Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max can be tough, with each phone boasting impressive stats and standout features.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra packs a stunning 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, the Pixel 8 Pro offers Google’s best AI-powered camera yet, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max combines Apple’s A17 Pro chip with an ultra-refined 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display.
If you need help choosing between these devices, we’re here to break down the key aspects, from performance and camera capabilities to real-life experiences, to help you make the right choice.
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Google Pixel 8 Pro | Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.8-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 3120 x 1440 pixels (505 ppi), 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, Corning Gorilla Armor, 2600 nits (peak brightness) | 6.7-inch LTPO OLED, 2992 x 1344 pixels (489 ppi), 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, Gorilla Glass Victus 2, 2400 nits (peak brightness) | 6.7-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, 2796 x 1290 pixels (460 ppi), 120Hz ProMotion, HDR10+, Ceramic Shield Glass, 2000 nits (peak brightness) |
| Camera | Rear: 200MP wide (f1.7, PDAF, OIS, ), 10MP periscope telephoto (f3.4, PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom), 10MP telephoto (f2.4, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom), 12MP ultrawide (f2.2, PDAF, 120°) Front: 12 MP, f/2.2, PDAF, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps Video: 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, HDR10+, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS, Lazer AF | Rear: 50MP wide (f1.7, PDAF, OIS), 48MP periscope telephoto (f2.8, PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom), 48MP ultrawide (f2.0, PDAF, 126°) Front: 10.5 MP, f/2.2, PDAF, 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps Video: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@24/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS, 10-bit HDR, Multi-zone Laser AF | Rear: 48MP wide (f1.8, PDAF, OIS), 12MP periscope telephoto (f2.8, PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom),12MP ultrawide (f2.2, PDAF, 120°) Front: 12 MP, f/1.9, PDAF, OIS, 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS Video: 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps, 10-bit HDR, Dolby Vision HDR (up to 60fps), ProRes, 3D (spatial) video, stereo sound recording |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, Exynos 2400 (In some regions) | Google Tensor G3 | Apple A17 Pro |
| GPU | Adreno 750 (Snapdragon), Xclipse 930 (Exynos) | Immortalis-G715s MC10 | 6-core Apple-designed GPU |
| Sound | Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, no 3.5mm headphone jack | Stereo speakers, no 3.5mm headphone jack | Stereo speakers, Spatial Audio, Dolby Atmos, no 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Battery | 5000mAh, 45W wired, 15W wireless charging, 4.5W reverse wireless charging | 5050mAh, 30W wired, 23W wireless charging, reverse wireless | 4441mAh, 20W wired, 15W MagSafe, 15W Qi wireless charging, 4.5W reverse wireless |
| Storage | 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM UFS 4.0 No microSD card slot | 128GB 12 GB RAM, 256GB 12 GB RAM, 512GB 12 GB RAM, 1TB 12 GB RAM UFS 3.1 No microSD card slot | 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 1TB 8GB RAM NVMe No microSD card slot |
| Operating System | Android 14 with One UI 6 | Android 14 (Stock) | iOS 17 |
| Connectivity | Network: GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct Bluetooth: 5.3, A2DP, LE NFC: Yes USB: USB Type-C 3.2, DisplayPort 1.2, OTG | Network: GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct Bluetooth: 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD NFC: Yes USB: USB Type-C 3.2 | Network: GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, hotspot Bluetooth: 5.3, A2DP, LE NFC: Yes USB: USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2, DisplayPort |
| Price | Starting at $1,299.99 | Starting at $999 | Starting at $1,199 |
DISPLAY AND DESIGN: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
When it comes to design, all three phones cater to distinct tastes.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra sports a sleek, squared-off look with premium glass and metal build with a titanium frame.
Its 6.8-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1440×3120 pixels stands out with its 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support, offering some of the best visuals for streaming or gaming.
The S24 Ultra offers the highest peak brightness of the bunch at 2600 nits.
Google Pixel 8 Pro
While more understated, the Google Pixel 8 Pro still impresses with a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display.
The resolution of 1344×2992 pixels with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and crisp image quality, though it leans more towards practicality than pizzazz.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
The iPhone 15 Pro Max, with its 6.7-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display, focuses on color accuracy and brightness.
It supports Dolby Vision and features Ceramic Shield for added durability.
While the display resolution of 1290×2796 pixels is slightly lower than the others, it excels in overall color reproduction and contrast, making it great for video consumption and photo editing.
CAMERA
For many, the camera is a deciding factor, and this is where things get interesting.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra features a 200MP primary sensor, which delivers stunning detail, especially in well-lit conditions.
Its 10x optical zoom lens and enhanced night photography make it a versatile option for photographers.
Google Pixel 8 Pro
The Google Pixel 8 Pro, on the other hand, focuses heavily on computational photography.
With a 50MP primary sensor, it may not seem as impressive on paper, but Google’s AI and machine learning algorithms take the Pixel 8 Pro’s photo quality to the next level, especially in low light.
Its Magic Eraser feature allows users to remove unwanted objects, adding a creative edge.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max takes a balanced approach with a 48MP main camera, relying on the processing power of the A17 Pro chip to enhance images.
