The price difference needs context
Apple advertises the 256GB iPhone 18 Pro Max at £1,299. Samsung's UK 256GB launch RRP for S26 Ultra is £1,279. These including-VAT reference figures differ by £20 per handset, or £200 across ten handsets.
This is not a claim that current supplier deals differ by only £20. The phones launched at different times, and Samsung promotions or negotiated terms can change the comparison. Obtain quotes with the same storage, allowance, network requirements and term.
Same headline screen size, different handling
Both manufacturers describe a 6.9-inch display. Apple lists Pro Max at 249g; Samsung lists S26 Ultra at 214g. That is a 35g difference before cases. Screen shape, usable area and application layout can also differ.
If employees carry a phone throughout the day, try both with a case and the work accessories. If they review drawings or documents, compare the same file at the same readable text size. A diagonal measurement alone does not establish the better workspace.
What the Samsung hardware adds
S26 Ultra includes a built-in S Pen and Privacy Display. Those are useful reasons to run an Android pilot if annotation or side-angle screen visibility is a recurring problem. Privacy Display does not replace authentication, encryption or a sensible approach to sensitive information.
Test the camera work you actually need. High megapixel counts, zoom labels and different image processing do not establish a universal winner. Use the same lighting, subjects, export settings and reporting application.
What staying with iPhone can preserve
Pro Max uses A20 Pro and the iPhone platform. An existing Apple fleet may already have enrolment, managed applications, accessories and staff guidance in place. Keeping that environment can avoid migration work, but check the new model and software with your management service.
Samsung uses Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy and Android with Samsung software. Compare the required apps, certificates, authentication, backups and leaver process before deciding to switch. A small handset price difference can be outweighed by setup and retraining.
AI needs its own trial
Read the Apple Intelligence versus Galaxy AI comparison for a task-based evaluation. Try a sample email, meeting note and document on approved accounts. Check accuracy, language support and whether company settings allow the feature.
Do not score an announced or restricted feature as if every employee can use it today. The hardware decision should remain workable if the AI task needs manual review.
Availability and a fair buying decision
S26 Ultra is already a released UK product. Apple lists 18 September 2026 as the Pro Max UK launch. Supplier allocation and delivery remain separate checks.
Choose a pilot group, record what each device improves, and obtain full quotes. If you are still deciding between platforms, the iPhone versus Samsung business guide explains the wider operational comparison.
Common buying questions
Which costs less at 256GB?
Samsung S26 Ultra's UK launch RRP is £1,279; Apple's Pro Max UK advertised price is £1,299 as checked on 10 September 2026. Both include VAT. Current supplier offers may change the gap.
Are they the same size because both screens are 6.9 inches?
No. Screen diagonals do not describe the complete shape or handling. The listed weights also differ: 249g for Pro Max and 214g for S26 Ultra.
Which is better for a company already using iPhones?
Compare the value of keeping existing apps, enrolment and support processes with any specific benefit from moving to Samsung. Test a small group before a wider change.
Can I compare their published battery numbers directly?
Treat them cautiously. Battery capacity and manufacturer runtime tests measure different things. Compare the same workday, settings and network conditions.
Sources and price basis
Manufacturer specifications and UK reference prices checked 10 September 2026. Prices include VAT at 256GB, without trade-in, temporary promotions or airtime. Our buying advice interprets the specifications; it is not a hands-on benchmark or a live inventory feed.