When it comes to flagship smartphones, Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra and Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max stand out as two of the most advanced devices on the market. However, Samsung brings several features to the Galaxy S24 Ultra that give it an edge in terms of functionality, customization, and photography. Here’s a closer look at what the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers that you won’t find on the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
1. Display Technology and Features
Dynamic AMOLED 2X with 144Hz Refresh Rate
Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra offers an industry-leading Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 144Hz refresh rate, delivering smoother scrolling, better responsiveness in games, and overall fluidity. In contrast, Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max is capped at a 120Hz refresh rate with its ProMotion display. For users who prioritize high refresh rates and motion smoothness, the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s 144Hz refresh rate provides an edge in screen experience.
Higher Resolution and Pixel Density
The Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts a resolution of 3200 x 1440 pixels, providing crisper details and a higher pixel density compared to the iPhone’s display. This difference is notable when consuming high-quality media or reading text at smaller font sizes, where Samsung’s higher resolution creates a sharper and more immersive experience.
Integrated S-Pen Support
An exclusive feature in Samsung’s Galaxy Ultra line, the S24 Ultra includes built-in S-Pen support, allowing users to write, draw, and control various functions with precision. Apple offers no direct equivalent to this stylus integration on the iPhone, making Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra a unique choice for professionals, creatives, or anyone who benefits from precise touch input.
Enhanced Customization Options
The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s One UI enables extensive display customization, allowing users to adjust color profiles, themes, icon layouts, and more. In contrast, Apple’s iOS focuses on simplicity and offers limited customization options. This makes the Galaxy S24 Ultra a more customizable option for users who like to personalize their device.
2. Advanced Camera Capabilities
200MP Primary Camera Sensor
Samsung continues to push the boundaries of smartphone photography with a 200MP main sensor in the Galaxy S24 Ultra. This high-resolution sensor allows for ultra-detailed photos that capture fine details and vibrant colors. Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max, while advanced, does not match this resolution, making Samsung the clear choice for users who prioritize high-res imagery.
Zooming Capabilities
The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s camera system excels in zoom functionality, featuring a periscope-style lens that enables 10x optical zoom and 100x Space Zoom. In comparison, the iPhone 16 Pro Max offers a 5x optical zoom, making it less versatile for capturing distant subjects with clarity. Samsung’s powerful zoom also includes advanced stabilization, ensuring high-quality shots even at long distances.
Astrophotography Mode and Enhanced Night Mode
Samsung has introduced specialized modes for astrophotography, allowing users to capture stars, planets, and other celestial objects in remarkable detail. Additionally, the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s Night Mode has been optimized to capture clear and bright photos in extremely low light, outperforming Apple’s Night Mode in certain scenarios. These features make the Galaxy S24 Ultra ideal for users who enjoy night photography or stargazing.
3. Battery and Charging Enhancements
Faster Charging Speeds
Samsung has integrated 45W fast charging into the Galaxy S24 Ultra, allowing the device to charge significantly faster than the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which is limited to 27W. For users who need quick top-ups throughout the day, the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers a noticeable advantage in charging convenience.
Reverse Wireless Charging
Another standout feature of the Galaxy S24 Ultra is its reverse wireless charging capability, enabling it to charge other devices like earbuds, smartwatches, or even another phone. This feature is unavailable on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, providing Galaxy users with extra flexibility and functionality in powering other gadgets on the go.
4. Software Features and Customization
Multi-Window Mode and Enhanced Split-Screen Capabilities
Samsung’s One UI software on the Galaxy S24 Ultra includes a Multi-Window mode, which allows users to run multiple apps on-screen simultaneously. The enhanced split-screen functionality, available only on Android, also supports a variety of productivity workflows that iPhone users can’t access in the same way. Whether it’s for multitasking between apps or taking notes while watching a video, Samsung provides superior software functionality in this area.
Samsung DeX for Desktop Experience
Samsung DeX, a feature exclusive to Galaxy devices, allows the S24 Ultra to connect to a monitor or TV to provide a desktop-like experience. Users can open files, use a keyboard and mouse, and even run Android apps in a desktop environment. This transforms the Galaxy S24 Ultra into a versatile productivity tool for those who need to work on larger screens without carrying a laptop. Apple’s iOS ecosystem lacks a comparable desktop mode on iPhones.
Game Mode and Advanced Performance Controls
For gaming enthusiasts, Samsung’s Game Mode provides specialized settings that allow users to optimize performance, control notifications, and enhance graphics on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Additionally, the device offers advanced performance controls for tweaking CPU, GPU, and battery usage, giving users more control over their device’s power and performance. Apple offers a streamlined gaming experience but lacks the level of customization Samsung provides for power users.
5. Expandable Storage Options
Samsung has retained expandable storage capabilities on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, allowing users to insert a microSD card for additional space. This feature can be invaluable for users who store large files, media libraries, or apps on their device. In contrast, Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max does not support expandable storage, limiting users to the built-in storage capacity.
Conclusion
While both the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max are powerful flagship devices, Samsung sets itself apart with features like a 144Hz display, advanced camera zoom, expandable storage, reverse wireless charging, and Samsung DeX. For users who value these functionalities, the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers distinct advantages over Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max. Whether you’re a professional, a photographer, or simply a tech enthusiast, the Galaxy S24 Ultra provides options that redefine what’s possible on a smartphone.
