Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S25 Ultra
Starting at
£678.00£1,344.17 new
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Starting at
£1,209.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro Max?
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, battery and screen type. Refurbished, the Galaxy S25 Ultra starts at £678, £531 less than the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen type
Main camera
Front camera
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
- Battery: 5000 mAh on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, 4823 mAh, 5088 mAh on the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
- The Galaxy S25 Ultra has an OLED screen.
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max specs
The Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro Max share many top-tier features such as 12GB RAM, 120Hz refresh rate, and 6.9-inch screens, but differ in ways that suit different users. The Galaxy S25 Ultra offers a larger battery capacity and a much higher main camera resolution, which is ideal for those who prioritise long battery life and detailed photography. The iPhone 17 Pro Max provides a higher front camera resolution and supports up to iOS 27 updates, appealing to users who value selfies and long software support. Storage options also differ, with the iPhone offering up to 2TB. Both phones are unlocked, support 5G, and use USB-C connectors, making them flexible choices depending on your priorities.
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max price
Colour
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and basic design elements. These influence how long the device lasts each day and how long it remains supported with software improvements.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a 5000 mAh battery, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max's battery capacity is listed as either 4823 mAh or 5088 mAh. The larger battery on the Galaxy may suit users wanting longer usage between charges, especially if they use power-intensive apps. The iPhone's capacity is close but may vary across units.
Software Updates
The Galaxy S25 Ultra receives software updates until February 2032, offering a clear end date for support. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is supported up to iOS 27, which means it also benefits from extended software improvements. Users who value long-term updates will find both devices reliable in this regard.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max performance
Performance looks at the chipset, RAM, and storage options stocked. These determine how smoothly the device handles apps, multitasking and how much data or media you can carry.
Processor and RAM
The Galaxy S25 Ultra runs on the Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite built on 3 nm technology, paired with 12 GB of RAM. The iPhone 17 Pro Max uses the Apple A19 Pro and also has 12 GB of RAM. Both offer high memory capacity suitable for heavy multitasking and demanding apps, with chipset choice suiting different user preferences or software ecosystems.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is stocked in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB versions, which fits most users needing ample space for media and apps. The iPhone 17 Pro Max adds a 2TB option, ideal for those who want maximum onboard storage for large files or professional use.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max screen
Screen quality involves size, resolution, refresh rate and panel technology. These affect how sharp, smooth and vibrant the display appears for everyday use and media consumption.
Screen Size and Resolution
Both phones have a 6.9-inch screen, providing plenty of room for video and multitasking. The Galaxy S25 Ultra offers 1440x3120 resolution, which is taller and narrower, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max has 2868x1320 resolution, wider and less tall. Each suits different preferences for sharpness and aspect ratio.
Panel Type and Refresh Rate
The Galaxy S25 Ultra features a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X screen with 120Hz refresh rate, which supports smooth scrolling and adaptive refresh rates. The iPhone 17 Pro Max uses a Super Retina XDR display with the same 120Hz refresh rate. Both screens deliver fluid visuals but use different technologies that may influence colour and brightness preferences.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max camera
Audiovisual specs include front and main camera resolutions, which affect photo and video detail for selfies and regular photography.
Front Camera
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has an 18 megapixel front camera, which suits users who prioritise detailed selfies or video calls. The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a 12 megapixel front camera that offers good quality for everyday use.
Main Camera
The Galaxy S25 Ultra comes with a 200 megapixel main camera, capturing fine detail that benefits photography enthusiasts and those who want highly detailed shots. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a 48 megapixel main camera, which still delivers strong image quality but with fewer megapixels, appealing to users who prefer Apple's camera processing.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max size and design
Miscellaneous specs cover size, weight, network compatibility and connectors that affect everyday handling and connectivity.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy S25 Ultra measures 162 mm in height, 77 mm in width, and 8 mm in depth, weighing 218 g. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is slightly taller at 163.4 mm, wider at 78 mm, and thicker at 8.8 mm, weighing 233 g. Those wanting a marginally lighter and slimmer phone may prefer the Galaxy, while the iPhone is a bit bigger and heavier.
Network and SIM Options
Both phones support 5G and come unlocked, offering flexibility to use any carrier. Each device supports a physical SIM plus eSIM, allowing dual SIM use for work and personal lines or travel.
Connector
Both the Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro Max use USB-C connectors, which are common and convenient for charging and data transfer.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S25 Ultra or iPhone 17 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S25 Ultra if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £678, £531 less than the iPhone 17 Pro Max
- you want an OLED screen
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (200 megapixels vs 48 megapixels)
Buy the iPhone 17 Pro Max if
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (18 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers say the Galaxy S25 Ultra looks almost brand new, with many noting excellent battery health at 99 or 100 percent. The phone is praised for its strong performance, lasting battery life, and excellent display quality. Users appreciate its high-resolution camera and ease of use, with some highlighting the S Pen as a useful feature. Several reviews mention the phone running smoothly without scratches, and customers feel confident buying refurbished models for cost savings and environmental benefits.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is described as working well and looking like new by many customers. Battery health is consistently reported at 100 percent. Users find moving apps and data straightforward and enjoy the quality of the phone itself. Some mention minor issues like dropped calls, but overall the device performs reliably. The variety of storage options is noted by one customer.
Both phones appeal to users who want high-end devices with ample storage, good battery health, and reliable performance. The Galaxy S25 Ultra suits those who want a lighter, slimmer device with a very high-resolution main camera and longer battery life. The iPhone 17 Pro Max fits buyers who prioritise front camera quality, software updates, and maximum storage capacity.
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max FAQs
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, battery and screen type. Chipset: Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Battery: 5000 mAh on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, 4823 mAh, 5088 mAh on the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is cheaper refurbished, from £678 compared with £1209 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra has 5000 mAh and the iPhone 17 Pro Max has 4823 mAh, 5088 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 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S25 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
