Galaxy S25 FE vs iPhone 17 Pro Max
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S25 FE
Starting at
£364.55£645.24 new
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Starting at
£1,209.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S25 FE and iPhone 17 Pro Max?
Galaxy S25 FE vs iPhone 17 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S25 FE starts at £364.55, £844.45 less than the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Exynos 2400 (4 nm) on the Galaxy S25 FE, Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
- The iPhone 17 Pro Max has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- Battery: 4900 mAh on the Galaxy S25 FE, 4823 mAh, 5088 mAh on the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Galaxy S25 FE vs iPhone 17 Pro Max specs
The Galaxy S25 FE and iPhone 17 Pro Max both launched in 2025 but cater to different preferences. The Galaxy S25 FE runs Android and offers 8 GB of RAM with storage options from 128GB to 512GB, suiting those who want a lighter phone with a solid battery and a Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen. The iPhone 17 Pro Max runs iOS with 12 GB RAM and storage from 256GB up to 2TB, ideal for users who want a larger screen with higher resolution and more memory for multitasking. The iPhone is heavier but features a Super Retina XDR display and a slightly different battery capacity. Your choice depends on whether you prefer Android or iOS, screen size, storage needs, and weight.
Galaxy S25 FE vs iPhone 17 Pro Max price
Colour
Galaxy S25 FE vs iPhone 17 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, operating system, and physical design aspects that affect daily use. Here, the Galaxy S25 FE and iPhone 17 Pro Max offer similar battery sizes and both run unlocked on 5G networks but differ in their operating systems and SIM arrangements.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S25 FE has a 4900 mAh battery, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max lists two battery capacities: 4823 mAh and 5088 mAh. Battery size influences how long your phone can last between charges. If you prefer consistent battery life with a single capacity, the Galaxy S25 FE offers a solid 4900 mAh. The iPhone's two battery figures suggest there may be variations that could affect endurance depending on the model you get.
Operating System
The Galaxy S25 FE runs Android, which is known for its customisation and compatibility with a wide range of apps. The iPhone 17 Pro Max runs iOS, favoured for its smooth integration with Apple services and a controlled app environment. Your choice here depends on whether you prefer the Android or iOS ecosystem.
SIM Card Setup
The Galaxy S25 FE supports dual physical SIM cards, making it suitable if you want to use two different phone numbers or carriers physically. The iPhone 17 Pro Max offers a physical SIM plus an eSIM, which provides flexibility to add a second line digitally without needing a physical card. This suits users comfortable with digital SIM management.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S25 FE vs iPhone 17 Pro Max performance
Performance depends on chipset, RAM, and storage options. These affect speed, multitasking, and how much data and apps you can carry. The Galaxy S25 FE and iPhone 17 Pro Max differ in these areas, with implications for different user needs.
Chipset and RAM
The Galaxy S25 FE uses the Exynos 2400 chipset with 8 GB of RAM, which supports smooth everyday use and typical multitasking. The iPhone 17 Pro Max features the Apple A19 Pro chipset paired with 12 GB of RAM, which keeps more apps open simultaneously and handles demanding tasks efficiently. If you run many apps at once or use resource-heavy software, the iPhone's higher RAM could be beneficial.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S25 FE is available with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage, fitting users who want a good range without very high capacity. The iPhone 17 Pro Max offers 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB, suitable for those needing extensive storage for large files, apps, or media. More storage means more space for photos, videos, and apps without frequent management.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S25 FE vs iPhone 17 Pro Max screen
Screen quality affects how you experience videos, games, and everyday interactions. The Galaxy S25 FE and iPhone 17 Pro Max have different screen sizes, resolutions, and panel types that suit various preferences for display clarity and size.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S25 FE has a 6.7 inch screen, which balances size and portability. The iPhone 17 Pro Max offers a slightly larger 6.9 inch screen, providing more room for media and multitasking. If you like a bigger display for watching videos or reading, the iPhone's screen size might appeal more.
Resolution and Display Type
The Galaxy S25 FE features a resolution of 1080x2340 pixels on a Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, which delivers vibrant colours and good contrast. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a higher resolution of 2868x1320 pixels on a Super Retina XDR screen, offering sharper detail and brightness. If you value higher resolution and premium display tech, the iPhone's screen may be preferable.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S25 FE vs iPhone 17 Pro Max camera
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S25 FE vs iPhone 17 Pro Max size and design
Miscellaneous features cover connectivity, network compatibility, SIM options, and physical weight. These influence everyday convenience and how you use your phone on the go.
Connector and Network
Both phones use USB Type-C connectors and support 5G networks, so charging and mobile data speeds will be similar and compatible with modern accessories and networks.
SIM Card Setup
The Galaxy S25 FE uses dual physical SIM cards, allowing two separate physical numbers. The iPhone 17 Pro Max combines a physical SIM with an eSIM, which lets you add or switch lines digitally. Choose based on whether you prefer physical cards or digital flexibility.
Weight
The Galaxy S25 FE weighs 190 grams, making it lighter and possibly easier to hold for long periods. The iPhone 17 Pro Max weighs 233 grams, which might feel more substantial in the hand and could suit those who prefer a heavier device.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S25 FE or iPhone 17 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S25 FE if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £364.55, £844.45 less than the iPhone 17 Pro Max
- you want an OLED screen
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (50 megapixels vs 48 megapixels)
Buy the iPhone 17 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.7 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy S25 FE generally find it works well and looks like new. Many highlight the battery's reasonable life and the device's smooth operation for everyday use. Some mention receiving a different colour than ordered but still express satisfaction with the phone's condition and performance. The screen and camera quality receive positive notes, and users appreciate the phone's premium feel at a refurbished price. There is a view that the phone is a good upgrade and a more environmentally friendly choice.
Reviews for the iPhone 17 Pro Max focus on its excellent condition and smooth performance. Users say it works as described with good battery health and quality display. Some customers have experienced issues with network calls. Despite this, many are happy with the device's setup and speed. The larger storage options are appreciated by users who need more space.
Overall, the Galaxy S25 FE suits those looking for a lighter, Android phone with solid battery life and a good screen for everyday use. The iPhone 17 Pro Max fits users who want a larger, higher-resolution screen, more RAM, and extensive storage options within the iOS system.
Galaxy S25 FE vs iPhone 17 Pro Max FAQs
Galaxy S25 FE vs iPhone 17 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 2400 (4 nm) on the Galaxy S25 FE, Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
The Galaxy S25 FE is cheaper refurbished, from £364.55 compared with £1209 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The Galaxy S25 FE has 4900 mAh and the iPhone 17 Pro Max has 4823 mAh, 5088 mAh.
The Galaxy S25 FE has a higher-resolution main camera: 50 megapixels vs 48 megapixels.
The Galaxy S25 FE gets updates until Sep 2032. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S25 FE comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
