Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 17
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S25 Ultra
Starting at
£678.00£1,249.00 new
iPhone 17
Starting at
£713.34£799.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 17?
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 17 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S25 Ultra starts at £678, £35.34 less than the iPhone 17.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Apple A19 on the iPhone 17.
- The Galaxy S25 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3692 mAh.
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 17 specs
The Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 17 both offer high-end features for 2025 but cater to different preferences. The Galaxy S25 Ultra suits users who want a larger screen with higher resolution and more RAM, plus an exceptionally detailed main camera system. Its bigger battery supports longer use between charges. The iPhone 17 appeals to those who prefer a slightly smaller device with a sharp, bright display and a higher-resolution front camera for selfies. Storage options are generous on both, with the Galaxy offering up to 1TB and the iPhone up to 512GB. Your choice depends on whether you prioritise screen size, camera detail, or operating system.
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 17 price
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 17 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and essential physical traits. Battery size differs significantly, which affects how long each device lasts between charges.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a larger 5000 mAh battery, which will appeal if you want longer use without charging. The iPhone 17 has a 3692 mAh battery, suitable for users comfortable charging more frequently or who prefer a lighter device.
Operating System
The Galaxy S25 Ultra runs Android, offering wide customisation and compatibility with many apps. The iPhone 17 runs iOS, known for its integration within the Apple ecosystem and consistent software updates.
SIM and Network
Both phones support 5G and use a combination of physical SIM and eSIM, giving flexibility for network options.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 17 performance
Performance depends on chipset power, RAM, and storage options. Both phones are equipped for demanding tasks, but the Galaxy S25 Ultra offers more RAM and a wider range of storage capacities.
Chipset
The Galaxy S25 Ultra uses the Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite with 3 nm technology, while the iPhone 17 uses the Apple A19 chipset. Both chipsets are designed for high performance, suiting users who want smooth operation for apps, games, and multitasking.
RAM
With 12 GB of RAM, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is ideal if you keep many apps open simultaneously or use memory-intensive applications. The iPhone 17 has 8 GB of RAM, which supports everyday apps and multitasking efficiently.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S25 Ultra offers storage options of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, making it suitable for users who store large amounts of data or media. The iPhone 17 is available with 256GB and 512GB, which fits most users who do not require the highest capacity.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 17 screen
Screen quality affects how you view content, with differences in size, resolution, and display technology between the two devices.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a larger 6.9 inch screen with a resolution of 1440x3120, offering more space and sharper detail for videos, reading, and multitasking. The iPhone 17 has a 6.3 inch screen with a resolution of 2622x1206, providing a slightly smaller but still sharp and clear display.
Screen Type and Refresh Rate
The Galaxy S25 Ultra uses a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display with 120 Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth motion and vibrant colours. The iPhone 17 has a Super Retina XDR display with the same 120 Hz refresh rate, known for brightness and colour accuracy. Both screens support fluid visuals.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 17 camera
Camera capabilities differ notably, especially in main sensor detail and front camera resolution, which affect photo and video quality.
Main Camera
The Galaxy S25 Ultra features a versatile and highly detailed main camera setup led by a 200 MP wide sensor, plus telephoto lenses with 3x and 5x optical zoom. This suits photography enthusiasts who want flexibility and high-resolution shots. The iPhone 17 has a 48 MP main camera, delivering excellent photos for everyday use.
Front Camera
The iPhone 17 offers an 18 MP front camera, ideal for sharp selfies and video calls. The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a 12 MP front camera, which performs well for video chats and selfies but with lower resolution compared to the iPhone.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 17 size and design
Other factors include physical dimensions, weight, and connectivity which impact daily comfort and compatibility.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is larger and heavier, measuring 162 mm tall, 77 mm wide, and weighing 218 g. This makes it well suited to users who prefer a bigger device for media and productivity. The iPhone 17 is smaller and lighter at 149.6 mm tall, 71.5 mm wide, and 177 g, fitting more comfortably in one hand or pocket.
Connector and Network
Both phones use USB-C connectors and support 5G networks, ensuring fast charging and mobile data speeds. Both come unlocked with physical SIM and eSIM options, giving flexibility to choose your mobile provider.
Storage Expansion
Neither device supports an SD card slot, so storage capacity depends on the internal options you select when buying.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S25 Ultra or iPhone 17: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S25 Ultra if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £678, £35.34 less than the iPhone 17
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 3692 mAh)
Buy the iPhone 17 if
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (18 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
- you want a lighter build (177 g vs 218 g)
What our customers say
Customers say the Galaxy S25 Ultra looks almost brand new with no marks or scratches and maintains excellent battery health near 100%. The device is praised for its strong performance, lasting battery life, and excellent display quality. Many buyers appreciate the detailed camera system, ease of use despite its features, and the solid build quality. Some note the phone feels like new and recommend it for those wanting a high-end Android experience with lots of storage and a big screen. The only downsides reported relate to occasional issues with regional models or specific hardware faults.
Reviews for the iPhone 17 highlight that it looks like new with full battery health and excellent condition. Users enjoy the sharp Super Retina XDR screen and higher-resolution front camera. The phone is regarded as a solid upgrade for those moving from older iPhones, with smooth operation and a familiar iOS experience. Many note the value in buying refurbished at a lower price while keeping Apple's quality feel. Some customers mention initial settings default to US location but find this easy to change. The iPhone 17 suits those who want a smaller, lighter device within the Apple ecosystem.
Both phones receive praise for their near-new appearance and reliable performance. The Galaxy S25 Ultra appeals to users wanting a large screen and extensive camera options, while the iPhone 17 is better for those prioritising a compact design and front camera detail. Each matches different user preferences well.
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 17 FAQs
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 17 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Apple A19 on the iPhone 17. The Galaxy S25 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is cheaper refurbished, from £678 compared with £713.34 for the iPhone 17.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3692 mAh.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a higher-resolution main camera: 200 megapixels vs 48 megapixels.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra gets updates until Feb 2032. The iPhone 17 is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S25 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone 17 in 256GB and 512GB.