While the zoom capabilities don’t match Samsung’s, its portrait mode, color accuracy, and ProRAW feature give photographers precise control.
PERFORMANCE AND REAL-LIFE EXPERIENCE
In terms of day-to-day performance, all three phones are powerhouses.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, backed by 12GB of RAM, offering smooth multitasking and gaming performance.
Whether you’re running demanding apps or games, the Galaxy doesn’t break a sweat.
Google Pixel 8 Pro
The Google Pixel 8 Pro is powered by Google’s own Tensor G3 chip, optimized for AI tasks, machine learning, and improved security.
It’s not necessarily the fastest in benchmarks, but in real-life tasks, like voice recognition, real-time photo editing, and battery efficiency, the Pixel shines.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
With the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple’s A17 Pro chip pushes performance even further. From high-quality gaming to professional video editing, this phone handles it all with ease.
In day-to-day use, the iPhone’s optimization between software and hardware ensures a smooth experience, with quick app loading times and excellent power efficiency.
In one of my recent travels, I had all three phones in hand, comparing their real-world performance.
While exploring a busy street market, I found the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s camera zoom invaluable for capturing intricate details from a distance.
However, the Pixel 8 Pro consistently delivered vibrant, true-to-life shots in tricky lighting, effortlessly adapting to the bright lights and shadowy corners.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 Pro Max was perfect for snapping crisp, colorful portraits of the local vendors, with its ProRAW format allowing me to tweak every little detail afterward.
BATTERY LIFE AND CHARGING
Battery life is crucial, especially for users who need their phones to last throughout the day. Here’s how the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Google Pixel 8 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max perform in this category:
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
With a massive 5000mAh battery, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is a powerhouse.
It comfortably lasts a full day even with medium to heavy usage, including streaming, gaming, and multitasking.
Samsung’s efficient power management, paired with its adaptive refresh rate, helps conserve battery life when the screen doesn’t need the full 120Hz.
Additionally, the 45W fast charging support along with 15W wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging make it a convenient choice for those on the go.
Google Pixel 8 Pro
The Pixel 8 Pro is equipped with a 5050mAh battery, slightly more than the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
While it also provides all-day battery life, especially with Google’s adaptive battery feature that prioritizes apps based on usage, it’s not quite as long-lasting under intensive tasks like gaming.
However, the Pixel’s battery efficiency shines in more routine daily tasks, and its 30W fast charging ensures you’re back up and running quickly.
The Pixel 8 Pro also supports up to 23W wireless charging with reverse wireless charging to conveniently charge devices like your wireless charging earbuds on the go.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Despite having a smaller battery of 4441mAh, the iPhone 15 Pro Max performs admirably, thanks to Apple’s A17 Pro chip and the optimized energy consumption of iOS.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max easily lasts a full day of heavy use. Even with demanding tasks like video streaming and gaming, the device remains efficient.
Apple’s fast charging of up to 27W lags behind the others, but its MagSafe wireless charging adds convenience for users of the Apple ecosystem.
In real-world use, despite having the smallest battery, the iPhone 15 Pro Max tends to offer the best overall battery life, especially for power users, thanks to it’s hardware and software optimization.
The Google Pixel 8 Pro excels in optimizing its battery for everyday tasks, and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra remains an efficient, reliable option.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
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Google Pixel 8 Pro
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Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
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CONCLUSION: Making the Right Choice
Ultimately, the choice between the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Google Pixel 8 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max boils down to your priorities.
If you’re after a top-tier camera with zoom capabilities and a stunning display, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is a worthy contender.
For AI-enhanced photos and Google’s seamless ecosystem, the Pixel 8 Pro stands strong.
If you’re deep into Apple’s ecosystem and want unmatched performance, the iPhone 15 Pro Max won’t disappoint.
At TopTechTally, we help tech enthusiasts and real-world users make informed decisions with our in-depth reviews and real-life impressions.
You can also check out our iPhone 15 Pro Max Review, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review and Google Pixel 8 Pro Review to get a more detailed insight on each of the devices.
Whichever device you choose, you’ll find a trusted companion to meet your tech needs.
Which flagship do you think suits your lifestyle best? Let us know at hello@toptechtally.com!
FAQs
- Which phone has the best battery life?
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max tends to have the edge in spite of having the smallest battery of the trio at 4441mAh primarily because of efficient power management, but for moderate users, all three phones offer strong all-day performance.
- How does the software experience differ?
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max runs on iOS, known for its exceptional security, reliability, timely software updates, and smooth integration with the Apple ecosystem. The Galaxy S24 Ultra uses Android with Samsung’s One UI, offering more customization. The Pixel 8 Pro in comparison stands out for its stock Android experience, with direct updates from Google [insert link].
- Which phone is best for gaming?
The A17 Pro chip of the iPhone 15 Pro Max leads in performance for intensive gaming, followed closely by the Galaxy S24 Ultra. The Pixel 8 Pro handles casual games well but isn’t as optimized for high-end gaming experiences.
Reference:
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store.google.com
apple.com
samsung.com
gsmarena.com
