Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB vs Samsung Galaxy S 26 Ultra 256GB: which one suits you?

The two differ in 8 of the specs we have recorded, and the Samsung Galaxy S 26 Ultra 256GB is cheaper by SAR 810 (prices checked 11 Nov 2026).

Which one should you choose?

  • No clear lead in the recorded specs; design or brand preference may decide.
  • Paying less: cheaper by SAR 810
  • More memory for multitasking (120 GB vs 12 GB)
  • Higher-resolution main camera (200 MP vs 48 MP)
  • Lower weight: 213 g vs 231 g · slight difference

The deciding difference here: memory (RAM) and main camera and price.

Compares recorded specs; a missing spec does not mean the feature is absent.

Key differences

  • Memory (RAM)

    12 GB✓ 120 GB
  • Resolution

    2868 x 13201284 x 2778
  • Processor

    Apple A19 ProSnapdragon 8 Elite

Specifications side by side

21 of 21 specs

Scroll the table sideways to see the rest.

Spec
AppleSAR 4,498
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB specs
SamsungSAR 3,688
Samsung Galaxy S 26 Ultra 256GB specs
Reference priceSAR 4,498SAR 3,688
Memory (RAM)12 GB✓ 120 GB
ProcessorApple A19 ProSnapdragon 8 Elite
Battery capacity5,088 mAh—
Wired charging25 W—
Main camera48 MP✓ 200 MP
Storage256 GB256 GB
5GYesYes

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Direct comparison questions

What is the difference in processor between the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB and the Samsung Galaxy S 26 Ultra 256GB?

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB: Apple A19 Pro; Samsung Galaxy S 26 Ultra 256GB: Snapdragon 8 Elite. This is a spec difference, not a verdict that one is better overall.

What is the difference in storage between the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB and the Samsung Galaxy S 26 Ultra 256GB?

No difference here: storage is 256 GB on both.

What is the difference in main camera between the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB and the Samsung Galaxy S 26 Ultra 256GB?

Main camera is higher on the Samsung Galaxy S 26 Ultra 256GB: 200 MP vs 48 MP on the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB. If this spec is your priority, the difference favours it.

What is the difference in memory (RAM) between the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB and the Samsung Galaxy S 26 Ultra 256GB?

Memory (RAM) is higher on the Samsung Galaxy S 26 Ultra 256GB: 120 GB vs 12 GB on the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB. If this spec is your priority, the difference favours it.