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iPhone 18 Pro Max vs Galaxy S26 Ultra: Sample Photos Comparison

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs Galaxy S26 Ultra cameras compared with real-world samples.

By Victor Hristov · Review Content Lead

Published: Sep 24, 2026, 10:00 AM

Apple

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iPhone 18 Pro Max vs Galaxy S26 Ultra: Sample Photos Comparison

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs Galaxy S26 Ultra | Image by PhoneArena

With a new variable aperture on the main camera and new Photographic Styles, the iPhone 18 Pro Max wants to add manual control and character to your photos, but how does this new camera compare to Android's finest, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

I have spent the last few days taking dozens of photos with these two camera flagships, all to find out if one is better than the other.

Let's start with a quick look at the camera specs where sensor sizes and aperture values make a big difference.

$1149 ¹²

$1249

$100 off (8%)

For a limited time, you can buy the new iPhone 18 Pro at Walmart. Apple's new compact flagship phone can be yours with a plan by Verizon. The device is available at a monthly price of $31.92/mo, which saves you $100 over 36 months.

Buy at Walmart

$1249 ²⁰

$1349

$100 off (7%)

The latest iPhone 18 Pro Max is here, debuting a larger battery, faster charging and a variable aperture camera. You can now grab the phone at Walmart with a plan by Verizon for $34.70/mo, which saves you $100 over 36 monthly bill credits.

Buy at Walmart

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs Galaxy S26 Ultra Camera Specs:


Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max	Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Camera

Main camera
48 MP (PDAF, ToF 3D depth sensing, Sensor-shift OIS) Sensor name: Sony IMX905 Aperture size: F1.5/F4.0 Focal length: 24 mm Sensor size: 1/1.28" Pixel size: 1.22 μm	200 MP (OIS, PDAF) Sensor name: Samsung ISOCELL HP2 Aperture size: F1.4 Focal length: 23 mm Sensor size: 1/1.3" Pixel size: 0.6 μm
Second camera
48 MP (Ultra-wide, Sensor-shift OIS) Sensor name: Sony IMX972 Aperture size: F2.2 Focal Length: 13 mm Sensor size: 1/2.55" Pixel size: 0.7 μm	50 MP (Ultra-wide, PDAF) Sensor name: Samsung ISOCELL JN3 Aperture size: F1.9 Sensor size: 1/2.5" Pixel size: 0.7 μm
Third camera
48 MP (Telephoto, Periscope, OIS, PDAF) Sensor name: Sony IMX973 Optical zoom: 4.0x Aperture size: F2.8 Focal Length: 100 mm Sensor size: 1/2.55" Pixel size: 0.7 μm	10 MP (Telephoto, OIS, PDAF) Sensor name: Sony IMX754 Optical zoom: 3.0x Aperture size: F2.4 Sensor size: 1/3.94" Pixel size: 1.12 μm
Fourth camera
	50 MP (Telephoto, Periscope, OIS, PDAF) Sensor name: Sony IMX854 Optical zoom: 5.0x Aperture size: F2.9 Focal Length: 115 mm Sensor size: 1/2.52" Pixel size: 0.7 μm
Front
18 MP (Time-of-Flight (ToF), Autofocus, HDR)	12 MP (PDAF, HDR)

See the full Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra specs comparison or compare them to other phones using our Phone Comparison tool

One thing you should know about the variable aperture on the iPhone is that it can now open to f/1.48, which lets in approximately 50% more light than before. This is a considerable upgrade for low light photos and bokeh.

But just in terms of hardware, the sensor sizes have not changed. That means we have a roughly 1/1.3-inch main camera sensor on both phones, and much smaller sensors for the telephoto and ultrawide cameras.

Main Camera

iPhone 18 Pro Max - | - iPhone 18 Pro Max vs Galaxy S26 Ultra: Sample Photos Comparison

Galaxy S26 Ultra - | - iPhone 18 Pro Max vs Galaxy S26 Ultra: Sample Photos Comparison

< iPhone 18 Pro Max Galaxy S26 Ultra >

Portraits

< iPhone 18 Pro Max Galaxy S26 Ultra >

Zoom

< iPhone 18 Pro Max Galaxy S26 Ultra >

Ultra-wide Camera

< iPhone 18 Pro Max Galaxy S26 Ultra >

Selfie

< iPhone 18 Pro Max Galaxy S26 Ultra >

So, which one do you prefer: the iPhone 18 Pro Max or the Galaxy S26 Ultra?

$449 ⁹⁹

$699 ⁹⁹

$250 off (36%)

The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is a premium wearable with a rugged yet lightweight design and all sorts of high-end features. It's also equipped with an 800mAh battery, offering plenty of battery life on a single charge. Right now, you can get it with a $250 discount, but an eligible device trade-in is required.

Buy at Samsung

View Full Bio

Victor, a seasoned mobile technology expert, has spent over a decade at PhoneArena, exploring the depths of mobile photography and reviewing hundreds of smartphones across Android and iOS ecosystems. His passion for technology, coupled with his extensive knowledge of smartphone cameras and battery life, has positioned him as a leading voice in the mobile tech industry.

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