Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra VS Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max: Full Comparison 2025
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra VS Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max: The smartphone market in 2025 has once again been highly competitive, with Samsung and Apple winning hearts through their top-tier flagship models. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max are currently considered the most premium smartphones in the tech world. While Samsung launched its Galaxy S25 series globally in February this year, Apple introduced the iPhone 17 series in September during its most prestigious event. Both aim to provide users with the latest technology and advanced features for a superior smartphone experience. But which one emerges as the real winner in this battle? Let’s take a detailed look at their features and performance.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra VS Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max: Design and Display
Both Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro Max feature premium build quality and stunning displays. Samsung is lighter and slimmer, while the iPhone feels slightly heavier but sturdier and more premium. In terms of display, Samsung excels with its AMOLED brightness and outdoor performance, whereas the iPhone’s OLED stands out for colour accuracy and video quality.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Frame/Glass | Titanium + Gorilla Armor 2 | Titanium + Ceramic Shield 2 (front and back) |
| Weight | 218g | 233g |
| Thickness | 8.2mm | 8.75mm |
| Display | 6.9″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X | 6.9″ Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 3120 × 1440 QHD+ | 2796 × 1290 FHD+ |
| Brightness | 2600 nits | 3000 nits |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz LTPO | 120Hz ProMotion |
| Highlight | HDR10+, better sunlight visibility | Always-On, superior colour accuracy |
Processor and Performance: Redefining AI and Multitasking
The real power of a smartphone lies in its processor, which directly impacts performance, gaming, and AI capabilities. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm), excelling in gaming and multitasking, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s Apple A19 Pro (3nm) leads in AI and video editing. Both come with 12GB RAM, though Samsung’s RAM better supports multitasking, whereas iPhone dominates in single-core performance.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm) | Apple A19 Pro (3nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 830 | Apple GPU (16-core) |
| RAM | 12GB LPDDR5X | 12GB LPDDR5 |
| Multitasking | Superior | Good |
| Single-Core Performance | Good | Nearly 30% better |
| Special Strength | High-end gaming | AI, video editing |
Camera Technology: A Perfect Blend of Photos and Videos
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra features a massive 200MP primary sensor, excelling in detail and zoom. It is accompanied by a 50MP ultra-wide, a 10MP telephoto (3x optical zoom), and a 50MP periscope telephoto (5x optical zoom), supporting 8K video recording at 30fps. Samsung’s AI image enhancement and zoom optimisation make it a strong contender for close-up and zoom photography.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max houses three 48MP cameras — main, ultra-wide, and telephoto (5x optical zoom). It records 8K video at 60fps with ProRes video support, offering professional-grade recording. The 18MP TrueDepth front camera supports Face ID and Animoji features.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Camera | 200MP, OIS, f/1.7 | 48MP, OIS, f/1.78 |
| Ultra-Wide | 50MP, 120° FOV | 48MP, 120° FOV |
| Telephoto | 10MP (3x optical) + 50MP (5x periscope zoom) | 48MP (5x optical) |
| Video Recording | 8K @ 30fps | 8K @ 60fps (ProRes support) |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 18MP TrueDepth (Center Stage) |
| Key Features | AI image enhancement, Super Zoom | ProRes video, Bright Photographic Style |
Overall:
- For zoom and detailing, Galaxy S25 Ultra is ahead.
- For video recording, colour precision, and professional-grade content creation, iPhone 17 Pro Max takes the lead.
Battery and Charging: Long-Lasting Power
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra packs a 5000mAh battery, offering around 40 hours of video playback. It supports 45W fast charging, 15W wireless, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging, reaching 50% in just 30 minutes.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max comes with a 4700–5088mAh battery (depending on eSIM variant), delivering up to 33 hours of video playback. It supports 40W wired charging and 30W MagSafe wireless charging, with 50% in just 20 minutes. Reverse wireless charging is 7.5W.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 5000mAh | 4700–5088mAh (eSIM version) |
| Video Playback | ~40 hours | 33 hours |
| Wired Charging | 45W fast charge | 40W fast charge |
| Wireless Charging | 15W Qi2 wireless | 30W MagSafe wireless |
| Reverse Wireless | 4.5W | 7.5W |
| 50% Charging Time | ~30 minutes | ~20 minutes |
Both perform strongly in battery life, with Samsung offering a bigger battery and reverse wireless advantage, while iPhone impresses with faster MagSafe charging.
One UI 7 vs iOS 26: Software and Updates – Enhanced User Experience One
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra runs on Android 15 with One UI 7, offering excellent customisation and seven years of OS and security updates. Features like Galaxy AI and live translation add more value.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max runs on iOS 26, known for its smooth interface. Apple ensures 6–7 years of updates. With Apple Intelligence, an upgraded Siri, and seamless integration with macOS and iPadOS, it remains ideal for creativity and productivity.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| OS Version | Android 15, One UI 7 | iOS 26 |
| Update Support | 7 years | 6–7 years |
| AI Features | Galaxy AI, Live Translate | Apple Intelligence, advanced Siri |
| User Interface | Highly customisable | Clean and smooth |
| Integration | Android ecosystem | Deep macOS and iPadOS integration |
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra VS Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max: Design Highlights
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra’s biggest edge is the S Pen support, making it ideal for note-taking, drawing, and productivity. It also features a titanium frame with Gorilla Glass Armour 2 and comes with IP68 water and dust resistance.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max supports MagSafe accessories and the upgraded Dynamic Island interface, enhancing user experience. Its titanium build and redesigned camera bar make it distinct. Both devices carry IP68 ratings.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Productivity | S Pen support (notes, drawing) | MagSafe accessories support |
| Material | Titanium frame + Gorilla Glass Armour 2 | Titanium body |
| Design Features | Strong, premium | Dynamic Island, new camera bar |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
Samsung leads in productivity with the S Pen, while iPhone enhances its experience with Dynamic Island and MagSafe.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra VS Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max: Global Price Difference
In 2025, prices vary widely across regions depending on taxes and subsidies.
| Country/Region | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (approx) | Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max (approx) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | $1,184 (with Samsung Store trade-in offer) | $1,199 (with Apple Store trade-in) | iPhone priced competitively in the US |
| South Korea | $1,200 (local subsidy) | ~$1,430+ (grey market) | Samsung’s home market offers best value |
| Canada | $1,350 | $1,289 | iPhone slightly cheaper in Canada |
| Australia | $1,300 | $1,460 | Higher due to taxes |
| Singapore | $1,320 | $1,460 | Higher due to import taxes |
| India | ₹1,06,990+(Approx $1,275) (with discounts) | ₹1,49,900 (Approx $1,820) | iPhone significantly costlier in India |
In India, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is nearly 40–50% more expensive than the Galaxy S25 Ultra, while in the US and South Korea, pricing is more competitive. Buyers should carefully check local pricing before deciding.
Conclusion: Who is the King of Smartphones in 2025?
When it comes to 2025’s ultimate smartphone, both Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max stand as industry giants. The choice largely depends on user preference.
- If you prefer Android’s ecosystem, customisation, S Pen support, and superior zoom photography, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is an outstanding option. It excels in gaming, photography, and multitasking while being more affordable.
- If you are an iOS user seeking seamless integration with Mac and iPad, professional-grade video recording (8K@60fps ProRes), and advanced AI features, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the better choice. The 2TB storage option and MagSafe accessories add to its strengths.
For tech enthusiasts and creative professionals worldwide, both devices are the top choices of 2025. Whichever you choose, both guarantee a premium smartphone experience.
Read Also
