Samsung recently launched the Galaxy S26 Ultra, positioning it as the main competitor to the iPhone 17 The comparison highlights differences in design, performance, photography and exclusive features, such as a privacy screen on the Samsung model.
Both smartphones have a 6.9-inch screen with an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. The focus of the dispute is on the innovations that each brand brought to attract premium consumers. The Samsung focuses on faster charging and visual protection, while the Apple prioritizes software and ecosystem integration.
Main features compared
- Design: S26 Ultra maintains rounded edges and becomes lighter; iPhone 17 Pro Max brings unprecedented orange tone
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 on Samsung with AI from Google and A19 Pro on Apple with ChatGPT
- Main camera: 200 MP on the Galaxy S26 Ultra; 48 MP across all iPhone 17 Pro Max lenses
- Charging: up to 75% in 30 min with 60 W on Samsung; about 50% in 30 min via MagSafe on Apple
- Exclusive: AI privacy screen on Galaxy; Center Stage on the front of the iPhone
Design and color options
The Galaxy S26 Ultra maintains the look of the previous line, with rounded edges and lighter construction. Color options include traditional shades such as blue, black, white, silver, gold and light lilac.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max presents a redesigned design, highlighting the unprecedented orange tone. Essa color has gained popularity among influencers and users seeking aesthetic differentiation.
Artificial intelligence processors and capabilities
The S26 Ultra uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 of the Qualcomm, optimized for the Samsung. The chip supports AI agents integrated into the Google and Perplexity, enabling complex tasks with greater efficiency.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is equipped with the A19 Pro, the Apple’s proprietary chip. The integration between CPU, GPU and Neural Engine is reinforced by the partnership with OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which powers artificial intelligence capabilities in the system.
Camera system and advances in photography
The Samsung preserves the 200-megapixel main sensor on the S26 Ultra. The set includes telephoto lenses with advanced optical zoom and high-resolution ultrawide, now with a larger aperture for low-light captures. The front camera gained improvements via AI, a feature previously restricted to the rear lenses.
The Apple equips the iPhone 17 Pro Max with three rear sensors of 48 megapixels each. The Fusion system combines hardware and software to generate final 24 megapixel images, optimizing storage without loss of quality. The front features the Center Stage, which keeps the user centered in the frame during movements during calls or recordings.
Charging speed and battery
The Galaxy S26 Ultra reaches up to 75% battery in about 30 minutes using a 60-watt charger, sold separately. The device includes a 25-watt charger in the box for immediate use.
iPhone 17 Pro Max supports MagSafe charging up to 25 watts, with at least a 30-watt USB-C adapter required for maximum performance. In Nesse mode, the battery reaches approximately 50% in half an hour.
Privacy and calling features
The Samsung introduces the privacy screen on the S26 Ultra. The technology uses AI to erase pixels and block side views, and can be activated for the entire screen or just for specific apps and notifications.
Both models have call filtering via AI. The system answers calls from unknown numbers, collects information and passes it on to the user. Apple implemented the feature in September 2025, and Samsung now adopts similar functionality.
Pricing and configurations available on Brasil
The Galaxy S26 The line offers a balance between capacity and cost for different usage profiles.
The iPhone 17 The configurations meet high storage demands for heavy content.
The dispute between the Galaxy S26 Ultra and the iPhone 17 Pro Max reinforces competition in the premium segment. The Cada device brings distinct strengths, with the Samsung emphasizing charging speed and visual privacy, and the Apple focusing on camera optimization and integrated ecosystem.
