Looking for an honest Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra S23 Ultra S23 S22 5G comparison in 2026? We scored both smartphones on the same six-dimension framework — performance, battery, display, camera, design and value — using identical methodology, so the numbers below are directly comparable. In our overall scoring the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra S23 Ultra S23 S22 5G comes out ahead 78/100 to 83/100 — a 5-point gap. The widest gap is in display, where the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max pulls noticeably ahead. On price the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra S23 Ultra S23 S22 5G undercuts the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max by 347% ($268 vs $1,199), which materially changes the value calculus for budget-conscious buyers.

Apple
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Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra S23 Ultra S23 S22 5G narrowly beats the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max in the smartphones category, especially in value ($268 vs $1199), scoring 83 vs 78. If you want the better overall smartphones, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra S23 Ultra S23 S22 5G is the recommended choice.
Picking Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra S23 Ultra S23 S22 5G over Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max means trading these off.
$1199

Samsung
$268
Scores are relative within the smartphonescategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
| Spec | Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra S23 Ultra S23 S22 5GW |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.9"✓ | 6.8" |
| Display Type | OLED | — |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness | 2000nits | — |
| Chipset | Apple A19 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB✓ |
| Storage | 256GB | 256GB |
| Main Camera | 48MP | 200MP✓ |
| Front Camera | 24MP✓ | 12MP |
| Battery | 4685mAh | 5000mAh✓ |
| Charging | 30W | 45W✓ |
| OS | iOS 19 | Android 14 |
| NFC | Yes | — |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Weight | 228g✓ | 232g |
| Price | 1199$ | 268$ |
Buy Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max if…
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Buy Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra S23 Ultra S23 S22 5G if…
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra S23 Ultra S23 S22 5G if you want the best overall value in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra S23 Ultra S23 S22 5G narrowly beats the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max in the smartphones category, especially in value ($268 vs $1199), scoring 83 vs 78. If you want the better overall smartphones, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra S23 Ultra S23 S22 5G is the recommended choice.
No, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra S23 Ultra S23 S22 5G scores higher (80 vs 78).
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra S23 Ultra S23 S22 5G is cheaper at $268 vs $1199 for the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra S23 Ultra S23 S22 5G if you want the best overall value in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra S23 Ultra S23 S22 5G has a larger battery (5,000mAh vs 4,685mAh for the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max), which generally means longer use between charges.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max has the larger display (6.9" vs 6.8").
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra S23 Ultra S23 S22 5G has a higher-resolution main camera (200MP vs 48MP). Note that megapixels are one factor — sensor quality and processing also matter.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra S23 Ultra S23 S22 5G has more RAM (12GB vs 8GB), which helps with multitasking.
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: May 10, 2026
Methodology: AI-powered analysis of technical specifications from manufacturer data. Scores are calculated by comparing products across multiple dimensions and normalized relative to the full category database. Our editorial process is independent and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.