iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra: Which Premium Phone is Better

iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra: Which Premium Phone is Better

The premium flagships from Apple and Samsung face off once again. After Apple introduced the iPhone 17 series in September, the iPhone 17 Pro Max quickly became the standout model, drawing comparisons to Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra, the crown jewel of Android devices.

Design and Build

Both smartphones live up to their names with nearly 7‑inch displays, advanced materials, and refined designs. While the Galaxy S25 Ultra includes the built-in S Pen stylus, the iPhone 17 Pro Max focuses on a clean, minimalist aesthetic with tight integration into Apple’s ecosystem.

Performance and Features

The two devices showcase the most powerful hardware their companies have ever made. Each offers exceptional processing speed, vivid screens, and cutting-edge camera systems. Despite these similarities, Apple and Samsung approach performance and optimization differently, reflecting their own software philosophies.

Pricing and Availability

The iPhone 17 Pro Max costs about $100 less than the Galaxy S25 Ultra, maintaining a similar price gap to previous years. However, Samsung’s phone tends to receive more frequent discounts and limited‑time promotions, while Apple’s premium device rarely goes on sale.

Where to Buy

Consumers interested in the iPhone 17 Pro Max can explore carrier and trade‑in deals, while Galaxy S25 Ultra buyers may find attractive retail promotions. Each phone is widely available from major carriers and electronics retailers worldwide.

“Both phones live up to their names, with nearly 7‑inch screens, advanced cameras and the most powerful specs to date.”

Author’s Summary

Both flagships shine in display and power, but Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max wins on polish, while Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra adds versatility with its S Pen and frequent discounts.

more

CNET CNET — 2025-11-05