Galaxy s26 ultra vs. iphone 17 pro max: why wait for samsung?

The unfair comparison

It's a bit premature to pit the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra against last year's iPhone 17 Pro Max, but the allure of comparing these flagship titans is undeniable. The challenge lies in the significant timeframe – almost six months – separating their releases. Apple's offering arrived in September 2025, while the Galaxy S26 Ultra won’t be unveiled until February 25, 2026, with a consumer launch in mid-March. This substantial gap introduces the possibility of significant improvements and shifts in the tech landscape.

Why consider waiting for the s26 ultra?

For those seeking a flagship device now, and not rigidly tied to Android or iOS, both Samsung and Apple deserve consideration. While Chinese manufacturers like Vivo, Xiaomi, and Oppo offer compelling alternatives, the curiosity surrounding Apple and Samsung’s innovations remains strong. My colleague, Peter, has already provided a detailed comparison, but here’s why holding onto your cash until February 25th might be the wiser choice.

1. The privacy-first display advantage

The Galaxy S26 Ultra promises a standout feature: a privacy-focused display. While the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset is anticipated, the real excitement revolves around the ability to dynamically narrow viewing angles for sensitive information like notifications and banking apps. This innovative approach offers a tangible advantage in protecting personal data from prying eyes, a feature not currently offered by Apple.

2. The quad-camera versatility

Samsung Galaxy S Ultra phones have long been recognized as powerful photography tools, and the S26 Ultra is expected to continue this tradition with a quad-camera setup, headlined by a 200MP main sensor. In contrast, the iPhone 17 Pro Max remains anchored to a three-camera system. While Apple’s lenses are excellent, the added versatility of a dedicated telephoto lens often proves invaluable for various shooting scenarios.

3. Faster charging capabilities (a step in the right direction)

Samsung’s reluctance to significantly upgrade battery capacity over the years is a recurring theme. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to retain the 5,000 mAh battery capacity found in recent models. However, a welcome improvement is anticipated in the form of faster wired charging, potentially reaching 60W. While still trailing behind Chinese competitors, this represents a notable increase over the S25 Ultra’s 45W and surpasses the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s 40W charging speed.

4. The anti-reflective display – a subtle but significant difference

Samsung showcased the exceptional anti-reflective properties of its displays in 2024 with the Galaxy S24 Ultra, a feature often overlooked. This quality carries over to the S25 Ultra and is expected to be present in the S26 Ultra. While the iPhone 17 Pro Max also features an anti-reflective display, Samsung’s implementation consistently receives higher praise for its effectiveness. If minimizing glare is a priority, the Ultra deserves a close look.

Why might you still choose the iphone 17 pro max?

Ultimately, the choice depends on individual preferences. Loyal iOS users, those captivated by Apple's design aesthetic, or individuals who've had negative experiences with Samsung may still gravitate towards the iPhone 17 Pro Max. However, for many, the innovative features and incremental improvements of the Galaxy S26 Ultra make it a compelling reason to wait.