iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Galaxy S25
Let’s cut through the noise: the iPhone 17 Pro Max dropped in September 2025 with aluminum instead of titanium, while Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra launched in February with rounded edges and a built-in S Pen. Both start north of $1,100, both promise AI superpowers, and both want to be your only computer.
But here’s what nobody tells you: these phones aren’t even playing the same game anymore.
I’ve been tracking flagship wars since the iPhone 4 vs Galaxy S days, and 2025 feels different. Apple went back to aluminum for better cooling. Samsung ditched Exynos globally for pure Snapdragon power. The real question isn’t “which is better?”—it’s “which ecosystem are you willing to commit to for the next three years?”
So let’s break down this $2,400+ decision (if you’re buying both Pro Max and Ultra) like adults. No fanboy nonsense. Just specs, real-world usage, and the honest truth about which phone actually delivers.
Design & Build: The Aluminum Renaissance
iPhone 17 Pro Max: Back to Basics (In a Good Way)
Apple ditched titanium for a unibody aluminum chassis, and before you scream “downgrade,” hear me out. The aluminum is lighter than titanium and better at heat dispersion. Translation: your phone runs cooler during gaming sessions and doesn’t throttle performance.
The “plateau camera” redesigned for the first time since iPhone 11 Pro features a large horizontal camera bump. It’s bold. It’s different. You’ll either love it or hate it—there’s no middle ground.
Dimensions & Colors:
- Weight: 233g
- Thickness: 8.8mm
- Colors: Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue, Silver
The Ceramic Shield 2 offers 3× better scratch resistance than the original, which matters when you’re dropping $1,199 on a phone.
Galaxy S25 Ultra: Refinement Over Revolution
Samsung refined the design with rounded edges, giving it a sleeker look compared to the S24 Ultra’s sharp corners. The titanium frame with Corning’s glare-free glass feels premium, though some miss the boxier aesthetic.
The integrated S Pen remains, though Samsung removed Bluetooth functionality as a cost-saving measure—no more remote camera control or air actions. For the 99% who never used those features, it’s no loss.
Dimensions & Colors:
- Weight: ~234g (similar to iPhone)
- Thickness: 8.6mm
- 6.9-inch display, IP68 water and dust resistance
Insert comparison image: iPhone 17 Pro Max vs S25 Ultra side-by-side showing camera bump differences
Verdict: Tie (Personal Preference Wins)
Both feel premium. iPhone’s aluminum is lighter and cooler. Samsung’s titanium is tougher with better IP68 rating vs Ceramic Shield 2. Pick based on which design language you prefer—iOS minimalism or Samsung’s feature-packed approach.
Display: The Battle of Brightness
iPhone 17 Pro Max: Bigger, Brighter, Better
The 6.9-inch display supports 3,000 nits peak brightness, up from 2,000 nits on previous models. A new anti-reflective display coating cuts down on glare, with outdoor contrast 2× better than before.
Screen Specs:
- Size: 6.9 inches (2868×1320-pixel resolution)
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz ProMotion (now available on base iPhone 17 too)
- 1-nit minimum brightness for Always-On display
The ProMotion refresh rate is no longer exclusive to Pro models, which feels like Apple finally listening to customers.
Galaxy S25 Ultra: The Canvas That Adapts
The 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel offers a smooth 1-120 Hz refresh rate. While peak brightness isn’t officially confirmed at 3,000 nits, real-world testing shows it’s competitive with the iPhone.
The S25 Ultra’s advantage? The display integrates Samsung’s mobile Digital Natural Image engine (mDNIe) into the processor, optimizing display power efficiency. Battery life gains through software optimization.
What This Actually Means:
Both screens are gorgeous. The iPhone edges ahead in raw brightness specs, but the S25 Ultra’s adaptive optimization means better battery life during actual use. If you’re constantly outdoors, iPhone wins. If you value all-day endurance, Samsung’s approach pays off.
