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Apple MacBook Pro 16" M2 Max vs Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra

Updated Apr 2026laptops
Apple MacBook Pro 16" M2 Max
Apple
Apple MacBook Pro 16" M2 Max
$3,499
8.6/10
Winner
VS
Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra
$2,400
7.8/10

The Verdict

Apple's MacBook Pro 16" M2 Max commands a $1100 premium over Samsung's Galaxy Book4 Ultra, and that price difference reflects genuine capability gaps. The MacBook's Liquid Retina XDR display delivers 1600 nits peak brightness versus the Galaxy's 400 nits, making it superior for professional creative work like video editing and color grading. Apple's M2 Max chip with its 38-core GPU outpaces Intel's Core Ultra 9 185H in sustained performance tasks, while the Galaxy counters with more traditional RAM upgradeability and Windows compatibility. Battery endurance heavily favors Apple at 22 hours versus 13 hours, crucial for mobile professionals. The MacBook weighs slightly more at 4.8 lbs, though both remain reasonably portable. Port selection differs strategically: Apple includes three Thunderbolt 4 ports and HDMI, while Samsung provides mixed legacy USB-A alongside two Thunderbolt 4 connections. For creative professionals needing exceptional display quality and battery longevity, the MacBook Pro justifies its cost. Windows users prioritizing flexibility and value should seriously consider the Galaxy Book4 Ultra, which delivers solid Intel performance at a more accessible price point with expandable storage.

ValueBook4 Ultra
BatteryM2 Max
DisplayM2 Max
PerformanceM2 Max
portabilityBook4 Ultra

Who Should Buy

Buy the Apple MacBook Pro 16" M2 Max if…

  • M2 Max with 38-core GPU handles 8K video editing and 3D rendering
  • 22-hour battery life is unmatched for a 16-inch professional laptop
  • Liquid Retina XDR display with 1600-nit HDR is breathtaking

Buy the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra if…

  • Stunning 3K AMOLED 120Hz display with deep colors
  • Includes NVIDIA RTX 4050 or 4070 discrete GPU
  • Surprisingly thin and light for a 16-inch with dGPU

Category Scores

Apple MacBook Pro 16" M2 Max
Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra
Value
7.5
8.4
Battery
9.1
7.2
Display
9.2
7.5
Performance
8.8
8.2
portability
7.9
8.3

Pros & Cons

Apple MacBook Pro 16" M2 Max

Pros

  • M2 Max with 38-core GPU handles 8K video editing and 3D rendering
  • 22-hour battery life is unmatched for a 16-inch professional laptop
  • Liquid Retina XDR display with 1600-nit HDR is breathtaking
  • 96 GB unified memory option for massive creative projects
  • Six-speaker sound system with spatial audio is laptop-best

Cons

  • $3,499 starting price makes it one of the most expensive laptops
  • 4.8 lbs is heavy for daily carry
  • Cannot drive more than three external displays without M2 Ultra
  • No touchscreen — stylus workflows require an iPad sidecar
  • Configuration upgrades (RAM, storage) are extremely expensive

Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra

Pros

  • Stunning 3K AMOLED 120Hz display with deep colors
  • Includes NVIDIA RTX 4050 or 4070 discrete GPU
  • Surprisingly thin and light for a 16-inch with dGPU
  • Tight integration with Samsung Galaxy ecosystem

Cons

  • Premium pricing rivals workstation laptops
  • Soldered RAM, only storage is upgradable
  • Speakers underwhelming versus MacBook competitors
  • Touchpad palm rejection occasionally inconsistent

Full Specifications

SpecApple MacBook Pro 16" M2 MaxSamsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra
SoftwaremacOS VenturaWindows 11 Home
Body
Weight4.8 lbs (2.16 kg)1.86 kg
MaterialAluminumAluminum
Dimensions14.01 x 9.77 x 0.66 inches355.4 x 250.4 x 16.5 mm
Ports
HDMI1
USB-C ports32
SD card
MagSafe
Thunderbolt ports32
USB-A ports1
Battery
Battery lifeUp to 22 hoursUp to 13 hours
Capacity100 Wh76 Wh
Display
Size16.2 inches16 inches
TypeLiquid Retina XDR Mini-LEDDynamic AMOLED 2X touchscreen
Resolution3456 x 22342880 x 1800
Refresh rate120Hz120Hz
Brightness (nits)1600400
Storage
SSD1 TB (configurable to 8 TB)1 TB
Expandable storage
Keyboard
Backlit
Processor
RAM32 GB16 GB LPDDR5X
Cores12-core CPU, 38-core GPU16 cores
ChipsetApple M2 MaxIntel Core Ultra 9 185H

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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 laptops, see all Apple products or all Samsung products. View full details for the Apple MacBook Pro 16" M2 Max or the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra.