Flagship Smartphones Comparison: Samsung vs. Apple vs. Google (2024 Models)
When it comes to flagship smartphones, the battle between Samsung, Apple, and Google is as fierce as ever in 2024. Each brand offers its own distinct advantages, from powerful hardware to refined software experiences. This comparison will help you decide which flagship device—Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, or Google Pixel 9 Pro—is the best fit for you.
Design and Build Quality
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra continues the trend of premium materials with an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 3 protection on both the front and back. The phone’s squared edges and S-Pen support give it a unique identity, especially appealing to productivity-focused users. Its 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 120Hz refresh rate and 1440p resolution offers incredible sharpness and color vibrancy. The S24 Ultra also features IP68 water and dust resistance.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
The iPhone 16 Pro Max doesn’t stray far from Apple’s signature design language, featuring a stainless steel frame with Ceramic Shield glass for enhanced durability. The 6.9-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display delivers true blacks and vibrant colors, while the 120Hz ProMotion technology ensures smooth scrolling. The new solid-state action buttons give a futuristic touch to the design. The iPhone 16 Pro Max also holds IP68 certification, making it resistant to water and dust.
Google Pixel 9 Pro
The Google Pixel 9 Pro brings a slightly more refined version of the Pixel’s iconic design, with a matte finish on the back and an aluminum frame. The 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1440p resolution delivers crisp images and smooth interactions. The Pixel 9 Pro’s design is clean and minimalistic, with a unique horizontal camera bar. Like its competitors, it comes with IP68 water and dust resistance.
Verdict:
While all three phones offer premium builds and display technologies, Samsung’s S24 Ultra takes the edge with its larger screen and S-Pen integration, making it ideal for creative and productivity-focused users.
Performance and Processing Power
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Powered by the Exynos 2400 (or Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 depending on the region), the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers blazing-fast performance in multitasking, gaming, and everyday tasks. With up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, this phone handles everything from graphic-heavy apps to 8K video recording with ease.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
The A18 Bionic chip inside the iPhone 16 Pro Max delivers unmatched performance in CPU and GPU-intensive tasks, making it a powerhouse for gaming, video editing, and AI-driven photography. Apple’s tightly integrated hardware and software ensure that iOS 18 runs incredibly smoothly. The iPhone offers up to 1TB of storage, with Apple’s new 3nm architecture providing greater efficiency and performance gains.
Google Pixel 9 Pro
Google’s Tensor G4 chip powers the Pixel 9 Pro, enhancing its AI and machine learning capabilities, particularly in photography and voice recognition. While not as powerful as Apple’s A18 or Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the Tensor G4 shines in optimization for Google’s ecosystem. It pairs with 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage, making it more than capable for most users, though it may lag slightly behind in extreme multitasking and gaming scenarios.
Verdict:
In terms of raw power, the iPhone 16 Pro Max takes the lead with its A18 Bionic chip, though the Galaxy S24 Ultra is close behind with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. The Pixel 9 Pro excels in AI-driven tasks but doesn’t quite match the raw performance of its rivals.
Camera Systems
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Samsung is known for pushing boundaries in smartphone photography, and the Galaxy S24 Ultra doesn’t disappoint. It sports a 200MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide, and dual telephoto lenses (10MP and 10MP) for up to 10x optical zoom. The advanced image stabilization, AI-enhanced Night Mode, and 8K video recording make it a powerhouse for content creators.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers a 48MP main sensor with sensor-shift stabilization, a 12MP ultra-wide, and a 12MP periscope telephoto lens for 5x optical zoom. Apple’s computational photography continues to shine, with improvements to Night Mode and Smart HDR 5. The ProRAW and ProRes video options remain unmatched for content creators, especially in the video recording department.
Google Pixel 9 Pro
The Google Pixel 9 Pro focuses on computational photography, offering a 50MP main sensor, 12MP ultra-wide, and 48MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom. Google’s powerful AI ensures stunning results in low-light photography, portrait shots, and astrophotography. It may not have the extreme zoom capabilities of the Galaxy S24 Ultra, but its image processing is top-notch, especially for everyday photography.
Verdict:
If zoom and versatility are priorities, the Galaxy S24 Ultra leads the pack with its 200MP camera and powerful zoom options. For video, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the best choice, while the Pixel 9 Pro excels in computational photography and everyday shots.
Battery Life and Charging
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Galaxy S24 Ultra houses a 5000mAh battery with 65W fast charging, allowing for a full charge in under an hour. Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging are also supported, making it a great option for power users who need fast top-ups throughout the day.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a slightly larger 4700mAh battery compared to its predecessor. With the efficiency of the A18 Bionic chip and iOS optimizations, Apple promises all-day battery life. It supports 30W wired charging, 15W MagSafe wireless charging, and improved reverse wireless charging.
Google Pixel 9 Pro
The Pixel 9 Pro comes with a 5000mAh battery, paired with 30W fast charging and wireless charging support. Google’s adaptive battery feature learns your usage habits, extending battery life based on personalized needs. However, its charging speeds are slower than the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Verdict:
The Galaxy S24 Ultra wins with its faster charging speeds and larger battery, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max provides excellent efficiency. The Pixel 9 Pro offers solid battery performance but falls behind in charging speeds.
Software Experience
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (One UI 6)
Samsung’s One UI 6, based on Android 14, offers extensive customization options, multitasking features, and S-Pen functionality. Samsung has also promised 4 years of Android updates and 5 years of security patches, making it a future-proof choice.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max (iOS 18)
Apple’s iOS 18 is smooth, intuitive, and offers seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. New features like interactive widgets and StandBy Mode enhance usability. Apple is known for offering long-term software support, with updates expected for at least 5-6 years.
Google Pixel 9 Pro (Stock Android 14)
The Pixel 9 Pro runs a clean, stock version of Android 14, providing an uncluttered experience with immediate access to the latest features. Google’s unique features like Call Screening, Now Playing, and Google Assistant integration make it a joy to use. Expect 3 years of OS updates and 5 years of security updates.
Verdict:
For customization and features, the Galaxy S24 Ultra with One UI 6 is the most flexible. For a polished, seamless experience, iOS 18 on the iPhone 16 Pro Max is unbeatable, especially if you’re in the Apple ecosystem. The Pixel 9 Pro offers the cleanest Android experience with helpful AI features.
Conclusion: Which Flagship to Choose?
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Ideal for users who want the best display, camera versatility, and productivity features like the S-Pen.
- Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max: Best for users who prioritize performance, video recording, and long-term software support.
- Google Pixel 9 Pro: Perfect for photography enthusiasts and users who prefer a clean, AI-optimized Android experience.