Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max – Which One Should You Buy? Choosing the right phone is not always easy. Especially when both options offer the best features and premium designs. If you’re confused between Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and Apple iPhone 17 Pro, this comprehensive smartphone comparison is here to help. We’ve covered the key differences in hardware design, performance, battery, camera, price, and 40+ other features to make your choice next level.2
Watch the video below for a fast visual breakdown, then scroll to the full specs table for a deeper look. Whether you care about photography, speed, or value, this Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Apple iPhone 17 Pro comparison makes your decision fast and easy.
Detailed Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Apple iPhone 17 Pro
| Feature | Galaxy S25 Ultra | iPhone 17 Pro Max | Which is Best? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X LTPO | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | Tie |
| Display Size | 6.9 inches | 6.9 inches | Tie |
| Weight | 230–235 g | Unknown | Galaxy S25 Ultra (lighter) |
| Resolution | 1440 × 3200 | 1320 × 2868 | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz adaptive | 120 Hz | Tie |
| Aspect Ratio | ~19.5:9 | 19.5:9 | Tie |
| OS | Android 15 | iOS 26 | Tie (personal preference) |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 | Apple A19 Pro (3 nm) | Close, Snapdragon for Android, Apple for efficiency |
| CPU | Octa‑core | Hexa‑core | Galaxy S25 Ultra (core count) |
| Display Protection | Gorilla Glass Armor+ | Ceramic Shield (2025 gen) | Tie |
| Water Protection | IP68 | IP68 (immersion up to 6 m for 30 min) | iPhone 17 Pro Max (deeper) |
| GPU | Adreno 760 | Apple GPU (6‑core) | iPhone (graphics) |
| Card Slot | No | No | Tie |
| Memory | 12/16 GB | 12 GB | Galaxy S25 Ultra (option) |
| Memory Type | LPDDR5X | NVMe | Tie (tech differs) |
| Storage | 256 GB–1 TB | 256 GB–1 TB | Tie |
| Main Camera | 200 MP Gen 2 + upgraded sensors | Triple 48 MP (wide, periscope, ultrawide) | Subjective: Samsung higher MP, iPhone likely better sensor tuning |
| Ultra Wide | 12 MP | 48 MP ultrawide | iPhone 17 Pro Max (higher MP) |
| Depth | Yes (expected) | TOF 3D LiDAR | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
| Camera Features | Laser AF, HDR+, OIS | Dual‑LED flash, HDR, LiDAR | Tie (different strengths) |
| Camera Recording | 8K@60fps, 4K@120fps | 4K up to 120fps, Dolby Vision, spatial 3D | Galaxy S25 Ultra (8K video) |
| Front/Selfie Camera | 12 MP | 24 MP | iPhone 17 Pro Max (higher MP) |
| Selfie Camera Features | AI‑enhanced, Dual HDR | HDR, Dolby Vision, depth/biometrics | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
| HDR | HDR10+ | HDR10 + Dolby Vision | Tie |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4 | Bluetooth 5.4 | Tie |
| Wi‑Fi | Wi‑Fi 7+ | Wi‑Fi 7 | Galaxy S25 Ultra (latest) |
| GPS | Yes | Yes (L1+L5, multiple networks) | Tie |
| PPI | 515+ ppi | ~458 ppi | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
| Stereo Speaker | Yes | Yes | Tie |
| USB Type‑C | USB‑C 4.0 | USB‑C 3.2 Gen 2 + DisplayPort | Galaxy S25 Ultra (faster) |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (Apple Pay supported) | Tie |
| Infrared | No | No | Tie |
| Fingerprint | Under‑display ultrasonic | None (Face ID instead) | Galaxy S25 Ultra (fingerprint) |
| 3.5 mm Audio Jack | No | No | Tie |
| Browser Support | HTML6 | Safari / WebKit (HTML5+) | Galaxy S25 Ultra (future HTML) |
| Games Performance | Outstanding | Outstanding | Tie |
| Battery Capacity | 5100 mAh | Li‑Ion (capacity unofficial, ~4800–5000 mAh estimate) | Galaxy S25 Ultra (larger) |
| Wired Charging Speed | 65 W (expected) | PD2.0, 50% in 30 min (≈25–30 W estimated) | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
| Wireless Charging | 25 W | 25 W MagSafe (Qi2 support in China) | Tie |
| Reverse Charging | 10 W | Not supported | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
| 5G Network | Yes | Yes | Tie |
| Sensors | All standard sensors | Face ID, LiDAR, Ultra Wideband Gen2, etc. | Tie |
