Galaxy S26 Ultra's upgraded lenses and revamped image processing should deliver noticeably better photos, especially in low light.
But are those improvements enough to take down the
Over the past few days, I shot hundreds of photos in daylight, at night and in tricky mixed lighting to see which phone comes out on top. Here's how they compare.
Galaxy S26 Ultra: pre-order for up to $900 off
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has been announced, bringing a Privacy Screen feature, insanely fast processor, and multiple Galaxy AI enhancements. Right now, you can pre-order the flagship for up to $900 off with eligible trade-ins.
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max Camera Specs:
When it comes to camera specs, the Galaxy and the iPhone are quite similar. The main camera on both phones has roughly the same 1/1.3-inch sensor size, for example. The Galaxy, however, uses a faster, f/1.4 lens while the iPhone has f/1.8 aperture.
The ultra-wide camera is also very similar across the two in both sensor size and resolution.
Only when it comes to zoom the Galaxy still has a clear advantage. It's got two telephoto cameras, a 3X and 5X one, the latter being the weapon of choice thanks to its larger sensor and better quality. The iPhone bets on a single 4X camera, a middle ground of a focal distance that is quite versatile.
- Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Galaxy S25 Ultra: Differences explained
- Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max: Differences explained
So let's see what that actually means for your pictures:
So, what do you think: does the Galaxy take better pictures, or is it the iPhone?
Victor, a seasoned mobile technology expert, has spent over a decade at PhoneArena, exploring the depths of mobile photography and reviewing hundreds of smartphones across Android and iOS ecosystems. His passion for technology, coupled with his extensive knowledge of smartphone cameras and battery life, has positioned him as a leading voice in the mobile tech industry.
