The smartphone rivalry between Samsung and Apple reached new heights in early 2026 with the February release of the Galaxy S26 Ultra and the lingering dominance of Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max, launched in September 2025. As consumers weigh upgrades or switches between ecosystems, the two devices stand as premier options for power users, creators and photographers seeking cutting-edge performance.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max Claims Top Spot in Battery Life Tests
Both phones command premium pricing: the Galaxy S26 Ultra starts at $1,299 for 256GB, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max begins at $1,199 for the same storage tier. Despite the slight edge in starting cost for Apple, real-world value depends on priorities like ecosystem integration, camera versatility, battery endurance and unique features.
Design and Build The Galaxy S26 Ultra measures 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9mm and weighs 214g, making it thinner and lighter than the iPhone 17 Pro Max at roughly 8.75mm thick and heavier build. Samsung refined the Armor Aluminum frame with rounded ergonomic corners for better one-handed comfort, addressing past complaints about sharp edges. It retains IP68 resistance and includes the built-in S Pen stylus for note-taking, drawing and productivity.
Apple opted for a bold unibody aluminum chassis that wraps around the back, ditching the previous titanium-glass sandwich for a more integrated, aggressive look with a prominent camera plateau. The iPhone feels sturdy and protective, though its extra thickness and weight make it less pocket-friendly for some users. Both offer high durability with advanced glass protection — Gorilla Armor 2 on Samsung and Apple’s latest Ceramic Shield equivalent.
Display Screen real estate is identical at 6.9 inches. The Galaxy S26 Ultra uses a QHD+ Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel (3120 x 1440 resolution) with 1-120Hz adaptive refresh, HDR10+ support and peak brightness around 2,600 nits. Anti-reflective coating minimizes glare, though some early feedback notes it falls short of predecessors in certain lighting.
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The iPhone 17 Pro Max features a 6.9-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED (2868 x 1320) with ProMotion 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10 and up to 3,000 nits peak brightness. Apple’s display excels in color accuracy, outdoor visibility and consistency, often edging out competitors in calibrated tests.
Performance and AI Under the hood, the Galaxy S26 Ultra runs Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 customized for Galaxy on a 3nm process, delivering claimed 19% faster CPU, 24% better GPU and 39% improved NPU for AI tasks. It pairs with 12GB or 16GB RAM options.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max uses Apple’s A19 Pro chip (also 3nm), optimized for efficiency and thermal management with a vapor chamber cooling system. Benchmarks show tight competition, with Samsung pulling ahead in raw multi-core and gaming scenarios, while Apple’s silicon shines in sustained performance and optimized app ecosystems.
Both emphasize on-device AI: Galaxy AI offers advanced generative tools, real-time editing and Bixby enhancements on One UI 8.5 (Android 16 base), while Apple Intelligence powers Siri upgrades, photo tools and contextual features in iOS 19 or later.
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Camera Systems Photography remains a battleground. The Galaxy S26 Ultra boasts a 200MP main (f/1.4 for superior low-light), 50MP ultrawide (f/1.9), 10MP 3x telephoto and 50MP 5x periscope, plus 12MP front camera. Upgrades include brighter apertures, enhanced Nightography and steadier video with APV codec support.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max counters with three 48MP sensors: main Fusion with second-gen sensor-shift OIS, ultrawide and a new telephoto with tetraprism design offering up to 8x optical-quality zoom (longest ever on iPhone) and 200mm equivalent focal length. An 18MP front camera improves selfies. Early side-by-side tests show Samsung leading in zoom versatility and detail at high resolutions, while Apple often wins in natural color science, video stabilization and consistency.
Battery and Charging Battery life favors Apple. The iPhone 17 Pro Max delivers up to 39 hours of video playback thanks to a larger capacity (around 5,088mAh or more via internal redesign) and efficient chip. Real-world tests confirm exceptional endurance.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra’s 5,000mAh cell offers solid all-day use (up to 31 hours video), but shines in charging: 60W wired (full charge in under an hour) versus Apple’s 25-30W wired and 25W wireless. Reverse wireless charging adds utility.
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Software and Ecosystem iOS on the iPhone provides seamless integration with Mac, iPad, Apple Watch and services like iMessage, FaceTime and AirDrop. Long-term support stretches years with consistent updates.
