Apple’s upcoming iPhone will directly compete with Samsung’s Ultra model
Apple’s upcoming product launch is scheduled for September 9, where the new iPhone lineup, likely featuring the iPhone 17 Pro Max, is expected to be revealed.
Apple’s top iPhone for 2025, the iPhone 17 Pro Max, is expected to face off against Samsung’s premium Galaxy S25 Ultra, often regarded as the best Android phone available.
According to leaks and reports, the two devices share some similarities but also show key differences. This guide takes a closer look at the rumored features of the iPhone 17 Pro Max compared with what’s already known about the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
How will Apple’s most powerful iPhone of 2025 stack up against Samsung’s high-end Galaxy S25 Ultra, widely seen as the leading Android device?
Rumors suggest the two smartphones share some features, yet differ in important areas. In this guide, we look at the expected specifications of the iPhone 17 Pro Max alongside the confirmed details of the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Cameras remain a key highlight of Apple and Samsung’s flagship smartphones, and recent leaks suggest that the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max may feature a 48MP telephoto lens.
The iPhone 16 Pro already includes a 48MP main and ultra-wide camera, but a 48MP telephoto lens would be a major improvement over the existing 12MP telephoto sensor the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max might have a mechanical aperture
Leaks also suggest that the iPhone 17 Pro could feature a 24MP front-facing camera, doubling the resolution of the 12MP lens found on the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max. There are also whispers of a mechanical aperture, giving users control over aperture and depth of field. Additionally, the upcoming models may support 8K video recording, a step up from the 4K capability of the iPhone 16 Pro series.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra also delivers impressive camera hardware. It features a 200MP f/1.7 main sensor, a 50MP f/3.4 periscope lens with 5x optical zoom, a 10MP f/2.4 telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 50MP f/1.9 ultra-wide camera offering a 120-degree field of view. It also supports a 100x Space Zoom. On the front, the device includes a 12MP camera, while video recording reaches UHD 8K (7680 x 4320) at 30fps.
Samsung continues to dominate when it comes to zoom capabilities, and that advantage is expected to hold even after the launch of the iPhone 17 Pro. For anyone seeking a top-tier camera for long-distance shots, the Galaxy S25 Ultra stands out as the clear option.
Apple’s iPhones are known for delivering more natural color tones, and the iPhone 17 Pro is expected to continue that trend. iPhones also tend to produce strong results with simple point-and-shoot photography, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra often requires a bit more adjustment and experience to get the best shots
Leaks suggest that the iPhone 17 Pro Max will be powered by the new A19 Pro chipset, offering smoother and faster performance compared to the A18 found in its predecessor. It’s also expected that the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will come with 12GB of RAM, an upgrade from the 8GB in the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Together, these improvements are designed to provide a more seamless Apple Intelligence experience.
On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, 12GB of RAM, and an Octa-Core CPU capable of reaching speeds of up to 3.5GHz. Samsung also integrates its advanced Galaxy AI features into the device.
Historically, Apple’s chipsets tend to match or sometimes outperform Snapdragon’s flagship processors, so the A19 Pro could prove just as powerful, if not stronger. Regardless, both phones deliver true flagship performance and ChatGPT-5 Integration Set to Power Apple Intelligence on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS 26
When it comes to software, iOS and Android remain very different. Apple’s ecosystem is tightly controlled, offering a smooth and unified experience, but with fewer customization options. By contrast, Samsung’s One UI gives users greater flexibility, though it may not feel as streamlined as iOS.
At the moment, Android leads in AI innovation. Tools such as Circle to Search, Gemini integration, and advanced image editing are ahead of Apple Intelligence. While Apple is expected to refine its AI capabilities over time, significant updates to Siri’s AI won’t arrive until 2026.ChatGPT-5 Integration Set to Power Apple Intelligence on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS 26
Display and designs
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is rumored to feature a new design, highlighted by a camera module that stretches across the full width of the back. The display is expected to remain a 6.9-inch OLED panel with a resolution of 1320 x 2868 and ProMotion support. Storage choices are likely to stay the same, with options of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra comes with a 6.9-inch OLED display at 3120 x 1440 resolution (Quad HD+), offering a peak brightness of 2,600 nits and a 120Hz refresh rate. Storage options include 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.
A standout design element of the Galaxy S25 Ultra is its built-in S Pen. While it caters to a more specific audience, it’s a valuable tool for users who like sketching, note-taking, or working directly on their smartphone screen.
How strong is their battery
Reports suggest that Apple is experimenting with reverse wireless charging for the iPhone 17 Pro, which would let users power accessories like AirPods, an Apple Watch, or even other smartphones by placing them on the back of the device. While not guaranteed, this feature could make its way to the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. The Galaxy S25 Ultra already offers reverse wireless charging at up to 4.5W.
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max may also introduce a vapor chamber to help manage heat during heavy use, keeping performance stable and extending battery efficiency. This technology is already present in the Galaxy S25 Ultra, enabling it to maintain top performance for longer periods.
When it comes to charging standards, the iPhone 17 Pro is expected to support full Qi2 magnetic wireless charging. In comparison, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is only “Qi2-ready” and needs a compatible case to function properly.
prices
In terms of pricing, both phones are expected to fall within a similar range. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is priced at $1,299 / £1,249 / AU$2,149 for the 256GB model, $1,419 / £1,349 / AU$2,349 for the 512GB version, and $1,659 / £1,549 / AU$2,749 for the 1TB option.
If Apple follows the same pricing strategy as the iPhone 16 Pro Max, the iPhone 17 Pro Max will likely cost $1,199 / £1,199 / AU$2,149 for 256GB of storage, $1,399 / £1,399 / AU$2,499 for 512GB, and $1,599 / £1,599 / AU$2,849 for the 1TB model.
