Upgrading from iPhone 14 Pro Max — which flagship should I go for next?

’m currently using an iPhone 14 Pro Max and trying to figure out my next flagship upgrade. I have a few phones in mind, but I’m stuck and would love some honest advice.

Phones I’m considering: • Samsung S26 Ultra (not released yet, but seems like a big change from iOS) • iPhone 17 Pro Max, or possibly waiting for the iPhone 18 Pro Max • Oppo Find X9 Pro/Pro Max • Vivo X300 Pro

My biggest concerns are with the Oppo and Vivo devices. I love their cameras and the overall OS experience, but since I’m in the US, I’m worried about the lack of warranty/support, limited repair options, and even how complicated the return process might be if something goes wrong. It seems a lot harder compared to Samsung or Apple, where returns and support are straightforward.

Samsung feels like the safest “big switch” option since it’s fully supported here, and staying with Apple is the smoothest path—but I’ve been wanting something new.

If you were upgrading from a 14 Pro Max, which direction would you go and why? Any experiences switching between iOS → Android (or back), or using imported Oppo/Vivo phones in the US would help a lot.