Android on Samsung offers customization, multitasking, DeX desktop mode and broader app sideloading. Seven years of OS and security updates match Apple’s commitment. Ecosystem loyalty often decides: Android users gain more flexibility, while iOS users benefit from polished continuity.
Pricing and Availability Galaxy S26 Ultra launched February 25, 2026, with availability from March 11. iPhone 17 Pro Max has been on sale since September 2025, giving it a head start in real-world reviews.
Verdict No clear “better” phone exists — it hinges on preference. The Galaxy S26 Ultra appeals to those wanting stylus support, faster charging, higher-resolution zoom and privacy features like the built-in Privacy Display that blacks out side views. Its refinements make it feel more complete for Android loyalists.
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The iPhone 17 Pro Max excels in battery life, video prowess, thermal efficiency and ecosystem polish, making it ideal for users invested in Apple or prioritizing longevity per charge.
Both represent pinnacles of 2026 smartphone tech. Potential buyers should consider test drives, ecosystem fit and priorities like photography style or daily endurance before choosing.
Apple has begun late-stage production validation testing for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, signaling strong progress toward a September 2026 launch for the company’s premium flagship smartphones. The move comes amid a flurry of leaks and analyst reports detailing significant upgrades in battery life, display design, camera technology and processing power for the anticipated models.
iPhone 18 Pro Max
The iPhone 18 Pro Max, expected to remain Apple’s largest and most capable non-foldable iPhone, is shaping up as a major evolution rather than an incremental refresh. Supply chain sources indicate test production is underway, a standard milestone that typically precedes mass manufacturing by several months. Leakers on platforms like Weibo, including Fixed Focus Digital, have reported the devices are now in “mass production testing,” reinforcing expectations for an on-schedule fall unveiling.
One of the most talked-about improvements centers on battery endurance. Rumors consistently point to the iPhone 18 Pro Max featuring a capacity of 5,100 to 5,200 mAh — potentially the largest ever in an iPhone. This would surpass the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s 5,088 mAh battery, which already delivers up to 39 hours of video playback. To accommodate the larger cell, the device may adopt a slightly thicker chassis, possibly increasing weight to around 243 grams, making it one of Apple’s heaviest models yet.
Efficiency gains are expected to amplify these hardware changes. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is slated to debut Apple’s custom A20 Pro chip, fabricated on a cutting-edge 2-nanometer process from TSMC. This node promises better power efficiency, higher performance and improved thermal management compared to the 3nm chips in current models. Paired with Apple’s second-generation in-house C2 5G modem — an upgrade over the C1 series — the combination could deliver unprecedented battery life, with some speculation reaching beyond 40 hours under mixed use.
Display refinements are also in focus. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman recently reported that the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will feature a redesigned, smaller Dynamic Island. Introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro in 2022, the pill-shaped cutout houses the front camera and Face ID sensors. To shrink it, Apple is reportedly moving the Face ID dot illuminator under the display while miniaturizing the front-facing camera. This maintains the Dynamic Island functionality without fully eliminating it, addressing mixed earlier rumors about a complete under-display Face ID transition.
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Camera systems remain a highlight for Pro models. Leaks suggest the main 48-megapixel Fusion sensor will incorporate a mechanical variable aperture, allowing users to adjust light intake (potentially from f/1.4 to f/2.0 or similar ranges). This DSLR-like feature would enhance low-light performance, reduce overexposure in bright conditions and provide greater control over depth of field for natural bokeh effects. Some reports indicate a shift to Samsung sensors for this implementation. Additional upgrades may include a wider-aperture telephoto lens and an improved 18-megapixel selfie camera with enhanced Center Stage capabilities.
Color options could introduce fresh appeal. Gurman noted Apple is testing a “deep red” finish as a potential flagship hue for the iPhone 18 Pro series, possibly replacing or complementing existing tones like Cosmic Orange. This bolder palette would leverage the aluminum unibody design adopted in recent Pro models for greater color variety.
The broader iPhone 18 lineup reflects Apple’s evolving strategy. The premium tier — including the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and the debut iPhone Fold — is expected in September 2026. More affordable variants, such as the base iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e, may shift to spring 2027, creating a staggered release cadence. This approach prioritizes high-end innovation while managing production complexities for new form factors like the foldable.
Pricing rumors suggest Apple aims to hold starting prices steady. Analysts including Ming-Chi Kuo have indicated efforts to avoid increases despite rising component costs, potentially keeping the iPhone 18 Pro Max at or near its predecessor’s $1,199 entry point for the base configuration. Higher-storage options could see modest adjustments.
