Choose the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra for long zoom, a built-in S Pen and a far lower price. Choose the iPhone 18 Pro Max for the bigger battery, stronger video tools and iOS. At Mascom International in Nairobi, Kenya, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 256GB costs KSh 129,000 in October 2026. The iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at KSh 217,000.
Key facts
- At our Kimathi Street counter, these are the two top-tier phones Kenyan buyers pick most this season.
- Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra prices at Mascom International (October 2026): KSh 129,000 for 256GB, KSh 149,000 for 512GB and KSh 190,000 for 1TB with 16GB RAM.
- iPhone 18 Pro Max prices at Mascom International (October 2026): KSh 217,000 for 256GB eSIM-only and KSh 225,000 for 256GB with a SIM tray plus eSIM.
- At 256GB, the iPhone 18 Pro Max costs KSh 88,000 to KSh 96,000 more than the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.
- Both phones have 6.9-inch 120Hz OLED screens, IP68 water resistance and 25W wireless charging.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 18 Pro Max: side by side
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | iPhone 18 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Mascom price, 256GB (October 2026) | KSh 129,000 | KSh 217,000 eSIM-only; KSh 225,000 SIM tray plus eSIM |
| Chip | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, 3nm | A20 Pro, 2nm |
| Screen | 6.9-inch, 1440 x 3120, 2,600 nits peak, Privacy Display | 6.9-inch, 2868 x 1320, 3,000 nits outdoor peak |
| Rear cameras | 200MP main, 50MP ultra wide, 10MP 3x, 50MP 5x | 48MP main with variable aperture, 48MP ultra wide, 48MP 4x |
| Video | 8K at 30fps, 4K at 120fps | 4K Dolby Vision at 120fps, ProRes RAW |
| Battery and charging | 5,000mAh; 60W wired, 25W wireless | 5,391mAh (SIM tray version); 60W-capable wired, 25W MagSafe |
| Weight and water rating | 214 g; IP68 to 1.5 m | 249 g; IP68 to 6 m |
| Warranty at Mascom | 24-month East Africa warranty | 12-month Apple warranty |
Prices change often. Each product page shows the current Mascom International price.
Which phone has the better camera?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra wins on reach. Its 50MP 5x periscope lens pulls in a speaker on a far stage or a graduate crossing the podium at Kasarani. The 200MP main camera has a bright f/1.4 aperture, and an extra 10MP 3x lens covers portraits.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max wins on video. Apple lists 4K Dolby Vision at up to 120fps, ProRes RAW and Apple Log 2 recording. Its 48MP main camera has a variable aperture from f/1.48 to f/4.0, so you choose how much background blur you get. Wedding videographers and YouTube creators in Nairobi will feel the difference. For stills with distant subjects, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is the stronger pick.
Which phone lasts longer on one charge?
The iPhone 18 Pro Max carries the larger battery: 5,391mAh in the SIM tray version, about 8% more than the 5,000mAh cell in the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. That version is rated for up to 29 hours of typical use. GSMArena's active-use test gave the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra a score of 16 hours 23 minutes.
Charging is close. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra reaches about 75% in 30 minutes on a 60W charger. The iPhone 18 Pro Max reaches about 50% in 15 minutes with a 60W-capable adapter, sold separately. Either phone recovers fast when a KPLC power cut is coming. Both also take 25W wireless charging.
Which is better for work and business?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra suits office work in Upper Hill and Westlands. The built-in S Pen signs PDFs and marks up contracts without printing. Samsung DeX turns the phone into a desktop on a monitor. The Privacy Display hides your M-Pesa balance and email from the person beside you in a matatu.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max suits teams already on Mac, iCloud and Apple Watch. AirDrop and shared iCloud files move work between devices quickly. Both phones run two numbers, such as a personal Safaricom line and an Airtel Kenya business line. GSMArena lists up to seven major Android upgrades for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Which phone holds up better day to day?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is 35 g lighter at 214 g, which you notice after a full day in one hand. The iPhone 18 Pro Max weighs 249 g. Both carry IP68 ratings for dust and water. Apple tests the iPhone 18 Pro Max to 6 m for 30 minutes, while Samsung tests to 1.5 m.