Table: Display Comparison
| Feature | iPhone 17 Pro Max | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.9″ | 6.9″ |
| Resolution | 2868×1320 | ~3088×1440 (QHD+) |
| Peak Brightness | 3,000 nits | ~2,600 nits |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz ProMotion | 1-120Hz adaptive |
| Always-On | Yes (1-nit min) | Yes |
| Special Features | Anti-reflective coating | mDNIe optimization |
Performance: The Chip That Changes Everything
iPhone 17 Pro Max: A19 Pro Dominance
The A19 Pro uses a 3-nanometer process with a 6-core CPU (two performance cores, four efficiency cores) and 6-core GPU. It incorporates the new Apple-designed N1 networking chip, reducing reliance on Broadcom.
Interestingly, the Pro models still use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X80 modem instead of Apple’s own C1X modem found in the iPhone Air. Apple’s playing the long game on full chip independence.
RAM: 12GB—a significant bump that enables better AI processing and multitasking.
Galaxy S25 Ultra: Snapdragon Everywhere
The Galaxy S25 series uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset uniformly across all global variants—no more Exynos lottery. Samsung and Qualcomm customized the chip specifically for Galaxy, with advanced AI-driven image processing improving display scaling by 40%.
The chipset features an octa-core CPU with two high-performance Oryon cores clocked up to 4.47 GHz and six efficiency cores at 3.53 GHz. The Adreno 830 GPU provides hardware-accelerated graphics and AI processing.
RAM: 12GB (matching iPhone)
Cooling Systems: Where Samsung Pulls Ahead
The S25 Ultra integrates a vapor chamber about 40% larger with additional material layers for heat dissipation. Apple’s aluminum frame helps with passive cooling, but Samsung’s dedicated vapor chamber is aggressive.
Real-World Impact:
Gaming for 2+ hours? Samsung maintains performance better. Quick photo editing? Both are instant. The difference shows in sustained workloads like 4K video rendering or extended gaming sessions.
Benchmarks (Geekbench):
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: ~3,100 single-core, ~9,800 multi-core
- Galaxy S25 Ultra: ~3,148 single-core, ~10,236 multi-core
Samsung’s slight edge in multi-core is thanks to Qualcomm’s Oryon architecture, but day-to-day, both are blazing fast.
Camera Systems: Philosophy Over Pixels
iPhone 17 Pro Max: The Cinematic Powerhouse
The redesigned camera features a 4× telephoto “tetraprism” lens with a 48MP sensor. Apple dropped from 5× to 4× optical, but here’s the trick: the higher quality 48MP sensor allows optical-quality zoom up to 8× through sensor crop.
Camera Lineup:
- Main: 48MP (wide)
- Telephoto: 48MP (4× optical, 8× digital)
- Ultra-wide: 12MP
- Front: 18MP Centre Stage camera with unique square-shaped sensor
That front camera is wild. The square sensor allows you to rotate the image without rotating the phone, perfect for selfie videos where you forgot you were in portrait mode.
Dual Capture lets you take video with both front and rear cameras simultaneously—vloggers, you’re welcome.
Video Features:
- Support for Apple Log 2, broadcast frame rates, recording open gate
- Cinematic quality with high resolution and higher frame rates
- First smartphone to support Apple-developed video codec with highest level of control and quality
Galaxy S25 Ultra: The Computational Master
Samsung kept the camera setup familiar but refined AI processing. The main sensors haven’t drastically changed, but Galaxy AI features now include Audio Eraser to remove unwanted sounds from videos—voice, music, wind, crowd noise, etc.
AI Camera Features:
- Virtual Aperture in Expert RAW for full depth-of-field control
- Galaxy Log for precise color grading
- Portrait Studio with more realistic avatars
- Analog-style filters for film-like quality
The Audio Eraser is genuinely useful. Filming at a concert and want to hear your conversation? Isolate voices. Wind ruining your beach video? Minimize it. It’s computational photography for audio, and it works.
Verdict: iPhone for Video, Samsung for Stills
iPhone 17 Pro is positioned for content creators and Hollywood productions with professional video codecs. Samsung’s AI-driven photo processing produces stunning social media-ready shots instantly.
If you’re shooting for YouTube or TikTok: iPhone.
If you want killer Instagram photos without editing: Samsung.
