I used the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro Max, and I'm done pretending one is clearly better
Comparing the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and the iPhone 17 Pro Max always feels awkward since both serve different types of users. It’s not exactly an even match, unlike comparing the iPhone with Google’s Pixel 10 Pro XL, which now directly targets iPhone owners.
Still, the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the iPhone 17 Pro Max stand among the best smartphones you can buy. Whether you’re tired of Apple and want to explore Android, or you simply want to know if Apple’s latest flagship suits you, each device offers something that will appeal to particular preferences.
Design and Display
I’ve spent extended time using both phones, and while neither is flawless, there are clear reasons to pick one over the other. With the Galaxy S25 Ultra, several things immediately stand out. Although I’ve had some complaints about Samsung this year, the S25 Ultra integrates a remarkable set of premium features.
Its 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED display is stunning and easily surpasses what I see on the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The anti-reflective layer on the Galaxy S25 Ultra performs noticeably better outdoors, making glare almost nonexistent.
The tactile feeling of using the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s screen is exceptional — it genuinely feels like interacting directly with the content displayed, making it a joy to use.
Author’s Summary
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro Max each excel for distinct audiences; the former shines in display technology, while the latter remains strong in design and ecosystem integration.