iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Galaxy S25 Ultra
The year 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting one for premium smartphone enthusiasts. The officially announced Galaxy S25 Ultra marks a new era for the Galaxy lineup with improvements in design, photography, and artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro Max, while yet to be unveiled, is already generating interest thanks to leaks that hint at major innovations, particularly in AI and photography. So, which one will be the best choice this year?
Design and display: a battle of innovation
Samsung has been perfecting its design year after year. The S25 Ultra maintains a look close to its predecessor, with slightly more rounded edges for better ergonomics. Its 6.9-inch AMOLED screen offers even higher brightness, an adaptive 1-120 Hz refresh rate, and QHD+ resolution, guaranteeing an immersive visual experience. The iPhone 17 Pro Max could see a major design change, with rumors suggesting a redesigned camera block, inspired by the Pixel models. The 6.7-inch OLED screen would benefit from ProMotion technology, and Apple could integrate an even more energy-efficient screen, thanks to advances in LTPO technology.
If you’re looking for a larger and more immersive screen, Samsung seems to be keeping a head start. But Apple could surprise with improvements in brightness and energy efficiency.
Performance: Snapdragon vs Apple Silicon
The Galaxy S25 Ultra features the Snapdragon 8 Elite, an AI-boosted chip engraved in 3nm, offering increased power and reduced energy consumption. With 12 to 16 GB of RAM, Samsung guarantees exemplary fluidity, ideal for multitasking and gaming. Apple is reportedly preparing an A19 Pro, still based on a 3nm engraving process. As every year, Apple will likely focus on optimization between hardware and software, allowing iOS 19 to make the most of the chip, even with more limited RAM.
Benchmarks will give a more precise verdict, but Apple has always had the advantage in terms of optimization, while Samsung is banking on impressive raw power.
Camera: Who will take the best photos?
Samsung is improving its 200 MP main sensor, with better image processing. It is accompanied by a 50 MP ultra-wide-angle sensor and a 5x or 10x periscopic zoom, allowing detailed shots, even from afar. Apple could improve its photo module with a 48 MP main sensor, but above all introduce a mechanical shutter. This innovation would reduce motion blur, offering sharper shots in low light conditions.
Samsung is banking on versatility with an ultra-wide-angle and a powerful zoom, while Apple could seduce with its image processing and hardware innovation.
Battery life and charging: Who will last the longest?
Samsung is improving its software optimization, with a 5000 mAh battery, 45W wired charging and 25W wireless charging. Apple could move to a slightly larger battery and optimize battery life even better with iOS 19. However, wired charging would remain around 30W, while MagSafe would still offer efficient wireless charging.
Samsung clearly dominates in terms of fast charging, while Apple will focus on software optimization.
Features and Software: iOS 19 vs One UI 7
With One UI 7, Samsung is integrating new features based on Galaxy AI, including image generation and productivity optimization tools. iOS 19 could offer software innovations such as better multitasking management, more interactive widgets and advanced AI features integrated into Siri.
If you like customization and advanced features, Samsung is the ideal choice. But Apple maintains the advantage in terms of fluidity and long software updates.