Insert camera comparison gallery: Low-light portraits, 8× zoom samples, video stabilization tests
Battery Life: The Marathon Nobody Expected
iPhone 17 Pro Max: Apple’s Battery Miracle
The iPhone 17 Pro Max battery lasts up to 39 hours when watching videos—Apple claims this is the longest battery life ever in an iPhone.
Battery Stats:
- Capacity: ~4,823 mAh
- Video playback: 33 hours (Pro), 39 hours (Pro Max)
- Charging: 50% in 20 minutes with appropriate charger
- MagSafe and Qi2.2 charging at up to 25W
eSIM-only models have larger batteries, which Apple is expanding to more countries.
Galaxy S25 Ultra: The Endurance King
The S25 Ultra maintains the same battery as previous models with 45W fast wired charging. Battery capacity is around 5,000mAh based on Samsung’s typical Ultra sizing.
Charging Speed Advantage:
Samsung’s 45W beats iPhone’s ~27W (with MagSafe maxing at 25W). If you’re constantly topping up during the day, Samsung’s faster charging matters more than raw capacity.
Real-World Testing:
Both easily last a full day with moderate use. Heavy users (gaming, streaming, productivity) will need a mid-day top-up on either device. iPhone edges ahead in passive video consumption; Samsung wins in mixed-use endurance thanks to display optimization.
Software & AI: The Great Divide
iOS 26: Privacy-First Intelligence
All iPhone 17 models include Memory Integrity Enforcement (MIE), an always-on hardware-and-OS memory-safety defense. Apple’s betting on on-device AI that never leaves your phone.
Features are limited but focused:
- Siri improvements (finally)
- Live transcription
- Advanced photo editing
- Privacy-centric AI suggestions
Apple’s AI is cautious. Conservative. Some would say “boring.” But your data never hits a server unless you explicitly allow it.
One UI 7: AI Everywhere
Galaxy S25 integrates AI agents with multimodal abilities, understanding text, speech, images, and videos. Google’s Circle to Search is upgraded to quickly recognize phone numbers, emails, URLs for one-tap actions.
Galaxy AI Features:
- Seamless app switching for follow-up actions
- Natural language understanding for finding photos or adjusting settings
- Gemini integration via side button press
- Now Brief for personalized daily insights
Samsung’s approach: throw AI at everything and see what sticks. It’s aggressive, feature-rich, and occasionally overwhelming.
Update Support:
- iPhone: 5-6 years typical
- Samsung: 7 years of OS and security updates
Samsung wins the update game on paper. Apple wins in actual update quality and day-one adoption rates.
Special Features: The Ecosystem Lock-In
iPhone Exclusives
- MagSafe ecosystem: Charging, wallets, car mounts—it’s extensive
- AirDrop: Still the smoothest file sharing
- iMessage: The blue bubble controversy continues
- Continuity: Copy on iPhone, paste on Mac seamlessly
Samsung Exclusives
- S Pen: Built-in stylus (minus Bluetooth features)
- DeX Mode: Desktop experience when connected to monitor
- Ultra Wideband: Better device location tracking
- Reverse wireless charging: Charge other devices from your phone
Verdict: Ecosystem Matters More Than Specs
If you own AirPods, MacBook, Apple Watch: iPhone is the obvious choice.
If you’re in the Google/Microsoft/cross-platform world: Samsung gives you more flexibility.
Pricing & Value: The $1,200 Question
iPhone 17 Pro Max Pricing
- Starting: $1,099 (Pro), $1,199 (Pro Max)
- Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB ($2,000)
Galaxy S25 Ultra Pricing
- Starting: $1,299
- Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
Value Analysis:
The S25 Ultra costs $100 more at base but includes S Pen and more RAM-intensive AI features. iPhone’s ecosystem integration adds value through accessories and services.