| SIM Configuration | Dual Nano‑SIM + eSIM + eSIM | eSIM + eSIM, or dual‑Nano for China | Tie |
| Extra Features | Galaxy AI 2.0, advanced DeX, S Pen | Face ID, Emergency SOS via satellite, Apple Pay | Subjective feature-rich |
| Price in USD | ~$1,299–1,399 | Not announced (likely $1,399–1,499) | Galaxy S25 Ultra (estimated cheaper) |
| Performance Scores | AnTuTu ~1.7M, Geekbench ~7,500 | Unofficial, expected top-tier Apple scores | Tie |
| Colors Available | Titanium Blue, Matte Black, Red | Black + other rumored colors | Tie |
Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Apple iPhone 17 Pro in 2025 comes down to your personal preferences and priorities. The iPhone 17 Pro carries Apple’s legacy of premium design, top-tier performance, and seamless ecosystem integration. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S25 Ultra pushes the boundaries of Android with an advanced display, powerhouse chipset, high-end camera setup, and exclusive features like the S Pen and AI tools. If you want a phone that’s smart, fast, and incredibly powerful, the S25 Ultra is hard to beat. But if you’re deeply invested in Apple’s ecosystem and prefer smooth iOS performance with premium hardware, the iPhone 17 Pro remains a strong competitor.
| You may also like to read: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs S24 Ultra vs S25 Ultra |
Display Comparison – Clarity, Brightness & Fluidity
The iPhone 17 Pro features a 6.7-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display with a peak brightness of up to 3000 nits and ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate. It’s designed for true-to-life color accuracy and buttery-smooth scrolling. On the other side, the Galaxy S25 Ultra showcases a slightly larger 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with QHD+ resolution and adaptive 120Hz refresh. It boasts better sharpness and higher peak brightness than its predecessor, making it excellent in both indoor and outdoor conditions. Both displays are class-leading, but Samsung takes the edge with more vivid colors and deeper contrast, ideal for media lovers and gamers alike.
Performance & Chipset – A17 Pro vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 4
The iPhone 17 Pro is powered by the Apple A17 Pro Bionic chip, offering strong performance across gaming, video editing, and multitasking with great efficiency. It excels in real-time rendering and handles demanding apps without any lag. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, delivers unmatched power in the Android world. With improved neural processing, AI acceleration, and enhanced GPU performance, it handles multitasking and gaming like a breeze. While Apple’s chip is highly optimized for iOS, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 provides better thermal management and AI-based enhancements that give Samsung a slight edge for future-ready performance.
RAM & Storage – Fluid Multitasking & Space
Apple continues to offer its traditional storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB, paired with 8GB RAM that works efficiently thanks to iOS optimization. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, however, ups the game with RAM up to 16GB and storage options reaching 1TB using UFS 4.0, delivering faster app loading and smoother multitasking. Samsung also includes AI-based RAM management that adapts to your usage habits. While Apple’s performance is consistent and smooth, Samsung gives you more flexibility and future-proofing when it comes to memory and storage needs.
Battery & Charging – Endurance or Speed
The iPhone 17 Pro includes a slightly upgraded battery over the previous model, optimized with iOS 18 to last longer under heavy use. However, it still lags in fast charging, offering around 27W wired and 15W MagSafe wireless charging. In contrast, the Galaxy S25 Ultra features a 5100mAh battery with 45W fast wired charging and 15W wireless charging, along with reverse wireless charging support. While Samsung’s wired charging isn’t as fast as some rivals, its overall endurance and flexibility in charging options make it more convenient for users who are always on the go.
