As of July 2025, both the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra have either been released or are highly anticipated with numerous leaks and rumors.
Key Differences and Highlights:
- iPhone 17 Pro Max:
- Display: Expected to feature a 6.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR OLED display with a 1-120 Hz refresh rate. Apple aims for improved screen durability with tougher glass and anti-glare coating. The Dynamic Island cutout might see a slight reduction in size.
- Design: Rumored to have a bold, side-to-side camera bar (reminiscent of Google Pixel) and may revert to an aluminum frame instead of titanium, potentially for environmental reasons. It will likely retain flat sides and rounded corners.
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra:
- Display: Features a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Quad HD+ resolution (3120 x 1440 pixels), and Gorilla Armor 2 protection with an anti-glare coating. It continues with a minimal punch-hole camera design.
- Design: Features a titanium frame and a cleaner rear camera arrangement with distinct lens rings.
Performance and Software:
- iPhone 17 Pro Max:
- Processor: Expected to be powered by the Apple A19 Pro chip, manufactured using TSMC’s next-gen 3nm process, promising significant gains in efficiency and graphics.
- RAM: Rumored to have 12GB of RAM (up from 8GB in previous Pro models).
- OS: Will launch with iOS 26, which was unveiled in June 2025.
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra:
- Processor: Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip (3nm), tuned for AI processing and battery management.
- RAM: Available with 12GB or 16GB of RAM.
- OS: Runs on Android 15 with Samsung’s One UI 7, offering enhanced AI features and promising up to seven years of OS and security updates.
Camera:
- iPhone 17 Pro Max:
- Rear Camera: Rumored to have a triple-camera system, with all rear cameras potentially being 48MP. This includes an upgraded 48MP telephoto lens (replacing the 12MP sensor) and a periscope lens with up to 6x optical and rumored 20x digital zoom.
- Front Camera: Expected to be upgraded to 24MP (from 12MP).
- Video: Rumored to support 8K video recording and dual video recording (simultaneous capture from front and rear cameras)
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra:
- Rear Camera: Features a versatile quad-camera setup: a 200MP wide primary sensor, a 50MP ultrawide lens, a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
- Front Camera: 12MP.
- Video: Supports 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, and 1080p up to 240fps.
Battery and Charging:
- iPhone 17 Pro Max:
- Battery: Expected to have a larger battery, possibly around 5000 mAh, thanks to a slightly thicker chassis.
- Charging: Rumored to support 35W wired charging and Qi2 wireless charging up to 50W.
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra:
- Battery: Equipped with a 5000 mAh battery.
- Charging: Supports 45W wired fast charging (65% in 30 minutes) and 15W wireless charging (Qi2 Ready), with 4.5W reverse wireless charging.
Detailed Comparison Table (based on available information):
Please note: iPhone 17 Pro Max specifications are rumored and subject to change until official announcement in September 2025.
| Feature | iPhone 17 Pro Max (Rumored/Expected) | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (Confirmed) |
| Release Date | September 2025 (Expected) | January 2025 (Official) |
| Display | 6.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR OLED, 1320 x 2868 pixels (~458 PPI), 120Hz ProMotion Adaptive, Ceramic Shield glass (2025 gen) | 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X 3120 x 1440 pixels (Quad HD+), ~498 PPI, 120Hz Adaptive, Corning Gorilla Armor 2, DX anti-reflective coating |
| Processor | Apple A19 Pro (3nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm) |
| RAM | 12GB (rumored) | 12GB / 16GB |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Rear Camera | Triple: All 48MP (Wide, Ultrawide, Telephoto/Periscope) | Quad: 200MP Wide + 50MP Ultrawide + 50MP Periscope Telephoto (5x optical) + 10MP Telephoto (3x optical) |
| Front Camera | 24MP (rumored, significant upgrade) | 12MP |
| Video Recording | 8K, 4K up to 120fps (rumored), Dolby Vision HDR, ProRes, Dual Video Recording | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 10-bit HDR, HDR10+ |
| Battery | ~5000 mAh (rumored, larger than previous iPhones) | 5000 mAh |
| Fast Charging | 35W (rumored) | 45W (65% in 30 minutes) |
| OS | iOS 26 | Android 15 with One UI 7 |
| Price (India) | ₹1,69,990 (expected, for 256GB) | ₹1,29,999 (for 256GB) Export to Sheets |
iPhone 17 Pro Max
- Performance Apple A19 Pro chip (3nm)
- Significant Camera Upgrades
- Enhanced Battery Life
- New Design Element
- iOS 26 with Apple Intelligence
- Faster Wireless Tech
- Long Software Support
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
- Powerful Android Flagship
- Versatile Quad Camera System
- Integrated S Pen
- Vibrant, Protected Display
- Robust Build Quality
- Long-Term Software Support
- Extensive AI Features
Which one to choose?
- Choose the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra if:
- Are an Android enthusiast who values deep customization through One UI.
- Consider the integrated S Pen essential for productivity and creativity.
- Prioritize a highly versatile camera system with high megapixel counts, including a 200MP main sensor and advanced zoom capabilities.
- Need more RAM options (up to 16GB) for intensive multitasking.
- Prefer a slightly higher resolution display for a marginally sharper image.
- Want faster wired charging (45W).
- Appreciate a proven, already-released device with documented performance.
- Value Samsung’s long-term software support (7 years of updates).
- Choose the iPhone 17 Pro Max if:
- Are deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, valuing the seamless experience across your devices.
- Prioritize top-tier processing power and efficiency, especially for demanding tasks like gaming, thanks to the A19 Pro chip.
- Prefer the simplicity, security, and consistent performance of iOS.
- Seek Apple’s latest camera innovations, including advanced computational photography, rumored 48MP telephoto, and enhanced 8K video, along with a 24MP front camera.
- Value a premium and consistent build quality, with the rumored return to an aluminum frame.
- Are interested in potential design updates like a side-to-side camera bar and improved battery life.
- Want the deeply integrated Apple Intelligence features within iOS 26 for a more intuitive and personalized experience.
Recommendation:
- Choose the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra if you value immediate access to a premier Android device that excels with its built-in S Pen, extensive customization options, and a superbly versatile camera system. It’s a powerhouse that’s already here.
- Consider waiting for the iPhone 17 Pro Max if you’re drawn to next-generation performance, the unparalleled depth of the Apple ecosystem, and Apple’s anticipated advancements in photography and AI. Your patience could be rewarded
Ultimately, if possible, try to get hands-on with both devices (or their predecessors to get a feel for the OS and general design) once the iPhone 17 Pro Max is released. This will give you the best sense of which one truly fits your needs and preferences.
