The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and the iPhone 17 Pro Max are both top-tier flagship smartphones that compete directly in the ultra-premium segment. They offer class-leading performance, advanced camera systems, and a host of proprietary features.
Here is a detailed comparison and description of each device based on the latest available information.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max | Key Difference / Advantage |
| Release Date | Jan/Feb 2025 (Released) | Sep 2025 (Released) | S25 Ultra launched earlier. |
| Starting Price (256GB) | $1,299 | $1,199 | iPhone 17 Pro Max is slightly cheaper to start. |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Apple A19 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max (generally leads in single-core CPU and performance benchmarks). |
| Display | 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, QHD+ (3120×1440), 1-120Hz, 2600 nits peak | 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, (2868×1320), 1-120Hz, 3000 nits peak | iPhone 17 Pro Max is brighter; S25 Ultra has higher resolution/pixel density. |
| Main Rear Camera | 200MP (Wide) | 48MP (Fusion Wide) | S25 Ultra has a higher megapixel count for detailed shots. |
| Telephoto/Zoom | Quad-Camera: 50MP (5x Optical) + 10MP (3x Optical) | Triple-Camera: 48MP (4x Optical / 8x via crop) | S25 Ultra offers dual optical zoom lenses (3x & 5x). |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 18MP (Center Stage) | iPhone 17 Pro Max has a higher-res front camera. |
| RAM | 12GB (Up to 16GB in some markets) | 12GB | — (Equal base RAM) |
| Max Storage | 1TB | 2TB | iPhone 17 Pro Max offers a 2TB max capacity. |
| Battery (Typical) | 5,000 mAh | 5,088 mAh | iPhone 17 Pro Max has a slightly larger battery and generally better endurance in tests. |
| Charging (Wired) | 45W | 40W | S25 Ultra has slightly faster wired charging. |
| Stylus | Yes (Integrated S Pen) | No | S25 Ultra is the only one with a built-in stylus. |
| Operating System | Android 15 (One UI 8.5) | iOS 26 | Preference-based (Android vs. iOS ecosystem). |
| AI Features | Galaxy AI (More comprehensive and integrated) | Apple Intelligence (Deeply integrated into iOS) | S25 Ultra is generally considered more robust and feature-rich currently. |
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra continues the design philosophy of its predecessors, featuring a boxier, less-curved shape than the standard Galaxy S models and a high-end build with a Titanium frame and Corning Gorilla Armor 2 display protection. The hallmark feature is the integrated S Pen stylus, which makes it a productivity powerhouse for quick notes, drawing, and remote control. It runs on Android with Samsung’s heavily customized One UI 8.5 interface, which includes a robust suite of Galaxy AI features. The camera system is a versatile quad-camera array, highlighted by a massive 200MP main sensor and dual telephoto lenses offering excellent zoom capabilities.
Key Strengths:
- Integrated S Pen for productivity.
- More granular camera zoom flexibility (3x and 5x optical, 100x digital).
- Higher resolution display with anti-reflective coating.
- More comprehensive AI feature set (Galaxy AI).
iPhone 17 Pro Max
The iPhone 17 Pro Max represents a significant design evolution from Apple, introducing a new look with a different rear camera housing and an aluminum frame. It is powered by the proprietary Apple A19 Pro chip, offering unparalleled performance and efficiency. The display features a high peak brightness and a durable Ceramic Shield 2 with an anti-reflective coating. Running on iOS 26 and featuring Apple Intelligence, the iPhone offers a deeply integrated software and hardware ecosystem. Its camera system is a potent triple-lens setup focusing on large sensors, computational photography, and professional video capabilities like ProRes and Cinematic Mode.
Key Strengths:
- Superior peak display brightness (3,000 nits).
- Higher battery life ratings.
- Higher maximum storage option (2TB).
- Exceptional video recording capabilities and powerful Apple A19 Pro chip.