Warranty is where the gap favours Samsung. At Mascom International, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra carries a 24-month East Africa warranty. The iPhone 18 Pro Max carries a 12-month Apple warranty. Apple's own spec page notes that liquid damage is not covered. Our guide on East Africa warranty vs Dubai phones explains why this matters.
Is the iPhone 18 Pro Max worth KSh 88,000 more?
For most buyers, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra gives more phone per shilling. Even the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 1TB at KSh 190,000 costs less than the cheapest iPhone 18 Pro Max. That is four times the storage for KSh 27,000 less.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max earns its price for three groups. Video creators gain ProRes RAW and Apple Log 2. Long-day users gain the bigger battery. Families already on iPhone keep iMessage, iCloud Photos and FaceTime without switching.
Who should buy which, and when is neither right?
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra if you want zoom, a stylus, a longer warranty and a lower price. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 512GB at KSh 149,000 suits heavy 8K shooters.
Buy the iPhone 18 Pro Max 256GB with SIM tray at KSh 225,000 if you film a lot or live on Apple devices. The iPhone 18 Pro Max 256GB eSIM-only saves KSh 8,000, but confirm your network can issue an eSIM first.
Neither is right if a 6.9-inch phone feels too big. The iPhone 18 Pro 256GB eSIM-only has a 6.3-inch screen for KSh 184,000. Upgrading from last year's Samsung? Read our Galaxy S26 Ultra vs S25 Ultra comparison. See every top-tier model on our phones page or the Samsung brand page.
Common questions
Which is cheaper in Kenya, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra or the iPhone 18 Pro Max?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is cheaper. At Mascom International in October 2026, the 256GB Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra costs KSh 129,000. The 256GB iPhone 18 Pro Max costs KSh 217,000 for eSIM-only or KSh 225,000 with a SIM tray. That is a gap of KSh 88,000 to KSh 96,000 for the same storage.
Does the iPhone 18 Pro Max work with a Safaricom line?
Yes. The iPhone 18 Pro Max version with a SIM tray accepts your existing Safaricom nano-SIM, plus an eSIM for a second number. It supports the n78 5G band, which covers Safaricom 5G where coverage reaches. The eSIM-only version needs an eSIM from your network, so confirm that before you pay.
Which phone charges faster, Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra or iPhone 18 Pro Max?
Both charge quickly with a 60W charger. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra reaches about 75% in 30 minutes, according to GSMArena. Apple says the iPhone 18 Pro Max reaches about 50% in 15 minutes with a 60W-capable adapter, sold separately. Both phones also support 25W wireless charging for desk and car chargers.
Which phone has the longer warranty at Mascom International?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the longer warranty. Mascom International sells it with a 24-month East Africa warranty covering manufacturing defects. The iPhone 18 Pro Max comes with a 12-month Apple warranty against manufacturing defects. Faulty units can be brought to our service desk at Old Mutual Building on Kimathi Street, Nairobi CBD.
Can I buy the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra or iPhone 18 Pro Max in Nairobi and pay on delivery?
Yes. Mascom International delivers both phones countrywide with pay-on-arrival, so you pay only once the phone is in your hands. Nairobi orders arrive the same day. Other major towns such as Mombasa, Kisumu and Eldoret receive delivery within 1 business day.
Where to buy the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and iPhone 18 Pro Max in Kenya
Mascom International stocks both phones at Old Mutual Building, First Floor Room 4, Kimathi Street, Nairobi CBD. We open Monday-Saturday, 9:00 AM-7:00 PM, so you can compare the two screens side by side before you choose.
Phone/WhatsApp: +254 708 852 521. Email: info@mascomintl.com. Website: www.mascomintl.com.
We deliver with pay-on-arrival to all 47 counties. Nairobi and its environs get same-day delivery, and other major cities and towns get delivery within 1 business day. Mandera, Wajir, Marsabit, Lamu, Tana River, and Turkana receive delivery within 2-3 business days.
Sources
- GSMArena: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra specifications — release date, weight, IP rating, cameras, charging, battery test and update policy.
- Apple: iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max technical specifications — weight, water rating, cameras, video formats and charging times.
