Spec cross-check · 2026-10-14
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra lines up the September 2025 iPhone 17 Pro Max with the January 2025 Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. The spec score is a weighted share of comparable published rows. Manufacturer spec sheets are the source.
iPhone 17 Pro Max leads iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra on the weighted spec sheet, ahead on display, chip, and battery.
Spec sheet
| Spec | iPhone 17 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2868×1320, 460 ppi, 120Hz, 3,000 nits peak, always-onLeads | 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 3120×1440, 498 ppi, 120Hz, 2,600 nits peak, always-on |
| Chip | A19 ProLeads | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy |
| Memory | Not published | 12GB |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TBTie | 256GB, 512GB, 1TBTie |
| Camera hardware | 48MP f/1.78 main, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP 4x optical telephoto (8x optical-quality) | 200MP f/1.7 main, 50MP 5x optical, 10MP 3x optical, 50MP ultrawideLeads |
| Optical zoom | 4x | 5xLeads |
| Front camera | 18MP Center Stage | 12MP |
| Battery | up to 39 hours video playbackLeads | 5,000 mAh; up to 31 hours video playback |
| Charging | 50% in 20 minutes with a 40W or higher adapter. MagSafe, 50% in 30 minutes with a 30W adapter | 45W wired. Wireless charging, Wireless PowerShareLeads |
| Weight | Not published | 218 g |
| Water resistance | IP68Tie | IP68Tie |
| Software support | Apple does not publish a fixed OS support window | 7 years of OS and security updates |
| Launch price | Not listed | $1,299 launch price |
| Software | iOS 27 | Android 15, One UI 7 at launch |
| Biometrics | Face ID | Ultrasonic fingerprint |
| Connectivity | USB-C (USB 3), 5G, Wi-Fi 7 (Apple N1), Bluetooth | USB-C, 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 |
Who should buy which
Choose the iPhone 17 Pro Max if you want iOS 27. It leads on display, chip, and battery.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra if you want Android 15, One UI 7 at launch. It leads on camera hardware, optical zoom, and charging.
Questions
Which is better, iPhone 17 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
iPhone 17 Pro Max leads iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra on the weighted spec sheet, ahead on display, chip, and battery.
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: which has the better battery?
iPhone 17 Pro Max leads on battery. iPhone 17 Pro Max: up to 39 hours video playback. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: 5,000 mAh; up to 31 hours video playback.
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: which has the better camera?
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra leads on camera hardware. iPhone 17 Pro Max: 48MP f/1.78 main, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP 4x optical telephoto (8x optical-quality). Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: 200MP f/1.7 main, 50MP 5x optical, 10MP 3x optical, 50MP ultrawide. This rank is hardware class, not a photo lab test.
What did iPhone 17 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra cost at launch?
iPhone 17 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra do not publish a comparable launch price figure. iPhone 17 Pro Max: Not listed. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: $1,299 launch price.
Sources
- Apple iPhone 17 Pro technical specifications
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra specifications