The main distinction between these two products exists in their charging capabilities. Samsung introduced its 60W charging system this year which enables the device to reach complete battery capacity within 48 minutes. The iPhone 17 Pro Max requires 81 minutes to reach a full charge because its last 20% charging process takes particularly long. The two devices share one similarity because both of them lack a power adapter which would normally come with their packaging.
Summary of Galaxy S26 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro Max
The Galaxy S26 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro Max provide multiple identical experiences according to this year’s comparison. The two tech companies have decreased their existing technology gap between them according to their software interfaces and camera performance and battery life and display technologies. The decision about which product to purchase now depends on the customer’s actual usage patterns and their preferred ecosystem and their unique personal tastes.
Users must establish their requirements through precise explanations of their needs. The Sony WF-1000XM5 and AirPods Pro 2 in-ear models deliver complete noise cancellation which works better for people who require uninterrupted sound isolation during long flights and in extremely loud locations. The AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation system achieves its design purpose of delivering comfortable sound experience through basic noise control functions.
Design and Wear Comfort
The AirPods 4 ANC charging case provides two major advantages through its design and visual elements. Apple has optimized the size to the maximum, making it one of the most compact headphone charging cases on the market today. The product enables users to carry it with ease because they can store it in various pockets and small bag compartments without experiencing discomfort from its bulkiness.
The charging case construction upholds Apple’s exceptional quality standards. The hinge mechanism sustains durability while the system generates an audible “click” sound during opening and closing processes. The AirPods case enables many users to open and close its lid which creates a relieving experience through its highly precise and fast operating system.
The AirPods 4 ANC system provides users with complete comfort through its design which protects against common ear pressure symptoms that users face with in-ear headphones. The product delivers a lightweight design which maintains ear canal openness and eliminates the need for users to use silicone or foam ear tips that block their ear canals. The product functions as an essential tool for individuals with sensitive ear canals who require continuous headphone use throughout their extended work periods.
The stem of the earbud design now features a shorter length which improves the overall design by making it look tidier and more attractive thanearlier versions. The design provides users with the ability to choose from different methods of wearing the device. You can leave the stem facing downwards in the traditional way or slightly rotate it forward to best fit your ear canal structure while still ensuring a secure fit.
The AirPods 4 ANC open-back design provides users with satisfactory fitting results. The earbuds maintain their secure position in the ear during daily activities which include walking and office work and light movement except for extremely intense athletic training. This product serves as the best option for users who struggle to adapt to the feeling of in-ear headphones that create a sensation of presence inside their ears.
Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, with Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Charging Case, Wireless Charging, H2 Chip:
Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, with Active Noise Cancellation (Renewed):
Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, with Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Charging Case with AppleCare+ (2 Years):
Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, Personalized Spatial Audio, Sweat and Water Resistant, USB-C Charging Case, H2 Chip, Up to 30 Hours of Battery Life, Effortless Setup for iPhone:
Apple Airpods 4 (Renewed):
Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds:
Sound quality, audio technology, and other features
AirPods 4 ANC maintain their sound quality through a balanced design which Apple products use as their standard. The frequency ranges produce a listening experience which most popular music genres. The bass delivers the right level of strength which maintains its control throughout the song while providing enough rhythm for pop or hip-hop tracks.
The mid-range audio performance of AirPods 4 ANC fails to meet the requirements of users who seek precise sound and sophisticated vocal performance. The audio experience of certain songs which feature complex musical arrangements and unique vocal performances becomes less clear and more muffled when compared to specialized audio equipment. The headphones deliver acceptable sound performance because they function as a multipurpose audio device. The audio experience reaches its peak through Spatial Audio which uses Head Tracking technology. Dolby Atmos movies and music create a 3D sound experience because the audio tracks follow your head movements which simulate a movie theater environment. The Apple ecosystem offers this feature which creates a distinct advantage over its competing systems.
AirPods 4 ANC provides complete support for the proprietary Apple features which enable smart functionality. The “Share Audio” feature allows two pairs of AirPods to connect to one iPhone to listen to music or watch movies together, very convenient for couples. The system allows each user to change their volume settings which will not impact the other’s audio experience.
Live Listen serves as an additional intriguing capability. The iPhone functions as a microphone to transmit sound through the AirPods when this feature becomes active. The feature enables users to listen to distant speakers during large meetings and it allows them to pick up sounds from other rooms when their phone is out of reach.
The product demonstrates software and control limitations which restrict its current performance. The AirPods 4 ANC earphones do not provide swipe volume control through their earbud body which Pro 2 series users enjoy. Users need to use Siri or their phone which creates difficulties during usage. The system which assigns volume control through force sensors does not deliver proper functionality because it operates with low precision.
The “Conversation Awareness” feature experiences problems with its reliability during operation. The earbuds make an error when they detect loud singing or external noise as user voice which causes automatic volume reduction to occur without their control. Apple needs to solve this problem through future software updates because it represents a minor issue.
Battery and Charging
AirPods 4 ANC battery life provides sufficient performance but it fails to reach exceptional status. The headphones provide Apple users with approximately 4 hours of continuous operation which includes noise cancellation function. The mixed reality testing results show a volume range which produced 3.5 to 4 hours of playback time just like Apple’s claimed performance.
Transcontinental flights or continuous music listening for long periods will make this battery life feel insufficient for your needs. The system provides sufficient battery power to support typical office work and entertainment activities which people need throughout their workday.
The charging case grants users 30 extra hours of power which enables them to use the device for multiple days without needing to recharge. The charging speed of the headphones in the case is also very fast; just a few minutes of charging is enough for hours of continued use. The switch to a USB-C port also offers great convenience as it can share cables with the iPhone 15/16 series or iPads and MacBooks.
AirPods 4 ANC exists as a desirable technological product which people should consider especially those who belong to the Apple ecosystem. This product brilliantly solves a difficult problem: providing the quietness of noise-canceling technology in an open, comfortable, and non-restrictive design. The product provides essential value to users despite its two minor drawbacks which affect battery life in ANC mode and its existing software bugs.
Tech Reviewer & Product Analyst
Định Bia has spent over 10 years testing consumer electronics with a focus on smart technology. He work as a product advisor at Biareview where he helped customers find the right devices for their needs. He personally tests every product featured on this site using a consistent evaluation framework covering quality, durability, and value. All reviews are based on experience, not influenced by the manufacturer.