iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Galaxy S26 Ultra: Flagship Comparison

The iPhone 17 Pro Max and Galaxy S26 Ultra are Apple's and Samsung's main large flagships in our catalog. After the iPhone 18 Pro launch their prices moved closer: in Yerevan the iPhone 17 Pro Max 256 GB starts at 524,900 ֏ and the Galaxy S26 Ultra 12/256 GB at 479,900 ֏ (catalog minimum, 24.09.2026).

Display

Both are 6.9" OLED panels at up to 120 Hz. The iPhone peaks at 3000 nits outdoors, the Samsung at 2600 nits. The S26 Ultra has Privacy Display to hide content from onlookers.

Cameras

• iPhone 17 Pro Max: three 48 MP cameras (main, ultrawide, telephoto), 18 MP Center Stage front camera.
• Galaxy S26 Ultra: 200 MP main, 50 MP ultrawide, 10 MP 3x and 50 MP 5x periscope, 12 MP front camera.

Samsung offers more optical zoom options (3x and 5x) and a higher-resolution main camera.

Battery and charging

• iPhone: up to 39 hours of video, 50% in 20 minutes (40 W), MagSafe/Qi2 up to 25 W.
• Samsung: 5000 mAh, 60 W wired, 25 W wireless.

Performance and updates

A19 Pro vs Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy — both top-tier 2025–2026 chips. Samsung promises 7 years of Android and security updates. Apple typically supports iPhones for 6–7 years but does not commit to a fixed period.

Verdict

The S26 Ultra is cheaper, with more flexible zoom (5x periscope) and faster charging. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a brighter screen, three 48 MP cameras and the Apple ecosystem. If you already own a Mac, iPad or Apple Watch, get the iPhone. If not, the S26 Ultra gives you more for less.