Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy Note 10+
The Verdict
Comparing a 2024 flagship against a 2019 model reveals substantial generational differences. Apple's iPhone 16 Pro Max dominates with its A18 Pro chip delivering superior performance, a brighter 120Hz Super Retina XDR display (2000 nits), and advanced computational photography including 5x optical zoom and 4K@120fps Dolby Vision recording. Its titanium construction feels premium, and iOS 18 offers seamless integration across the Apple ecosystem. Samsung's Galaxy Note 10+ retains some strengths: a sharper AMOLED screen, faster 45W charging, and stylus support for productivity tasks. However, its Snapdragon 855 processor and 60Hz refresh rate feel outdated, while the lack of 5G limits future connectivity. Storage capacity favors Samsung at 12GB RAM and up to 512GB, but the iPhone's performance efficiency and camera system are generationally ahead. At $100 more, the iPhone 16 Pro Max justifies its premium with current technology, better longevity, and superior imaging capabilities. Choose the iPhone for cutting-edge performance and camera excellence, or the Note 10+ only if stylus productivity and lower price matter most.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max if…
- →Class-leading A18 Pro performance
- →Versatile camera system with 5x tetraprism telephoto
- →Premium titanium build
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ if…
- →S Pen with air gesture controls and Bluetooth LE
- →Gorgeous 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display
- →45W super fast charging for rapid top-ups
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Pros
- Class-leading A18 Pro performance
- Versatile camera system with 5x tetraprism telephoto
- Premium titanium build
- Bright 2000-nit ProMotion display
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- Very expensive starting price
- Heavy at 227 g
- Slow charging vs Android flagships
- Apple Intelligence features rolling out gradually
Samsung Galaxy Note 10+
Pros
- S Pen with air gesture controls and Bluetooth LE
- Gorgeous 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display
- 45W super fast charging for rapid top-ups
- 12 GB RAM handles multitasking effortlessly
- Versatile quad-camera system with ToF depth sensor
Cons
- 60Hz display when competitors were moving to high refresh rates
- No headphone jack — a first for the Note series
- Exynos variant has weaker GPU performance than Snapdragon
- Glass back is slippery and fragile without a case
- Samsung software updates have ended
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 18 | Android 9 (One UI 1.5) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 227 g | 196 g |
| Material | Titanium frame | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass front and back |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 163 x 77.6 x 8.25 mm | 162.3 x 77.2 x 7.9 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 48 MP | 12 MP, f/1.5-2.4, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 10 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@120fps Dolby Vision | 4K@60fps, Super Steady |
| Telephoto | 12 MP 5x | 12 MP, f/2.1, 2x optical zoom |
| Ultrawide | 48 MP | 16 MP, f/2.2 |
| Depth | — | VGA ToF 3D sensor |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage options | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB | 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4685 mAh | 4300 mAh |
| Charging | 27W wired | 45W wired |
| Wireless charging | 25W MagSafe | 15W, Wireless PowerShare |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.9 inches | 6.8 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED, LTPO | Dynamic AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2868 x 1320 | 3040 x 1440 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2000 | 1200 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Octa-core |
| GPU | Apple GPU (6-core) | Adreno 640 / Mali-G76 MP12 |
| Chipset | Apple A18 Pro | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9825 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 | USB-C 3.1 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in phones, see all Apple products or all Samsung products. View full details for the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or the Samsung Galaxy Note 10+.