Iphone 11 Pro Max Vs S20 Ultra Does Size Really Matter

When flagship smartphones from Apple and Samsung go head-to-head, the debate often centers on more than just specs—it’s about experience. The iPhone 11 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra were both released in a pivotal year for mobile technology, each representing the pinnacle of their respective ecosystems. One question keeps surfacing: Does size really matter? On paper, both devices are large, powerful, and feature-rich. But beyond screen inches and weight, how do they compare in daily use, comfort, performance, and long-term value? This breakdown dives into every critical aspect to help you decide which device truly fits your lifestyle.

Design and Build: Form Meets Function

The iPhone 11 Pro Max and S20 Ultra take different approaches to premium design. Apple sticks with its signature aerospace-grade stainless steel frame and matte glass back, offering a dense, luxurious feel. At 226 grams, it’s heavy but balanced well in hand. The 6.5-inch OLED display is protected by Ceramic Shield (on later models), though the 11 Pro Max uses standard glass with excellent durability.

Samsung opts for a sleeker, more futuristic aesthetic. The S20 Ultra weighs slightly more—220 grams—but distributes weight differently thanks to its curved 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. Its plastic back (on most variants) feels less premium than Apple’s glass, but improves grip and reduces drop risk. The camera module on the S20 Ultra protrudes significantly, making it unstable on flat surfaces—a practical downside.

Tip: If one-handed use matters, consider using a grip-friendly case or opting for smaller flagships—both these phones push the limits of pocketability.

Display and Usability: Bigger Isn’t Always Better

Screen size is where the “does size matter” question becomes tangible. The S20 Ultra boasts a 6.9-inch QHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering buttery-smooth scrolling and sharper visuals. Apple’s 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display, while limited to 60Hz, offers superior color accuracy and HDR performance, especially for video consumption.

But bigger screens come with trade-offs. The S20 Ultra stretches beyond comfortable reach for average hands, increasing the risk of accidental drops. Reaching the top corners requires two hands or awkward thumb contortions. The iPhone 11 Pro Max, though still large, has a slightly more compact footprint due to narrower bezels and a taller aspect ratio.

“Larger screens enhance media immersion, but ergonomics shouldn’t be sacrificed. Comfort during prolonged use often outweighs raw specs.” — David Lin, Mobile UX Designer at TechInsight Labs

Performance and Software: iOS vs Android Realities

Under the hood, both phones deliver flagship-level performance. The iPhone 11 Pro Max runs on Apple’s A13 Bionic chip—an engineering marvel known for efficiency and sustained speed. Even years after release, it handles gaming, multitasking, and AR applications with ease. iOS offers a tightly controlled ecosystem: consistent updates, app optimization, and minimal bloatware.

The S20 Ultra uses either the Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990 (depending on region). While powerful, the Exynos variant historically underperforms in graphics and thermal management. One advantage: Android 10 (upgradable) allows deeper customization, split-screen multitasking, and DeX desktop mode—features absent on iOS.

Battery life favors the S20 Ultra with its 5,000mAh cell compared to the 11 Pro Max’s 3,969mAh. However, Apple’s software-hardware integration often results in comparable real-world endurance. Both support fast charging, but Apple includes only an 18W adapter, while Samsung bundles 25W—though neither supports the fastest charging standards available at launch.

Camera Showdown: Still Photos and Video Capabilities

Photography is a key battleground. The iPhone 11 Pro Max introduced Night mode and Deep Fusion, dramatically improving low-light performance. Its triple-camera system (wide, ultra-wide, telephoto) delivers consistent, natural-looking photos with excellent dynamic range. Video recording remains unmatched—capable of 4K at 60fps with cinematic stabilization.

The S20 Ultra counters with a 108MP main sensor and 100x Space Zoom. While high megapixel counts sound impressive, real-world results often require ideal lighting. The zoom beyond 10x becomes heavily digital and blurry. However, its Single Take mode captures multiple photo and video formats simultaneously—a creative edge for casual users.

