Looking for an honest Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G comparison in 2026? We scored both smartphones on the same six-dimension framework — performance, battery, display, camera, design and value — using identical methodology, so the numbers below are directly comparable. Both products score nearly identically (78/100 vs 78/100) — this is a genuine toss-up that hinges on which specs matter most for your use case. The widest gap is in display, where the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max pulls noticeably ahead. On price the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max undercuts the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G by 8% ($1,199 vs $1,299), which materially changes the value calculus for budget-conscious buyers.
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Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G are closely matched smartphones devices with nearly identical overall scores (78 vs 78). The best choice depends on which specific features matter most to you.
Apple
$1199
Scores are relative within the smartphonescategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
| Spec | Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.9" | 6.9" |
| Display Type | OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness | 2000nits | — |
| Chipset | Apple A19 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB✓ |
| Storage | 256GB | 256GB |
| Main Camera | 48MP | 200MP✓ |
| Front Camera | 24MP✓ | 12MP |
| Battery | 4685mAh | 5000mAh✓ |
| Charging | 30W | 45W✓ |
| OS | iOS 19 | Android 15 |
| NFC | Yes | — |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Weight | 228g | 218g✓ |
| Price | 1199$ | 1299$ |
Buy Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max if…
Choose the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max if budget is your top priority — it offers competitive specs at a lower price point.
Buy Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G if…
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G are closely matched smartphones devices with nearly identical overall scores (78 vs 78). The best choice depends on which specific features matter most to you.
Both products score similarly — it depends on your priorities.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is cheaper at $1199 vs $1299 for the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G.
Choose the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max if budget is your top priority — it offers competitive specs at a lower price point.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G has a larger battery (5,000mAh vs 4,685mAh for the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max), which generally means longer use between charges.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G has a higher-resolution main camera (200MP vs 48MP). Note that megapixels are one factor — sensor quality and processing also matter.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G is lighter at 218g vs 228g.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G has more RAM (12GB vs 8GB), which helps with multitasking.
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: May 10, 2026
Methodology: AI-powered analysis of technical specifications from manufacturer data. Scores are calculated by comparing products across multiple dimensions and normalized relative to the full category database. Our editorial process is independent and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
