At a Glance
- iPhone 17 Pro Max is $1,199 for the 256-GB model, $100 cheaper than Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
- It features a 6.9-inch OLED display that reaches 3,000 nits of brightness.
- The phone ships with a 5,000-mAh battery and the new A19 Pro chip.
Why it matters: The flagship offers better battery life and price while matching the top Android rival.
Apple’s new iPhone 17 Pro Max pushes the limits of what a premium smartphone can do. It goes head-to-head with Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra, offering a stronger battery, a lower price, and a comparable performance lineup. In this comparison, the iPhone shines in several key areas, from design to software.
Design & Build
Apple reverted to an aluminum frame for the Pro Max, a change from the titanium used on the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The aluminum case is paired with a vapor chamber that uses deionized water to dissipate heat more effectively than the previous generation. Samsung keeps its titanium frame, weighing 218 g, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max comes in at 233 g.
Both phones are IP68-rated, but the iPhone adds a camera-control button on the right side. “The button launches the Camera app and can activate Visual Intelligence,” said Patrick Holland. Samsung’s S25 Ultra includes a built-in S Pen that slots under the back, but the company removed Bluetooth controls that were rarely used.
Display & Brightness
| Feature | iPhone 17 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.9-inch OLED | 6.8-inch AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2,868 × 1,320 | 3,120 × 1,440 |
| Refresh Rate | 1-120 Hz | 1-120 Hz |
| Peak Brightness | 3,000 nits | 2,600 nits |
Samsung’s screen has an anti-reflective coating that Patrick Holland called “the best I’ve seen,” thanks to its 2,600-nit peak brightness. The iPhone’s 3,000-nit peak brightness is higher, making it easier to read outdoors.
Camera & Imaging
Apple upgraded almost every rear camera sensor to 48 MP. The telephoto lens now matches the main and ultrawide cameras at 48 MP, a jump from 12 MP. The front camera is 18 MP, square-shaped to support horizontal or vertical selfies.
Samsung keeps its 200-MP main sensor but adds a 50-MP ultrawide camera. “The larger sensor gives crisper shots,” said Holland. The Galaxy also offers a 10-MP 3× optical zoom and a 50-MP 5× optical zoom.
Both phones feature AI-assisted video tools. Apple’s Audio Mix isolates subjects, while Samsung’s Audio Eraser removes wind and street noise. The Galaxy can shoot 8K video; the iPhone tops out at 4K.
Performance & Battery
Apple’s new A19 Pro chip delivers 40 % better sustained performance compared to last year’s Pro Max. The phone’s battery capacity is larger, though Apple did not disclose the exact size. In CNET tests, the iPhone outperformed the Galaxy in battery life.
| Feature | iPhone 17 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | A19 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| RAM | 8 GB (estimated) | 12 GB |
| Storage | 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB / 2 TB | 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Charging | 40 W wired / 30 W wireless | 45 W wired / 15 W Qi2 wireless |
Apple’s charging speed reaches 40 W wired and 30 W wireless, with MagSafe magnetic attachment. Samsung’s 45 W wired charger is slightly faster, but the Galaxy lacks magnetic charging.
Price & Availability
| Model | 256-GB Price |
|---|---|
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | $1,199 |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | $1,299 |
The iPhone is $100 cheaper and offers a larger storage option of 2 TB, pushing its top price near $2,000. Samsung’s top tier remains at $1,299. Both phones are available from major carriers and retailers, with the iPhone also available for free with certain trade-in programs.
Key Takeaways
- The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the cheaper flagship, with a lower price and a larger battery.
- Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra offers a slightly smaller, but still impressive, 6.8-inch display and an integrated S Pen.
- Performance is close, but Apple’s A19 Pro provides a 40 % boost in sustained speed, while Samsung’s Snapdragon 8 Elite offers more RAM.
- Battery life favors the iPhone in real-world tests, and the iPhone’s charging speeds are competitive.
In the end, the iPhone 17 Pro Max delivers a stronger value proposition for buyers looking for a premium experience at a lower price.
