The specialized site GSMArena published its head-to-head comparison of the iPhone 18 Pro Max and Galaxy S26 Ultra on October 7, testing both phones in the same lab. The results do not name a single winner, but they do offer concrete data for anyone deciding between them: the iPhone has an edge in battery life and several video tests; the Galaxy counters with less weight, more zoom options and the S Pen.
In GSMArena’s active-use test, the iPhone 18 Pro Max lasted 19 hours 20 minutes, compared with 16 hours 22 minutes for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The difference is 2 hours 58 minutes under that protocol; it is not a promise of battery life for all users. Cellular signal, screen brightness, gaming and camera use can significantly affect everyday results.
In charging tests, the lab recorded 81% for the iPhone and 84% for the Galaxy at the 30-minute mark. A full charge took 55 minutes on the former and 43 on the latter. So calling it a tie obscures a useful distinction: they are close during a brief top-up, but the Galaxy finished charging sooner in the published test.
Cameras: variable aperture versus dual telephoto
The iPhone debuts a 48-megapixel main camera with a true variable aperture ranging from f/1.48 to f/4.0, while the Galaxy relies on a 200-megapixel sensor with a fixed f/1.4 aperture. For telephoto, Apple uses a 4x, 100 mm zoom with 48 megapixels; Samsung combines a 3x lens with a 5x, 111 mm lens, giving it an edge at long distances in daylight, although the iPhone catches up at night. Both record 4K120 video, but GSMArena found the iPhone’s video sharper at almost all distances. For selfies, the iPhone’s 18-megapixel multi-aspect sensor allows for horizontal photos while holding the phone vertically.
Weight matters, too
The Galaxy weighs 214 grams and the iPhone 249, a difference of 35 grams before adding a case. Both belong to the large-phone category. Beyond reading a spec sheet, it is worth checking whether you can reach the controls with one hand, how they fit in your pocket and how uncomfortable they are to hold while recording. The integrated S Pen is another Samsung feature that can be useful for notes and annotations.
How to read the comparison without buying based on a single figure
These are GSMArena tests, not measurements conducted by evovo. A phone that wins in battery life does not necessarily handle every photo better: focal lengths, capture mode and lighting affect the comparison. The report finds different advantages depending on the scene and avoids declaring an absolute camera winner. It is also not right to decide based only on the main camera’s 200 or 48 megapixels.
If you’re buying in Mexico, compare the same storage capacity and local warranty and connectivity terms. A U.S. promotion from September should not be used as a current price in Mexico. If you record a lot of video, check the report’s video samples; if you prefer distant subjects, look at its telephoto crops. That way, your decision is based on how you’ll use the device, not on a chart turned into a brand competition.
