Apple and Samsung flagship phones match $1,299 price with differing hardware

The short version

• Apple's iPhone 18 Pro Max and Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra both carry a starting price of $1,299 in the U.S. for 256GB configurations.[Engadget]
• Both flagship smartphones incorporate 6.9-inch displays with 120Hz refresh rates, though the devices feature contrasting screen resolutions and peak brightness levels.[Engadget]
• Samsung provides a lighter and thinner design with a 200-megapixel camera and dual telephoto lenses, whereas Apple offers a mechanical variable aperture across three 48-megapixel sensors.[Engadget]

Key facts

• The iPhone 18 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra both retail starting at $1,299 in the U.S. for the 256GB model.[Engadget]
• Both devices incorporate 6.9-inch displays operating at 120Hz refresh rates.[Engadget]
• The Galaxy S26 Ultra weighs 214 grams and measures 7.9 mm thick, compared to the iPhone 18 Pro Max at 249 grams and 8.75 mm.[Engadget]
• Apple's display reaches 3,000 nits at 2,868 by 1,320 pixels, whereas Samsung's display reaches 2,600 nits at 3,120 by 1,440 pixels.[Engadget]
• The iPhone 18 Pro Max features three 48-megapixel cameras with a mechanical variable aperture, while the Galaxy S26 Ultra features a 200-megapixel main sensor and dual telephoto lenses.[Engadget]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• iPhone 18 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: How these XL phones competeEngadget