Camera System – Pro-Level Photography Showdown
The iPhone 17 Pro is equipped with a triple-camera system including a 48MP main sensor, ultra-wide lens, and a telephoto lens capable of 5x optical zoom. It excels in video quality, color balance, and consistency in all lighting conditions. Apple’s Photonic Engine and Smart HDR bring out realistic textures and tones. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, however, raises the bar with a 200MP ISOCELL HP2 sensor, enhanced with AI-powered scene optimization, up to 10x optical zoom, and better low-light performance. It supports 8K video, ProRAW, and Director’s View. While iPhone leads in video and consistent shots, Samsung dominates in zoom, detail, and versatility, especially for photography enthusiasts.
Software Experience – One UI vs iOS
The iPhone 17 Pro runs on iOS 18, bringing subtle design changes, tighter security, and improved AI features like voice assistance, smart suggestions, and seamless device integration. Apple’s software is smooth and minimal, with excellent app support. The Galaxy S25 Ultra runs One UI 7.1 based on Android 14, offering more customization, split-screen multitasking, and advanced AI tools for productivity and media. Samsung also provides extended software support and security updates. While iOS is perfect for those who value simplicity and stability, One UI gives power users more control and flexibility.
Build Quality & Design – Titanium vs Titanium
Both smartphones are crafted using titanium frames, offering lightweight durability and a premium hand feel. The iPhone 17 Pro features a flat-edge design with polished corners and Ceramic Shield front, making it sturdy and elegant. The Galaxy S25 Ultra sports a curved display with ultra-thin bezels, a sleeker camera layout, and symmetrical aesthetics. Both devices are IP68-rated for water and dust resistance. Design preference often comes down to personal taste, but Samsung feels slightly more futuristic while Apple sticks to its refined and clean design language.
Connectivity – Future-Ready Features
When it comes to connectivity, the iPhone 17 Pro supports Wi-Fi 6E, 5G, Bluetooth 5.3, and emergency SOS via satellite. It also includes ultra-wideband (UWB) for precision tracking and spatial awareness. The Galaxy S25 Ultra brings Wi-Fi 7, faster 5G capabilities, Bluetooth 5.4, UWB, and two-way satellite messaging. Samsung stays ahead by including more future-ready features and faster wireless standards, ensuring you stay connected no matter where you are.
Exclusive Features – S Pen, AI Power & Apple Ecosystem
The Galaxy S25 Ultra continues to offer the iconic S Pen, integrated with advanced note-taking, drawing, and screen control features, now boosted with AI tools like live translation and smart extraction. It’s a productivity powerhouse. The iPhone 17 Pro, while not offering a stylus, benefits from the broader Apple ecosystem—from AirPods to Macs and iPads—allowing seamless transitions and synced tasks across devices. If you value creativity and advanced AI tools, Samsung wins. But if you’re embedded in Apple’s ecosystem and want effortless device continuity, iPhone delivers like no other.
Pricing – Value vs Prestige
The iPhone 17 Pro starts around $1,199, reflecting its premium design, brand loyalty, and seamless experience. The Galaxy S25 Ultra begins at $1,299, just slightly more expensive, but justifies the price with additional hardware features, larger battery, and the S Pen. Neither phone is cheap, but both deliver exceptional value for their target audiences. Samsung appeals more to power users who want feature-packed hardware, while iPhone suits users looking for clean performance and elegant simplicity.
| You may also like to read: 5 Best Poco phones under $500 in 2025 |
Final Verdict – Which One Deserves Your Pocket in 2025?
The choice between the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Apple iPhone 17 Pro depends on your ecosystem, preferences, and expectations. If you’re an Android enthusiast seeking a top-tier smartphone with the best of display tech, long battery life, pro-grade cameras, smart AI tools, and the productivity boost of an S Pen, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is a clear winner. It’s the ultimate Android flagship for power users.
On the other hand, if you prioritize seamless user experience, unmatched app optimization, consistent camera results, and tight integration across your Apple devices, the iPhone 17 Pro continues to be one of the best choices on the market. It’s perfect for those who prefer stability, longevity, and simplicity wrapped in elegance.
Both devices are premium, future-ready, and built to impress in their own ways. Consider your daily habits, the features you rely on, and your preferred operating system before making the call. Whichever you choose, you’re getting one of the best smartphones of 2025.
