The Galaxy S26 Ultra, unveiled on Wednesday during Samsung's Unpacked event, is Samsung's latest premium device. It debuts with a bunch of quality-of-life upgrades. The new Samsung flagship phone still has a lot in common with its predecessor, but does it stand up against Apple's highest-end iPhone 17 Pro Max?
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is priced at $1,300, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max starts at $1,199. No matter which device you opt for, you'll be getting some of the best phones on the market. However, there are some major differences that you should consider before making a decision. Here's how the best of Samsung and Apple compare against each other.
Display and build
When the Privacy Display feature is turned on, Galaxy S26 Ultra's screen turns almost black from side angles. Prakhar Khanna/CNET
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a 6.9-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz dynamic refresh rate and a 3,120x1,440-pixel resolution. Like last year's Galaxy S25 Ultra, it has a Corning Gorilla Armor 2 layer on top that reduces reflection and glare. It retains my favorite aspects of the Galaxy S25 Ultra's screen and tops it with an all-new Privacy Display feature that protects your on-screen content from strangers in public spaces.
Samsung developed Privacy Display at the pixel level. It placed wider-angle pixels (emitting light in all directions) and narrow pixels (emitting light straight toward you) next to each other.
When you turn on this feature, the narrow pixels radiate light at 90 degrees, which limits the viewing angles. As a result, if someone sees your phone from the side, they won't be able to read your on-screen content. Samsung allows you to select specific apps and the time of day (through Routines) to automatically trigger Privacy Display. It has two modes: Partial Screen Privacy and Maximum Privacy Protection, where the latter also decreases the brightness for a more effective result.
Watch this: First Look at the Galaxy S26 Ultra: Camera, Battery and AI Updates 02:56
Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Max lacks this feature, though there are plenty of screen protector accessories that reduce a display's visibility. The Cupertino, California-based company introduced a less reflective screen on its latest iPhones with Ceramic Shield 2, but it doesn't compare to Samsung's implementation. You get a 6.9-inch OLED screen with a 2,868x1,320-pixel resolution and a dynamic 120Hz variable refresh rate. Both Samsung and Apple phones are legible in harsh lighting, but the Galaxy S26 Ultra's lower reflectivity should improve legibility.
Both of them are big phones to hold. The Galaxy S26 Ultra looks similar to its predecessor, but is now easier to hold, thanks to its new design. At 7.9mm and 214 grams, it is slimmer and lighter than the iPhone 17 Pro Max (8.5mm and 233 grams). When compared, the iPhone feels denser to hold. Both phones are IP68 rated for dust and water resistance.
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