100 vs 20/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max (84/100 vs 0/100). In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 100/100. In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra notably outperforms the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max (86/100 vs 66/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a bit better (51/100 vs 44/100). In the "design" category, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (50/100 vs 32/100). In the "value for money" category, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (55/100 vs 20/100).
| Specification | Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple A20 Pro | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | |
| AnTuTu | — | 3515964 | |
| Geekbench Single | — | 3601 | |
| Geekbench Multi | — | 10686 | |
| Display | 6.9" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | |
| Resolution | 1320x2868 | 3120x1440 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 5100 mAh | 5000 mAh | |
| Charging | 25W | 60W | |
| Wireless charging | 25W | 25W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | — | 157 | |
| Main camera | 48 MP | 200 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 48 MP | 50 MP | |
| Telephoto | 48 MP | 50 MP | |
| Front camera | 18 MP | 12 MP | |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB / 16GB | |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | |
| OS | iOS 27 | Android 16 / One UI 8.5 | |
| Brightness (peak) | — | 2600 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP68 | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | — | 163.6×78.1×7.9 mm | |
| Weight | — | 214 g | |
| Price | — | $1299 |
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
- Main: 48MP f/f/1.6
- Ultrawide: 48MP
- Telephoto: 48MP
- Front: 18MP
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- Main: 200MP f/f/1.7
- Ultrawide: 50MP
- Telephoto: 50MP
- Front: 12MP
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
- 6.9" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED
- Resolution: 1320x2868
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 3120x1440
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
- 5100 mAh
- Wired: 25W
- Wireless: 25W
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- 5000 mAh
- NanoReview test: web browsing 10:12 hrs, total 28:50 hrs
- Wired: 60W
- Wireless: 25W
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
Price unknownperformance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max (84/100 vs 0/100).
display
In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 100/100.
camera
In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra notably outperforms the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max (86/100 vs 66/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a bit better (51/100 vs 44/100).
design
In the "design" category, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (50/100 vs 32/100).
value for money
In the "value for money" category, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (55/100 vs 20/100).
Which is better: the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max by 35 points (75/100 vs 40/100).
What is the rating of the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max has a MobileRank rating of 40/100, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — 75/100.
Which has the better camera: the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on camera score (86/100 vs 66/100).
Which is more powerful: the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on performance (84/100 vs 0/100).
Should you choose the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max over the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max is a better fit for everyday use. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a better fit for gamers and power users, mobile photography enthusiasts.