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Other anticipated features include up to 2TB of storage, faster 40W wired charging, LTPO+ display technology for smoother refresh rates with better efficiency, and deeper integration of Apple Intelligence via iOS 20 (or iOS 27, depending on naming). The A20 Pro’s capabilities are expected to supercharge on-device AI processing for tasks like advanced photo editing and Siri enhancements.
As testing advances, attention turns to how these upgrades position the iPhone 18 Pro Max against competitors amid lengthening smartphone replacement cycles and fluctuating global demand. Apple’s focus on meaningful hardware leaps — particularly in battery, camera versatility and display cleanliness — could drive strong upgrade interest among Pro users.
The company has not commented on the rumors, and final specifications remain subject to change. Apple typically unveils new iPhones in early September, with pre-orders following shortly after and retail availability within weeks.
A major high-tax blue state has seen a significant population loss due to domestic out-migration over the last five years, new research found.
Massachusetts recorded a net loss of about 182,000 residents to domestic out-migration from April 2020 to July 2025, according to an analysis of the state’s workforce by the Pioneer Institute. The free market think tank noted the population decline is equivalent to losing roughly one and half Cambridges in that period.
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“With domestic out-migration levels growing prior to the pandemic and remaining significantly elevated beyond it, it is clear out-migration is a structural phenomenon that is here to stay and not just a byproduct of remote work and the pandemic,” the report explained.
“Those leaving tend to be younger, between the ages of 26 and 34, and the loss of their economic activity will affect the state for decades to come,” it continued. “Out-migration could lead to population loss and a reduction in the labor force in 2026 as immigration is expected to drop sharply.”
Massachusetts has seen significant out-migration in recent years, the Pioneer Institute found. (Ron Dahlquist/Design Pics Editorial/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
The Pioneer Institute noted that the state’s labor force reached 3.9 million in 2024, which marked the largest year-over-year increase since 2018. The growth was mainly fueled by record international migration, which added 230,000 new residents from 2022 to 2024.
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Private sector employment in Massachusetts remains below its 2019 levels, and private sector employment has declined by 18,000 jobs (or -0.55%) since January 2020.
Over that same period, U.S. private sector job growth topped 5% while fast-growing states like Florida, North Carolina and Texas all exceeded 10%, per the institute’s analysis.
Massachusetts’ unemployment rate tops those of neighboring states. (Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
The statewide unemployment rate in Massachusetts has risen to 4.8% as of December, continuing a steady climb from a post-pandemic low of 3.2% in April 2023, the institute found.
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Massachusetts’ unemployment rate remains above neighboring states like Connecticut (4.2%), Rhode Island (4.3%), Maine (3.2%), New Hampshire (3.1%) and Vermont (2.6%).
The Pioneer Institute noted the number of job openings in the state has also declined to 145,000 in November 2025, a decrease of 50% from the pandemic era peak of 338,000 in May 2022. Additionally, the unemployed-to-jobs ratio topped 1 for the first time since the pandemic in October 2024.
The state of Massachusetts saw notable growth in employment in life sciences roles. (Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images)
Massachusetts retained its status as the most educated state in the U.S. as of 2024, with 53.4% of its population 25 and older holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, according to the report. The next most educated states identified in the report were Vermont (50.9%), New Jersey (47.8%) and New Hampshire (47%).
“The states in the bottom 10 tend to have a number of issues in common: complex, nonneutral taxes with comparatively high rates,” the report said.
Job categories that saw the most growth from 2019 to 2024 in Massachusetts were heavily focused on life sciences, including biochemists (+218%), bioengineers (+182%) and biological technicians (+37%). Chemical equipment operators and tenders (+504%) and logisticians (+88%) also saw notable increases, as did family medicine physicians (+61%).
Among the occupations that saw the steepest declines were among those that could be subject to automation and artificial intelligence, including clerks (-30%), secretaries (-29%), cashiers (-20%) and customer service representatives (-17%).
