Higher score
96/100
Head-to-head · Smartphones · 2026 · Ultra flagship
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Full smart comparison: specs, pros & cons, warranty, second-hand value and a clear verdict.
94/100
Techly Score
96/100
94/100
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Popularity
98/100
96/100
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Key differences at a glance
The specs where Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra diverge the most.
Chip
Pro Max+58%
Apple A19 Pro
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2
Apple
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Pros
- Record battery life
- Pro photo/video
Cons
- Weight
- High price
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Pros
- S Pen
- Versatile photo
- Galaxy AI
Cons
- Massive form factor
- Price
Which one is right for you?
Our pick for each type of buyer.
Best overall
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Higher Techly Score (96/100) — better all-round experience.
View detailsOwnership & long-term value
Apple
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Warranty
1-year limited warranty + 2-year EU legal conformity guarantee
Extended plan
AppleCare+ available (24 months, accidental damage covered, monthly plan)
Software support
6–7 years of software updates (historical average)
Second-hand
Strong refurbished market — Back Market, Apple Certified Refurbished, Swappa. Check refurbished listings
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Warranty
2-year manufacturer warranty in EU (1-year in US)
Extended plan
Samsung Care+ available (accidental damage, screen replacement discount)
Software support
7 years of Android + One UI updates (Galaxy S24 onwards)
Second-hand
Solid refurbished market — Back Market, Samsung Certified Re-Newed, Swappa. Check refurbished listings
Specs side by side
Green cells mark the better value for numeric specs — tap a row to see the delta.
| Spec | Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Release year | 2026 | 2026 | Same year |
| Display | 6.9" OLED ProMotion | 6.9" QHD+ AMOLED | Tie |
| Chip | Apple A19 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 | Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max(+58%) |
| Techly Score | 96/100 | 94/100 | Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max |
Techly verdict
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max scores higher overall — the safer pick in this match-up.