iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Which premium flagship phone wins?

"Platform lock-in is a thing, and Apple has it better than most. Apple provides an entire ecosystem of devices and cross-device functionality that most other OEMs can't match. It's not that Samsung doesn't have an ecosystem of its own, but Apple's devices are designed from the ground up to work together. They're on a level of detail that other ecosystems -- including Samsung's -- can't really compete with."

"If your family is also in the Apple ecosystem, there's even more reason to stay there. One of the reasons I carry and iPhone everywhere is because my kids also have iPhones. 'Dad, can you ring my phone?' is a common refrain in my house. Add to that iMessage"

Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra and Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Max represent the pinnacle of smartphone technology, with both offering compelling reasons to consider switching platforms. The iPhone 17 Pro Max costs $100 less than the S26 Ultra while delivering comparable performance. The decision between them should prioritize ecosystem compatibility, as both manufacturers offer integrated device ecosystems with cross-device functionality. Apple's ecosystem provides superior integration across devices, particularly beneficial for families already using Apple products. Features like iMessage and device connectivity create significant advantages for existing Apple users. However, both phones are powerful enough to justify switching if the ecosystem aligns with user needs and preferences.

Read at ZDNET