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The iPhone 17 Pro Max launched in the U.S. at $1,199, while Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra launched at $1,299.99. That makes Apple’s starting launch price $100.99 lower, but the phones launched in different years, and those figures do not show which costs less today. On specifications, the clearest differences are the S24 Ultra’s S Pen support and four rear camera modules versus Apple’s three 48-megapixel rear cameras and 2TB storage option.
At a glance: Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X; 3120 × 1440; up to 120 Hz | 6.9-inch OLED; 2868 × 1320, 460 ppi; ProMotion up to 120 Hz |
| Stylus | S Pen support | No integrated stylus listed in Apple’s specifications |
| Rear cameras | 200 MP, 50 MP, 12 MP, and 10 MP; 3x and 5x optical zoom, plus 2x and 10x optical-quality options | Three 48 MP Fusion cameras; up to 8x optical-quality zoom |
| Front camera | Not stated in the cited Samsung specifications | 18 MP Center Stage |
| Storage listed at launch | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB |
| Weight and dimensions | 232 g; 162.3 × 79.0 × 8.6 mm | 231 g; 163.4 × 78 × 8.75 mm |
| Battery information | 5000 mAh typical capacity; up to 30 hours of wireless video playback listed | Up to 37 hours of video playback listed |
| U.S. starting launch price | $1,299.99 (2024) | $1,199 (2025) |
Samsung’s figures are from its Saudi Arabia product specification page, while Apple’s cited technical specifications are for South Africa. The launch-price figures are U.S. starting prices from announcements in January 2024 and September 2025. Regional configurations and pricing can differ.
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How much cheaper was the iPhone at launch?
At their respective U.S. launches, the iPhone 17 Pro Max started at $1,199 and the Galaxy S24 Ultra at $1,299.99. The difference between those base prices is $100.99 in Apple’s favor. Apple announced its price on September 9, 2025; Samsung announced the S24 series on January 17, 2024. These are not same-year launch prices, and they are not current price quotes. Apple’s launch announcement and Samsung’s U.S. launch announcement give the historical starting prices.
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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The cited launch announcements list 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB options for the S24 Ultra; Apple also listed a 2 TB iPhone 17 Pro Max. The base-price gap should not be treated as the price difference at every storage tier. For a purchase decision today, compare the same storage, condition, seller, and market, and account for carrier or trade-in offers; the launch announcements do not establish live prices or offer terms.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Display: similar size, different resolution
The screens are close in diagonal size: Samsung specifies 6.8 inches for the S24 Ultra and Apple 6.9 inches for the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Both manufacturers specify refresh rates up to 120 Hz. Their published resolution figures differ: Samsung lists 3120 × 1440, while Apple lists 2868 × 1320 at 460 pixels per inch. Those numbers describe specifications, not a controlled viewing comparison, so they do not by themselves establish which display looks better.
S Pen or Apple’s camera and storage configuration?
Choose the S24 Ultra for integrated pen support
Samsung lists S Pen support for the Galaxy S24 Ultra. That is a concrete advantage for someone who wants a pen available for handwriting or other pen input. Apple’s cited iPhone specifications do not list an integrated stylus; that does not mean the iPhone cannot be used with any third-party stylus.
Rank #2
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
Compare camera descriptions, not just megapixels
Samsung lists four rear camera modules: 200 MP, 50 MP, 12 MP, and 10 MP. Its specifications include 3x and 5x optical zoom, as well as 2x and 10x optical-quality options. Apple describes three 48 MP Fusion rear cameras and up to 8x optical-quality zoom; its listed front camera is 18 MP with Center Stage. These are manufacturer specifications and descriptions, not results from a matched camera test. Camera count, megapixel totals, and zoom labels alone cannot determine which phone takes better pictures.
Consider whether you need 2 TB
At launch, Samsung listed the S24 Ultra in 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB configurations. Apple listed the iPhone 17 Pro Max in those capacities plus 2 TB. Buyers who need the highest listed storage capacity have an option on Apple’s launch lineup that is not listed in Samsung’s cited U.S. launch announcement.
Rank #3
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Weight, dimensions, and battery claims
The listed weights are nearly identical: 232 g for the S24 Ultra and 231 g for the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Samsung’s cited dimensions are 162.3 × 79.0 × 8.6 mm; Apple’s are 163.4 × 78 × 8.75 mm. In those figures, the Samsung is wider, while the iPhone is slightly taller and thicker.
Battery figures are not a direct head-to-head result. Samsung lists a typical capacity of 5000 mAh and up to 30 hours of wireless video playback; Apple lists up to 37 hours of video playback. The manufacturers’ stated playback figures use methods and conditions that are not established as equivalent here, so they should not be read as proof that one phone lasts longer in everyday use.
Which one fits your priorities?
- Consider the Galaxy S24 Ultra if S Pen support, its listed four-camera hardware, or its 3120 × 1440 display resolution are priorities.
- Consider the iPhone 17 Pro Max if you want Apple’s listed 2 TB storage configuration, its described three-camera system, or its 18 MP Center Stage front camera.
- Compare current local prices before deciding if cost is decisive. The $100.99 difference applies only to the different-year U.S. launch starting prices, not necessarily to present-day offers.
The specifications do not establish an overall performance, camera, or battery-life winner. The cited Samsung specification page is for Saudi Arabia and Apple’s technical specification page is for South Africa; check regional model details for the country where you plan to buy.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
