Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max: Nail Biting Affair

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (review) has positioned itself as not only the leading Android phone in the market, but also as the primary competitor to the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max (review) for more than a decade. This year, the Galaxy S24 not only addresses its traditional weaknesses, but also introduces a range of generative AI-based features that surpass the capabilities of the iPhone. Therefore, let's compare these two titanium-clad giants of the smartphone industry and see how they stack up against each other.

Titanium Transformation: Substance Over Subtlety

When Apple made the transition from stainless steel to titanium, it brought tangible benefits, such as a significant reduction in weight and a new finish that changed the feel of the iPhone when held. However, Apple's implementation of titanium was rather understated, and some may even say unremarkable.

On the other hand, Samsung's transition to titanium with the Galaxy S24 Ultra resulted in minimal weight loss, and it’s still one of the heaviest phones on the market. However, Samsung has managed to excel in terms of style. The S24 Ultra’s titanium body feels more substantial, and overall, it feels rejuvenated, especially with its new flat screen featuring symmetrical bezels, a first for the brand.

Display Domination: Smoothness, Brightness, and Anti-Glare

Speaking of display technology, the iPhone pushed the boundaries of brightness with a peak of 2,000 nits. However, this figure has been surpassed since September. The OnePlus 12 boasts a maximum brightness of 4,500 nits, but when considering all aspects, it is the Galaxy S24 Ultra that takes the lead with its 2,600 nits of global brightness. It boasts the smoothest display among all the phones we have tested. Additionally, it features an anti-glare coating, making it a pleasure to use, along with Gorilla Glass Armor, which is said to be even more scratch-resistant than Apple's Ceramic Shield.

For those who are looking to consume content, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the ideal choice. It is the only phone that supports the S-Pen stylus and also boasts a larger screen. From a productivity standpoint, it offers a superior display.

Performance Parity: iPhone Leads, but Galaxy Catches Up

The iPhone still holds a slight advantage in terms of peak and sustained performance. The A17 Pro outperforms the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and iOS 17 is more optimised than Android 14. Moreover, the iPhone can run ray-traced console-class games, such as Resident Evil Village. However, the competition is close, and Samsung has promised that triple-A games will also be available for its Galaxy S line of smartphones, although we remain sceptical until we see it happen. Third-party accessory support for gaming is also better for the iPhone.

The iPhone also reigns supreme for content creators. If you need to edit videos on the go, you not only have a plethora of tools at your disposal, but also a highly optimised system-on-chip that excels at rendering.

However, the Galaxy S24 Ultra has one feature that the iPhone lacks - DEX. This functionality allows you to transform the S24 into a computer that can be used with a monitor, keyboard and mouse, and it works better than ever before. It is incredibly useful for getting work done on the go, without the need to carry a laptop with you.

Content Creators' Choice: iPhone Reigns Supreme

Both phones are evenly matched in the camera department. The Galaxy S24 Ultra captures stunning photos in daylight, and its upgraded 5X zoom lens outperforms the iPhone 15's 5X zoom. It also offers better lossless zoom, which remains usable up to 25X. Additionally, it can even capture shots of the moon. The S24 Ultra also boasts arguably the best selfie camera on the market. It can use AI to create a slow-motion video out of a normal video, something that works surprisingly well. 

The iPhone continues to dominate in terms of mobile video, with new features such as the ability to record using LOG profiles. It also allows you to connect a hard drive via its newly added USB Type-C port, eliminating storage concerns for professional use. It also boasts a better low-light camera and excels at capturing macro shots. In daylight, the S24 takes better portrait shots, but in the evening, the iPhone takes the lead. Overall, it's a tie in the camera department.

Software Showdown: Galaxy's Generative AI Steals the Show

Apple is renowned for its curated iOS 17 experience. The app ecosystem on iOS 17 is also superior, and Apple's gadgets seamlessly integrate with each other. However, if you're not fully immersed in Apple's ecosystem, Samsung offers the next best experience. And with One UI 6.1 on Android, the South Korean giant has made significant strides in terms of usability. It is fast, flexible, and visually appealing - using the Galaxy S24 Ultra is a delightful experience. Moreover, it works seamlessly with Galaxy Watch, the Galaxy Buds, and your Windows PC.

It also currently leads the way in the generative AI era, with features like Notes Assist, Generative Edit, Interpreter, Live Translator, Live Transcriber, Chat Assist, and Circle To Search. Notably, these features also work in Hindi, making them highly relevant to Indian customers. However, it is still early days, and the AI sometimes misinterprets context and heavily relies on an Internet connection, but Samsung has made an impressive first attempt.

Apple's Siri feels outdated, having not changed much in a decade, but there are rumours suggesting that it will make a huge comeback with iOS 18. However, that is still months away, and in the meantime, Samsung is leading in the generative AI field. Software updates are also being provided for up to 7 years, which is remarkable - imagine having new features on the Galaxy S24 Ultra even in 2030!

Battery and Charging: Both Titans Excel

Battery life on both the iPhone and Galaxy S24 Ultra is exceptional. You can charge either of these phones overnight and not worry about battery life until the end of the day, even with heavy usage. Battery life is similar between the two phones. However, the S24 Ultra charges faster and also offers reverse wireless Power Share, which can be a handy emergency feature that the iPhone lacks.

The Verdict: A Narrow Victory for the Galaxy

The S24 Ultra may not appear very different at first, but after using it, it certainly feels like there has been a significant software-driven leap for Samsung's flagship. The competition between the iPhone and the Galaxy S series is tighter than ever. Currently, it seems that Samsung has surpassed Apple. However, this leap may be short-lived. Apple will announce iOS 18 in about six months, and many other companies will also be updating their offerings. Nevertheless, the fact that Samsung has managed to surpass the iPhone for now is impressive.