The battle for smartphone supremacy is fiercer than ever in 2025. Two giants, Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max and Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra, are pushing technology, design, and user experience to new heights. If you’re torn between the two and wondering which flagship deserves your hard-earned money, we’ve broken down everything from display brilliance to battery stamina and price points. Here’s the ultimate showdown.
Design and Display: Stunning Screens, Premium Builds
Both phones pack cutting-edge screens that make watching videos, gaming, and scrolling feel seamless.
iPhone 17 Pro Max flaunts a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a jaw-dropping 3,000 nits peak brightness, making outdoor visibility sharper than ever before. The Ceramic Shield 2 enhances durability with triple the scratch resistance and four times the crack resistance compared to older models. ProMotion technology ensures buttery-smooth scrolling at 120Hz, while the Always-On display keeps essential information ready without waking the screen.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, on the other hand, also sports a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel. With 2,600 nits of brightness, it’s slightly dimmer but still offers vivid visuals. The variable 1Hz–120Hz refresh rate intelligently adapts to content, balancing battery life and performance. Gorilla Armour 2 keeps it safe from drops, while One UI 7 layered over Android 15 delivers a sleek and customizable interface.
Performance and AI: Speed, Smarts, and Security
Both devices are powerhouse performers, but their approach differs.

iPhone 17 Pro Max is powered by the A19 Pro chipset, supported by iOS 26. A newly designed vapour chamber keeps the device cool during heavy tasks. The 16-core Neural Engine enhances everything from real-time translations to screenshot recognition, all running offline for added privacy. Apple Intelligence blends convenience with security, making the phone smarter without needing to be constantly online.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra doesn’t lag behind. It’s equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor, 12GB RAM, and up to 1TB storage. Galaxy AI features, paired with Google’s Gemini assistant, expand personalisation options. Samsung’s promise of 7 years of software updates makes this a long-term investment.
Cameras
Here’s where things get exciting for shutterbugs and creators.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max embraces a triple 48MP “Fusion” camera system. Its new telephoto lens offers 56% more sensor area, plus a tetraprism design, enabling up to 8x optical zoom. Night shots are sharper thanks to the Photonic Engine, while the front 18MP Centre Stage camera supports adaptive framing, ideal for vloggers and content creators.

Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra brings its A-game with four rear cameras, headlined by a 200MP main sensor featuring 2x in-sensor zoom. The dual telephoto lenses offer 3x and 5x optical zoom, while the 50MP ultra-wide lens covers 120 degrees. It’s resolution-heavy, giving users creative flexibility and detail-packed shots.
Battery & Charging
Battery life remains a key concern, and both flagships deliver.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max claims the longest battery life in the series, thanks to the A19 chip’s efficiency and refined iOS optimisations. With a 40W USB-C adapter, it charges up to 50% in 20 minutes, making it perfect for power users on the go.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy S25 Ultra features a 5,000mAh battery, supporting 45W wired charging, 15W Fast Wireless Charging 2.0, and Wireless PowerShare for sharing power with other devices. Samsung balances sheer capacity with fast-charging tech.
Connectivity & Extras
Both phones are built for the future, supporting next-gen wireless standards.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max comes with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and enhanced AirDrop and hotspot stability powered by Apple’s intelligence layer.
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra includes 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, UWB, and GPS. It also retains S Pen support, appealing to creative and productivity-focused users.
Which One Fits Your Budget?
Price plays a huge role in decision-making.
- Galaxy S25 Ultra starts at Rs 1,29,999 (256GB), Rs 1,41,999 (512GB), and Rs 1,65,999 (1TB).
- iPhone 17 Pro Max begins at Rs 1,49,900 (256GB), Rs 1,69,900 (512GB), Rs 1,89,900 (1TB), and a premium Rs 2,29,900 (2TB).
Samsung offers premium specs at lower prices, while Apple targets users looking for advanced AI and ecosystem synergy.
Which One Should You Pick?
If you value AI-driven features, privacy, and a sleek, intuitive interface, the iPhone 17 Pro Max stands out as the smarter choice. It’s perfect for content creators, professionals, and Apple enthusiasts.
But if you prioritise ultra-high resolution cameras, battery capacity, and long-term software support, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a robust performer that packs versatility at a competitive price.
Both phones redefine excellence in 2025, and choosing between them boils down to whether you prefer intelligence or power, privacy or flexibility.
Also Read: Apple New Launches: Features and Prices of Apple Watch 11, AirPods Pro 3 & More