iPhone 18 Pro Max beats Galaxy S26 Ultra in comparison test
Tom’s Guide reported on 19 September that Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro Max outperformed Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra in a seven-category comparison, ranking higher in performance, battery endurance and low-light camera quality, whereas the Galaxy S26 Ultra led in display-privacy options and AI-driven software features. Apple unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max on 9 September, introducing a 2 nm A20 Pro processor, a variable-aperture 48-MP main camera, larger vapor-chamber cooling and extended battery life, with prices starting at $1,199 for the Pro and $1,299 for the Pro Max, according to MacRumors. The company opened worldwide pre-orders shortly thereafter and began shipping the devices on 18 September, also reported by MacRumors.
Reviewers highlighted the new moving-aperture system, expanded manual controls and AI-enhanced photographic styles; The Verge and Engadget detailed these camera tools, while 9to5Mac published photographer evaluations of the hardware and software upgrades. A launch event in Sydney drew large crowds and incidents of line-cutting, as described by the New York Post.
