Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max: The premium smartphone battle in 2026 is heating up with the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra at Galaxy Unpacked 2026. Samsung’s latest Ultra model goes head-to-head with Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max, which debuted last September. Both devices sit at the top of their ecosystems and promise cutting-edge hardware, powerful cameras, and premium design.
Here’s a detailed comparison of their display, performance, camera, battery, and pricing in India — and which one makes more sense in 2026.
Display and Design
Samsung continues to flex its display expertise. The Galaxy S26 Ultra features a massive 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with an adaptive 1Hz–120Hz refresh rate. It also includes Vision Booster technology for improved outdoor visibility. Despite its large screen, the phone remains slim at 7.9mm and weighs 214 grams.
Apple matches the screen size with a 6.9-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display on the iPhone 17 Pro Max. It supports a 120Hz refresh rate and offers peak brightness of up to 3000 nits. However, the iPhone is thicker at 8.8mm and heavier at 233 grams.
On paper, Samsung wins in terms of slimness and lighter weight, while Apple counters with higher peak brightness.
Performance and Software
The Galaxy S26 Ultra runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset, paired with up to 16GB RAM. It ships with One UI 8.5 based on Android 16, with a strong focus on AI-powered features and improved efficiency.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is powered by Apple’s A19 Pro chip built on a 3nm process and runs iOS 26. Apple traditionally excels in chip optimisation and long-term software updates.
In everyday performance, Apple is expected to maintain its edge in efficiency and seamless optimisation. However, Samsung offers more RAM options, which may appeal to heavy multitaskers and gamers.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is where the competition becomes truly interesting.
Samsung equips the Galaxy S26 Ultra with:
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200MP primary sensor
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50MP ultra-wide
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50MP periscope telephoto with 5x optical zoom
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10MP 3x telephoto
This setup prioritises high-resolution photography and zoom versatility.
Apple takes a different approach with the iPhone 17 Pro Max, offering:
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48MP wide sensor
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48MP periscope telephoto with 4x optical zoom
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48MP ultra-wide lens
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LiDAR scanner
Apple continues to dominate video recording with support for ProRes, Dolby Vision HDR up to 120fps, and advanced spatial video capabilities.
In short, Samsung leads in zoom range and megapixel count, while Apple maintains superiority in video quality and colour consistency.
Battery and Connectivity
The Galaxy S26 Ultra houses a 5000mAh battery and supports fast wired charging that can reach around 75 percent in roughly 30 minutes using a 60W adapter. It also supports wireless charging and Wireless PowerShare.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max packs a slightly smaller 4823mAh battery. While Apple’s software optimisation typically ensures strong battery life, Samsung clearly holds the advantage in battery size and faster charging speeds.
Both phones support Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0, ensuring future-ready connectivity.
Price in India
Samsung has positioned the Galaxy S26 Ultra competitively at Rs 1,39,999 in India. The iPhone 17 Pro Max currently sells for around Rs 1,49,900.
From a pricing perspective, Samsung offers flagship-level hardware at a lower entry price, giving it a noticeable value advantage.
Which One Should You Buy in 2026?
If you prefer a versatile zoom camera, faster charging, larger battery, and better pricing, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is a compelling choice.
However, if you prioritise video recording, ecosystem integration, long-term software support, and consistent performance optimisation, the iPhone 17 Pro Max remains a strong contender.
Ultimately, the better phone depends on your ecosystem preference — Android or iOS — and which features matter most to you.
