Too close to call
Both score within 2 points on overall. Your priorities decide this one.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra are closely matched overall. Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max leads in build. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads in performance and display.
Scoring profile: balanced
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
Best for users who prioritize build.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Best for users who prioritize performance and display.
This is MyTechAdvisor's own independently compiled analysis, not the manufacturer's — it's provided for informational purposes only and isn't guaranteed to be complete or error-free. See our editorial policy.
Spec table
Start with the key differences, then expand a section to check the full specifications.
Visible rows
61
Meaningful differences
30
Layout
Full side-by-side mode
Resolution
Key differencePeak Brightness
Key differencePixel Density
Key differenceDisplay Protection
Key differenceDisplay Size
Refresh Rate
Panel Type
HDR Support
| Specification | Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
Display Size Close match | 6.9" | 6.9" |
Resolution Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads | 1320 x 2868 | 1440 x 3120Better |
Refresh Rate Close match | 120Hz | 120Hz |
Peak Brightness Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max leads | 3000 nitsBetter | 2600 nits |
Pixel Density Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads | 458 ppi | 498 ppiBetter |
Panel Type Close match | OLED | OLED |
HDR Support Close match | Yes | Yes |
Display Protection Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads | Ceramic Shield 2 | Anti-reflective coating | Corning Gorilla Armor 2 | DX anti-reflective coating Privacy DisplayBetter |
RAM
Key differenceCPU Clock
Key differenceCPU Cores
Key differenceCPU Cluster Speeds
Key differenceBenchmark Score
Key differenceAnTuTu Score
Key differenceGeekbench (Multi)
Key differenceStorage
Key differenceStorage Type
Key differenceRAM Type
Geekbench (Single)
Chipset
GPU
| Specification | Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
RAM Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads | 12GB | 16GBBetter |
RAM Type Needs more data | Not available | LPDDR5X |
CPU Clock Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max leads | 4.93GHzBetter | 4.74GHz |
CPU Cores Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads | 6 | 8Better |
CPU Cluster Speeds Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max leads | 2x4.93GHz + 4x2.64GHzBetter | 2x4.74GHz + 6x3.62GHz |
Benchmark Score Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads | 3463072 | 3892165Better |
AnTuTu Score Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads | 3463072 | 3892165Better |
Geekbench (Single) Needs more data | 11558 | Not available |
Geekbench (Multi) Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max leads | 12794Better | 11566 |
Storage Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max leads | 2048GBBetter | 1024GB |
Storage Type Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max leads | NVMeBetter | UFS 4.0 |
Chipset Close match | Apple A20 Pro (2 nm) | Qualcomm SM8850-1-AD Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) |
GPU Different | Apple GPU (7-core graphics) | Adreno 840 (1.3GHz) |
Rear Camera
Key differenceRear Camera (All Lenses)
Key differenceRear Sensor Size
Key differenceRear Aperture
Key differenceOptical Zoom
Key differenceMax Video Resolution
Key differenceFront Camera
Key differenceFront Aperture
Key differenceFront Video Resolution
Key differenceDigital Zoom
Optical Image Stabilization
Camera Features
| Specification | Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
Rear Camera Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads | 48MP | 200MPBetter |
Rear Camera (All Lenses) Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads | 48MP | 200MP + 50MP + 10MPBetter |
Rear Sensor Size Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max leads | 1/1.28Better | 1/1.3 |
Rear Aperture Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads | f/1.5 | f/1.4Better |
Optical Zoom Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max leads | 4xBetter | 3x |
Digital Zoom Different | 40x | 100x |
Optical Image Stabilization Close match | Yes | Yes |
Max Video Resolution Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads | 4K@24/25/30/60/100/120fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps, 10-bit HDR, Dolby Vision HDR (up to 120fps), ProRes, ProRes RAW (up to 120fps), Apple Log 2, 3D (spatial) video/audio, stereo sound rec. | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 10-bit HDR, HDR10+, stereo sound rec., gyro-EISBetter |
Front Camera Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max leads | 18MPBetter | 12MP |
Front Aperture Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max leads | f/1.9Better | f/2.2 |
Front Video Resolution Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max leads | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120fps, gyro-EISBetter | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps |
Camera Features Different | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR (photo/panorama), Cinematic from regular video | Laser AF, Best Face, Horizon Lock, LED flash, auto-HDR, panorama |
Generating honest comparison...
iPhone 18 Pro Max and Galaxy S26 Ultra are closely matched. Battery Life (Estimated): 10 hours vs 7 hours Rear Sensor Size: 1/1.28 vs 1/1.3 The choice depends on your priorities.
Best for users who prioritize build. iPhone 18 Pro Max offers strong performance in these areas.
Best for users who prioritize performance and display. Galaxy S26 Ultra excels in processing power and multitasking.
Non-PTA
PTA
| Price | Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Non-PTA | ≈ Rs 363,720 | ≈ Rs 299,317 |
| PTA | Rs 580,000 | Rs 365,000 |
≈ Converted from a fetched price. Store offers, when available, are listed separately.
Choosing between Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra can be tough. This comparison breaks down performance, camera, battery, and listed pricing so you can decide faster.
We focus on practical differences that impact daily use, not just spec sheet noise.
Both phones excel in different areas. Choose based on your priority.
Both phones have strengths. Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max leads in Build. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads in Performance, Display, Battery, Software.
The top differences are: Resolution (Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra advantage), Peak Brightness (Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max advantage), Pixel Density (Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra advantage), Display Protection (Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra advantage), RAM (Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra advantage).
Both phones are capable. Compare sensor sizes, OIS, and video features to decide.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra tends to last longer on a charge.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max: non-PTA approximately Rs 363,720; PTA Rs 580,000. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: non-PTA approximately Rs 299,317; PTA Rs 365,000. These are phone reference prices, not optional store offers.
Use our phone finder for a personalized recommendation.