Feature	iPhone 11 Pro Max	S20 Ultra
Primary Sensor	12MP, f/1.8	108MP, f/1.8
Zoom	2x optical, 10x digital	4x optical, 10x hybrid, 100x digital
Video	4K@60fps, extended dynamic range	8K@24fps, HDR10+
Night Mode	Yes (all lenses)	Yes (main only)
Front Camera	12MP, f/2.2	40MP, f/2.0

In everyday conditions, the iPhone produces more reliable, consistent results. The S20 Ultra excels in daylight and offers unique features like 8K video—though file sizes are massive and editing tools were scarce at launch.

Battery Life and Charging: Practical Endurance

Despite its smaller battery, the iPhone 11 Pro Max lasts up to 20 hours of video playback thanks to efficient hardware and iOS power management. The S20 Ultra, with its larger battery and adaptive 120Hz display, manages around 12–14 hours of mixed use. However, enabling 120Hz and QHD+ drains the battery faster, forcing many users to downgrade to 60Hz for longevity.

Charging options differ significantly. The S20 Ultra supports 25W wired, 15W wireless, and reverse wireless charging. The iPhone 11 Pro Max supports 18W wired and 7.5W wireless charging—slower, but sufficient for most. Neither includes earbuds or a charger in the box in current retail versions, though this wasn’t the case at original launch.

Tip: To maximize battery health, avoid letting either phone drop below 20% regularly and enable optimized charging if available.

Real-World Example: Two Users, Two Priorities

Consider Sarah, a travel photographer who values color accuracy and video quality. She shoots vlogs daily and edits on her phone. She chooses the iPhone 11 Pro Max for its superior video stabilization, consistent photo output, and seamless iCloud integration. Despite the smaller screen, she finds iOS editing apps more intuitive and reliable.

Then there’s James, a tech enthusiast who loves customization and high-resolution stills. He enjoys experimenting with 100x zoom and 8K video—even if he rarely uses the full resolution. He prefers the S20 Ultra’s larger canvas for multitasking and immersive gaming. He uses DeX mode to connect to a monitor, turning his phone into a desktop replacement.

Their choices aren’t dictated by size alone but by how each device aligns with their workflows. Size influences usability, but it’s the ecosystem and functionality that seal the decision.

FAQ

Is the iPhone 11 Pro Max still worth buying in 2024?

Yes, especially for iOS loyalists. It receives iOS updates, performs well in daily tasks, and holds resale value. However, newer models offer better cameras and longer battery life.

Can the S20 Ultra’s 100x zoom be used effectively?

Rarely. Beyond 10x, image quality degrades significantly. It’s more of a marketing feature than a practical tool. For distant subjects, a dedicated camera or newer smartphone with improved AI processing is better.

Which phone is easier to use one-handed?

Neither is ideal, but the iPhone 11 Pro Max’s narrower width gives it a slight edge. Using Reachability (double-tap home bar) helps access top elements without stretching.

Final Verdict: Does Size Matter?

Size matters—but not in the way most expect. It’s not just about screen inches; it’s about how size affects grip, portability, battery capacity, and usability over time. The S20 Ultra offers a larger canvas, higher resolution, and cutting-edge features, but sacrifices balance and long-term comfort. The iPhone 11 Pro Max feels denser and more compact, prioritizing consistency, video excellence, and ecosystem cohesion over spec-sheet dominance.

If you value smooth performance, reliable photography, and long-term software support, the iPhone 11 Pro Max remains a strong contender. If you want maximum screen real estate, extreme zoom, and Android flexibility, the S20 Ultra delivers—provided you can handle its bulk.

Ultimately, the best phone isn’t the biggest one. It’s the one that fits your hand, your habits, and your life.

🚀 Ready to make your choice? Reflect on how you use your phone daily—then pick the device that enhances, rather than complicates, your routine.