The iPhone 17 Pro Max features Apple’s signature aerospace-grade titanium body with a sleeker, thinner profile. Its curved edges, ceramic shield front, and premium matte finish offer a luxurious feel. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G comes with a slightly boxier design but feels just as premium, thanks to Gorilla Glass Victus 3 and a polished aluminum frame. The S25 Ultra continues to support the built-in S Pen, which adds a layer of productivity unmatched by Apple.
Display Comparison
The iPhone 17 Pro Max sports a 6.9-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display with up to 2500 nits peak brightness. Apple’s display is known for color accuracy and Dolby Vision support.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra, however, boasts a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with QHD+ resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. Samsung’s display offers deeper contrast and smoother scrolling, making it ideal for gamers and multimedia lovers.
Performance and Software
Powered by the Apple A19 Pro Bionic chip, the iPhone 17 Pro Max delivers lightning-fast performance and exceptional power efficiency. It runs on iOS 19, which focuses on AI enhancements, cross-device connectivity, and privacy.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G runs the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 (or Exynos 2500 in some regions) and operates on One UI 7 based on Android 15. Samsung’s software is highly customizable, offering a flexible user experience. For multitasking, the S25 Ultra slightly edges ahead due to its RAM and S Pen support.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 17 Pro Max introduces a quad-camera system with a new 48MP main sensor, enhanced Night Mode, and upgraded computational photography with Smart HDR 6. It shines in video recording, supporting 8K cinematic mode with stabilization.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra takes the lead in zoom capabilities with its 200MP main sensor and 100x Space Zoom. It offers excellent versatility with ultra-wide, periscope, and telephoto lenses. For photography enthusiasts, the S25 Ultra still holds the crown for versatility and sharp detail capture.
Battery Life and Charging
The iPhone 17 Pro Max brings an improvement in battery management with up to 32 hours of video playback. It supports 35W wired charging and MagSafe 2.0 for wireless charging.
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra includes a 5,500mAh battery, which supports 65W fast charging, wireless, and reverse wireless charging. When it comes to charging speed, Samsung is the clear winner.
Price and Value
Apple continues to price its top-end device at a premium, with the iPhone 17 Pro Max starting around ₹1,59,900 in India.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra, although also premium, is priced slightly more competitively at ₹1,49,999, and often comes with bundled offers like free Galaxy Buds or cashback.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
If you’re deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem and prioritize video quality, long-term updates, and seamless integration with other Apple devices, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is your go-to device.
But if you prefer powerful zoom cameras, fast charging, customization, and the S Pen productivity boost, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G is the ultimate all-rounder.
Winner? It depends on your preferences — iOS vs Android, ecosystem vs versatility, and video vs photography. Both are the best 2025 has to offer.
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