Truworths International Limited (TRWKF) Q2 2026 Earnings Call February 27, 2026 6:00 AM EST
Company Participants
Michael Mark – CEO & Executive Director Sarah Proudfoot – Joint Deputy CEO & Executive Director Reon Smit Emanuel Cristaudo – Joint Deputy CEO, CFO & Executive Director
Presentation
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Michael Mark CEO & Executive Director
Good afternoon, everybody. Welcome to the 2026 February Half Year Results Presentation of Truworths. In the room with me on virtual is Manny Cristaudo and Sarah Proudfoot, who are our joint Deputy CEOs. You all know them pretty well. And then there’s Reon Smit, who’s our Financial Director. I’m going to go through the presentation as speedy as I can because it will be published on the Internet in the next hour or 2 afterwards anyway, so that I can try and get to the questions-and-answer stage within 35 minutes or so. And then we’ve got at least 20, 25 minutes until 2:00 to answer questions. We have obviously read some of the initial analyst reports that came out this morning and yesterday. So we’ve tried to even include those responses in those — in our presentation. So it follows our normal agenda. First and foremost, I’m going to talk once again about our business philosophy. This is not to annoy you or bore you.
It’s because I’m trying to give you a filter of how we think. And this filter affects our interactions with shareholders as well because — when you give us input, whether it’s positive input or critical input, we don’t ignore it. We don’t just blindly follow it. We filter it through our philosophy every single time because that’s how we think. I’m trying to explain to you how we think. And essentially, it’s a simple thing, especially for the new shareholders. I’ve said many times before, we publish it.
Fred Piard, PhD. is a quantitative analyst and IT professional with over 30 years of experience working in technology. He is the author of three books and has been investing in data-driven systematic strategies since 2010. Fred runs the investing group Quantitative Risk & Value where he shares a portfolio invested in quality dividend stocks, and companies at the forefront of tech innovation. Fred also supplies market risk indicators, a real estate strategy, a bond strategy, and an income strategy in closed-end funds. Learn more.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of AMZN, GOOGL, META either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
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| Revenue of $373.55M (-2.82% Y/Y) misses by $1.44M
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This fiscal year, the company expects its top line to rise by about 10%, in line with last year.
Chief Executive Marc Benioff said he wasn’t fazed by the recent selloff in software stocks. “This is not our first SaaS-pocalypse,” he said, referring to software-as-a-service.
Shares (CRM) closed 4% higher. Through Thursday, the stock had lost about one-quarter of its value in 2026.
China’s viral app “Are You Dead?” explores the complexities of solo living and evolving social connections, addressing deeper societal challenges in modern relationships and individual experiences.
Key Points
App Concept: “Are You Dead?” is a viral Chinese app that uses interactive questions to prompt users to reflect on mortality, relationships, and social connections.
Solo Living Trend: It highlights the rise of solo living in urban China, especially among younger generations, driven by urbanization, mobility, and shifting cultural norms.
Social Bonds: The app underscores challenges in maintaining meaningful relationships, encouraging users to confront loneliness and isolation.
China’s viral app, “Are You Dead?”, serves as a poignant reflection of contemporary societal dynamics, particularly the intricacies of solo living and the evolving nature of social connections. The app has gained popularity for its unique premise, which invites users to reflect on their mortality and relationships through a series of engaging interactive questions. This framework not only entertains but also illuminates deeper existential queries that modern individuals face.
The rise of solo living in urban China, particularly among younger generations, underscores a broader trend of shifting social ties. Many individuals find themselves navigating life independently, leading to both opportunities for personal growth and challenges in maintaining meaningful connections. The app encapsulates these dualities by prompting users to contemplate their social circles, fostering introspection about the quality of their relationships. This phenomenon reveals a societal challenge where traditional interpersonal connections are strained or transformed, often due to rapid urbanization, increased mobility, and evolving cultural norms.
As users engage with “Are You Dead?”, they are encouraged to confront uncomfortable truths about their social isolation, prompting important discussions about loneliness and community. This interaction serves a therapeutic function, allowing individuals to process their feelings and potentially reconnect with estranged friends or family. By framing death within the context of social connectivity, the app stimulates dialogue around precarious modern relationships, reinforcing the significance of maintaining connections in an increasingly individualistic society.
Moreover, the app highlights the paradox of technology in social interaction. While it provides a platform for engagement and reflection, it can also exacerbate feelings of isolation if users become overly reliant on digital solutions for social fulfillment. This duality invites a critical examination of how technology shapes human relationships and personal identities. Ultimately, “Are You Dead?” is more than just a viral trend; it encapsulates the contemporary struggle with solitude and the quest for meaningful connections in a rapidly changing world.