Table: Price Comparison
| Model | Base Price | 512GB | 1TB | 2TB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | $1,199 | $1,399 | $1,599 | $2,000 |
| Galaxy S25 Ultra | $1,299 | $1,419 | $1,659 | $1,899 |
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy iPhone 17 Pro Max If:
✓ You own other Apple devices
✓ Video content creation is your priority
✓ You value privacy above features
✓ iMessage matters in your social circle
✓ You prefer conservative, predictable updates
Buy Galaxy S25 Ultra If:
✓ You want maximum customization
✓ S Pen functionality appeals to you
✓ You use Google Workspace heavily
✓ You need fast charging (45W vs 25W)
✓ You prefer aggressive AI experimentation
Skip Both If:
✗ You’re happy with your current flagship
✗ Budget is under $1,000 (look at base models)
✗ You don’t use flagship features
✗ You upgrade every year (wait for next gen)
The Verdict: There’s No Wrong Choice (Seriously)
Here’s what I’ve learned after comparing flagships for over a decade: the gap has closed to the point where ecosystem matters more than specs.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the better phone if you live in Apple’s walled garden. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is more flexible if you don’t. Both will last 3-4 years easily. Both take stunning photos. Both have AI features you’ll use twice and forget about.
The real question is: do you want Apple’s curated experience or Samsung’s feature buffet?
I can’t answer that for you. But I can tell you this: whichever you choose, you’re getting one hell of a phone. The “wrong” choice in 2025 is not buying what you actually need and instead chasing specs on paper.
Pick the ecosystem. The rest is details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has better battery life: iPhone 17 Pro Max or Galaxy S25 Ultra?
iPhone 17 Pro Max offers up to 39 hours video playback, the longest in any iPhone. S25 Ultra’s ~5,000mAh battery with display optimization provides similar real-world endurance, though Samsung charges faster at 45W vs Apple’s 25W MagSafe.
Is the iPhone 17 Pro Max camera better than Galaxy S25 Ultra?
iPhone excels in video with professional codecs and cinematic features. Samsung’s AI-driven processing produces better social media-ready stills. Choose iPhone for content creation, Samsung for computational photography.
Which phone has better AI features?
Galaxy S25 Ultra offers multimodal AI agents, Circle to Search upgrades, and Gemini integration across apps. iPhone focuses on privacy-first, on-device AI. Samsung is feature-rich; Apple is conservative and private.
Does Galaxy S25 Ultra have better performance than iPhone?
S25 Ultra benchmarks at ~3,148 single-core, ~10,236 multi-core, slightly ahead of iPhone’s A19 Pro. Real-world difference is negligible; both are blazing fast. Samsung’s 40% larger vapor chamber helps sustained performance.
Which phone has longer software support?
Samsung promises 7 years of OS and security updates for S25 series. Apple typically provides 5-6 years. Samsung wins on paper, but Apple’s update adoption and quality remain superior.
Is iPhone 17 Pro Max worth $100 less than Galaxy S25 Ultra?
iPhone Pro Max starts at $1,199 vs S25 Ultra’s $1,299. S25 includes S Pen and faster charging; iPhone offers ecosystem integration. Value depends on which features you’ll actually use.
Which has better display: iPhone or Samsung?
iPhone’s 6.9″ display hits 3,000 nits peak brightness with anti-reflective coating. S25 Ultra’s 6.9″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X with mDNIe optimization offers better battery efficiency. Both are excellent; choose based on iOS vs Android preference.
Does iPhone 17 Pro Max still use titanium?
No. Apple switched to unibody aluminum frame for better heat dispersion and lighter weight. Samsung kept titanium for S25 Ultra with IP68 water and dust resistance.
Which phone charges faster?
S25 Ultra wins with 45W fast wired charging reaching 50% in ~25 minutes. iPhone supports 25W MagSafe and reaches 50% in 20 minutes with appropriate charger. Samsung’s wired charging is significantly faster for full charges.
Should I upgrade from iPhone 16 Pro Max or Galaxy S24 Ultra?
iPhone 17 Pro Max adds vapor chamber cooling, A19 Pro chip, and 39-hour battery. S25 Ultra features global Snapdragon 8 Elite and 40% larger vapor chamber. If your current phone works fine, wait another year. Both are iterative upgrades.
Ready to decide? Check out Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max page for trade-in deals, or visit Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra hub for current promotions. For deeper camera comparisons, see our 2025 flagship camera shootout featuring both devices.
Still torn between ecosystems? Drop your use case in the comments—I’ll tell you which phone actually fits your workflow, not which has better benchmarks.
Related: iOS 26.3 Release: Everything You Need to Know
About the Author
