Rafomac News, Tech & Trends That MatterApple’s new iPhone Ultra promises a big leap, but is it worth the steep price tag? At over $2,000, the Ultra’s extras might not justify the cost compared to the Pro Max—especially once you dig deeper.
Why the Ultra Doesn’t Outperform the Pro Max Under the Hood
Apple’s latest event buzz centers on the iPhone Ultra—a tech marvel that’s thinner than ever and flaunts a folding design. Yet according to Mark Gurman, the price point of over $2,000 is hard to justify. Both the Ultra and the Pro Max share the same core: the A20 Pro chip, C2 modem, and identical iOS features. So performance-wise, the Ultra isn’t any faster or smarter.
The extra grand doesn’t buy power under the hood but other things. And some, surprisingly, are compromises rather than clear wins.
Three Everyday Advantages of the Cheaper Pro Max
First, battery life. The Pro Max sports a much bigger battery, reportedly lasting close to twice as long as the Ultra on a single charge. In practical terms, that means while the Ultra might be scrambling for a charger by day’s end, the Pro Max keeps going strong.
Then there’s the camera setup. The Ultra offers two lenses but none are dedicated telephotos, meaning no true optical zoom. Users who’ve tried it say this feels like one of its biggest letdowns. Meanwhile, the Pro Max boasts a superior main sensor, an actual zoom lens, and a variable aperture that adjusts to light—features that significantly enhance everyday photography.
The third advantage is the phone’s physical design. The Ultra’s impressive thinness comes at a cost. It drops the classic iPhone mute switch, a small but notable loss given it’s been a staple for nearly two decades. And it swaps Face ID for Touch ID—a tradeoff many might appreciate but still a change from the familiar.
What Does the Ultra Get You?
Stepping back, the Ultra’s standout features are few but unique. It’s the thinnest iPhone ever made, though folded it’s actually thicker than the Pro Max. Its dual-screen setup includes a smaller one-handed cover display and a larger inner screen that’s less than an inch bigger than the Pro Max’s, with black bars still present during video playback.
What truly sets it apart is multitasking capability—the Ultra can run two apps side by side, a genuine productivity boost. If split-screen is your thing, that alone could sway your choice.
The Hidden Costs You Won’t See at Purchase
Durability is where the Ultra’s design really shows its cracks. The inner folding screen is vulnerable—soft enough to scratch with a fingernail despite its premium price. Repairs on this inner screen could cost nearly as much as a brand new Pro Max.
Moreover, the Ultra is projected to depreciate faster, losing about 60% of its value in the first year—roughly 25% more than the Pro Max. So, financially, the Ultra demands a bigger sacrifice upfront and down the line.
Money Talks: What Else Could You Get?
When you tally the numbers, the Ultra’s price could snag you a Pro Max, an Apple Watch, and still leave some cash in your pocket. For most users, that combination promises a better overall value.
As some experts point out, if you want the best iPhone experience today, the Pro Max is the smarter buy. And if you need a larger screen for more serious work, an iPad Mini or another tablet makes more sense than the Ultra’s folding display.
There’s a lot to unpack in these two devices. Watching a detailed breakdown can help cut through the hype and reveal which phone truly deserves your hard-earned money.
