Brian X. Chen -- April 24, 2026
A higher low-light score and double the optical zoom range give Samsung its first camera victory over Apple in years.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro Max are the two best camera phones available. Both cost over $1,100. Both shoot impressive stills and video. In standardized testing across low light, zoom range, and video versatility, the Samsung is the better camera system.
In the standardized low-light benchmark, the Galaxy S26 Ultra scored 94 against the iPhone 17 Pro Max's 86. Samsung's larger sensor gathers more light, producing cleaner shadows and more natural highlights in difficult scenes. Night portraits on the Samsung consistently required less post-processing correction, a practical advantage for photographers who want usable images straight from the camera.
At longer focal lengths the hardware gap is more pronounced. The S26 Ultra's 10x optical zoom resolves detail at 30 metres that the iPhone's 5x system cannot match regardless of computational processing. For concerts, sport, and travel photography, this is a difference no software pipeline can overcome — it is a function of physical optics.
Video is where the Samsung also distinguishes itself for advanced users. Log recording, manual ISO and shutter controls, and adjustable colour profiles are all available natively. The iPhone 17 Pro Max shoots excellent video in automatic mode, but gives users with professional workflows significantly fewer tools to work with.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max produces reliable, consistent results and will satisfy most buyers in automatic operation. But in every benchmark category tested — low light, zoom reach, and video versatility — the Galaxy S26 Ultra returned stronger numbers and offers a more complete toolkit for serious photographers.