Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. iPhone 17 Pro Max: I use both phones daily, and this one's better
Daily use of both reveals one phone pulls ahead in key areas.
In a detailed comparison, ZDNET's Adam Doud evaluates the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra against the iPhone 17 Pro Max after months of daily use. The article emphasizes that platform lock-in is a decisive factor: Apple's ecosystem, including iMessage, parental controls, and seamless cross-device integration, makes the iPhone a better choice for families or those already using Apple products. The iPhone is also praised for its "just works" reliability, a cliché that holds true.
While the S26 Ultra offers impressive unique features, the author notes that software workarounds for Android can't fully replace Apple's native interoperability. The article suggests that for most users, sticking with their current OS is fine, but if switching, both phones are capable enough to justify the move. The full comparison likely includes Samsung's advantages, but the excerpt focuses on Apple's strengths.
- iPhone 17 Pro Max benefits from deep Apple ecosystem integration (iMessage, parental controls).
- Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra offers unique hardware features but lacks seamless cross-device sync.
- Daily use comparison shows iPhone's 'just works' reliability remains a key differentiator.
Why It Matters
Helps buyers decide between the two premium flagships by highlighting ecosystem lock-in and real-world usability.