Copyright Android Police
It’s always awkward comparing the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra to the iPhone 17 Pro Max. They’re very different phones aimed at separate buyers. It’s not exactly apples to apples when I throw the iPhone 17 Pro Max up against the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL. Still, at least it’s easier to pick out similarities between the two, especially since Google made it a point to go after iPhone users this year. Still, the Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro Max are two of the best phones available. Whether you’re fed up with Apple and want to give Android a chance or you’re wondering if Apple’s latest device is for you, these two phones pack something for everyone. I’ve used both for an extended period, and while neither is perfect, there are definite reasons why you’d choose one over the other. What I like about the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Gorgeous display and solid software experience Whenever I use the Galaxy S25 Ultra, a few things jump out at me. I’ve had my complaints about Samsung this year, but the Galaxy S25 Ultra does include many best-in-class features. Its 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED panel is gorgeous, and it tops what I see on the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The anti-reflective coating on the Galaxy S25 Ultra is superior to that on Apple’s flagship, and it makes a noticeable difference outdoors — glare isn’t an issue on the Samsung device. I love using phones where the screen feels like I’m touching what’s on the display, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra gives me that experience. Software is another area where the Galaxy S25 Ultra sets itself apart, and I’m not just referring to the Android versus iOS comparison. One UI 8 on the Galaxy S25 Ultra offers a better overall software experience. I know I’ve spent a lot of time praising Material 3 Expressive on the Pixel 10 series, but One UI 8 is no slouch. It’s smooth, stable, and responsive. If you’re looking to jump over to Android for the first time, you could do a lot worse. I wish Samsung would improve at integrating Google services with its own suite of apps, but that’s a personal preference. There’s no denying the Galaxy S25 Ultra is a powerhouse device. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset handles everything you throw at it, and 12GB of RAM is more than enough for multitasking. People always get annoyed when I don’t mention RAM when comparing a Galaxy device with an iPhone. iOS manages RAM differently, but since both devices feature 12GB this year, it’s not an issue. Even though it’s been nerfed, the S pen is worth mentioning. I still use it for highlighting images for friends and scribbling down quick notes. It’s an advantage for the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and I hope Samsung doesn’t remove it anytime soon. The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s design is both bland and premium. Samsung has done a better job making the device lighter than the iPhone 17 Pro Max, and it’s a noticeable amount. Samsung didn’t increase battery size for 2025, but that hasn’t hurt performance. I still get well into a second day of use on a single charge from the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 5,000mAh battery. In real-world usage, the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Galaxy S25 Ultra run neck and neck, but if I had to pick, the iPhone slightly edges out the Galaxy S25 Ultra in terms of battery performance. What I like about the iPhone 17 Pro Max A new design and excellent cameras I let out a sigh of relief when I saw the new iPhone 17 Pro Max design. It wasn’t even a matter of whether I liked it or not — it was just different. I hope the iPhone’s more industrial design is a way for Apple to differentiate its iPhone models. The iPhone Air can be a consumer-grade product, while the iPhone 17 Pro series can be aimed at professionals, especially since the company brought the device more in line with the MacBook Pro aesthetic. I also appreciate that Apple introduced some color options for its Pro model phones. I never bought an orange Pixel 4 XL and always regretted it. I didn’t make that same mistake again, even though, after Fall passes and Christmas hits, you’re just a person with an orange phone unless you put a case on. It’s alright, though, because you’re definitely going to want a case on your iPhone 17 Pro Max. I don’t mind that Apple adopted an aluminum unibody design, but it wears out exactly as you’d expect. If you rock it without a case, anticipate the patina marks to build up quickly. As for performance, the A19 Pro chipset is a winner. I haven’t had any issues, and I love the gaming experience I get from my iPhone 17 Pro Max. Unfortunately, the software experience isn’t as pleasant. iOS is nowhere near where it needs to be. Notifications are an unmitigated disaster, and Apple Intelligence is a mess. I wouldn’t mind if it stayed out of the way, but the annoyances are glaring. Notification summaries provide more comic relief than anything, and I still place Siri dead last among voice assistants. Despite my misgivings, it’s hard to argue with the iPhone 17 Pro Max cameras. I love Apple’s photographic styles, which enable me to quickly achieve the desired color tone in my photos. I get excellent photos from my Galaxy S25 Ultra, thanks to its 200MP primary sensor. I even like Samsung’s color science, providing a slightly warmer tone to the photos. Still, I prefer the shots I consistently get on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, especially if there’s movement. Video is also better on the iPhone, which is a significant consideration for some. The iPhone 17 Pro Max gets the best battery life of any iPhone since the iPhone 13 Pro Max, which is encouraging to see. Previous iPhones weren’t bad in terms of battery life, but nothing quite matched the magic of the iPhone 13 until this year. Not enough to move the needle on either side If you’re a fan of either device, there’s no reason to abandon your beloved Galaxy or iPhone smartphones this year. If you’re a Samsung fan, the company’s done enough with its software and reliable performance to keep you in the fold — even if the design has become stagnant. For Apple users, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is an interesting upgrade, offering plenty to enjoy on the outside, but with significant work to be done on the software. All told, both these flagships are excellent — it’s up to you to decide which features matter more.
