9 ways Galaxy S26 Ultra beats iPhone 17 Pro Max
9 ways Galaxy S26 Ultra beats iPhone 17 Pro Max
https://www.tomsguide.com/phones/samsung-phones/9-ways-galaxy-s26-ultra-beats-iphone-17-pro-max
Publish Date: 2026-03-01 05:00:00
Source Domain: www.tomsguide.com
If there’s one phone matchup I’m looking forward to testing most myself, it’s the Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. iPhone 17 Pro Max. This rivalry should determine which flagship is truly the best phone moving forward.
My colleague Richard Priday has already spent 24 hours with the Galaxy S26 Ultra, providing useful insights and impressions about the phone’s most unique feature: the Privacy Display. While the device still needs more testing — especially regarding battery life — it won’t be long before we know exactly how much of an upgrade it is over last year’s model.
That’s why I’m taking everything we know and have tested so far to show you all the ways the Galaxy S26 Ultra beats the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
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World’s first Privacy Display
(Image credit: Future)
Without question, the most innovative new tech is the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s Privacy Display — a world’s first on a phone. In the past, you’d have to buy a physical privacy screen protector, but Samsung has now integrated this technology directly into the S26 Ultra’s panel.
If you’re concerned about shoulder surfing in public, activating this feature makes it nearly impossible for others to snoop — it works at the pixel level to shield the screen from side angles. The iPhone 17 Pro Max lacks any equivalent hardware, and it’s also worth noting that the S26 Ultra maintains its lead with a higher display resolution for sharper overall visuals.
It’s lighter
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
Despite ditching titanium, the Galaxy S26 Ultra somehow manages to be lighter thanks to its new Armor Aluminum frame. In the past, Ultra models have often been unwieldy for one-handed use due to their beastly size and heft, but that’s not the case here. The Galaxy S26 Ultra tips the scales at 7.55 ounces (214 grams), making it notably lighter than the…
