Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max: Which One Should You Buy?
These two are too close to call on BeastScore — the right choice depends on what matters to you.
Galaxy S26
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Too close to call: 2 of 8 categories each
Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.
Bigger shape = better phone.
Scores out of 100. How we score
- SpeedTie9090
- CameraGalaxy S269185
- VideoNot enough data
- SelfieiPhone 17 Pro Max6076
- BatteryiPhone 17 Pro Max7086
- DisplayTie9090
- ConnectivityTie100100
- SecurityTie100100
- ValueGalaxy S266855
- iPhone 17 Pro Max has the bigger battery5,088 mAh vs 4,300 mAh
- iPhone 17 Pro Max charges faster40W vs 25W
- Galaxy S26 has a sharper main camera50 MP vs 48 MP
- iPhone 17 Pro Max has the bigger screen6.9" vs 6.3"
- Galaxy S26 is lighter167 g vs 233 g
- Galaxy S26 launched cheaper$899 vs $1,199
- iPhone 17 Pro Max has a sharper selfie camera18 MP vs 12 MP
- iPhone 17 Pro Max has the faster chipApple A19 Pro vs Exynos 2600
Why buy each phone
Swipe ⇄Galaxy S26 and iPhone 17 Pro Max are evenly matched
It's a close call. Pick the Galaxy S26 for its sharper main camera (50 MP vs 48 MP) and lighter body (167 g vs 233 g), or the iPhone 17 Pro Max for its bigger battery (5,088 mAh vs 4,300 mAh) and faster charging (40W vs 25W).
Lighter: 167 g vs 233 g (66 g less) · Lower launch price: $899 vs $1,199
Larger battery: 5,088 mAh vs 4,300 mAh · Faster wired charging: 40W vs 25W
Common questions
Which is better: Galaxy S26 or iPhone 17 Pro Max?
It's a close call. Pick the Galaxy S26 for its sharper main camera (50 MP vs 48 MP) and lighter body (167 g vs 233 g), or the iPhone 17 Pro Max for its bigger battery (5,088 mAh vs 4,300 mAh) and faster charging (40W vs 25W). BeastScore: Galaxy S26 84.0/100, iPhone 17 Pro Max 84.5/100.
What are the main battery and display differences between Galaxy S26 and iPhone 17 Pro Max?
Galaxy S26 has a 6.3-inch display and 4300 mAh battery. iPhone 17 Pro Max has a 6.9-inch display and 5088 mAh battery.
How do Galaxy S26 and iPhone 17 Pro Max compare for speed?
Galaxy S26 scores 90/100 for performance; iPhone 17 Pro Max scores 90/100.
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