Side by side
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max
Quick verdict
Both are top phones. Choose the Galaxy S25 Ultra for its zoom range, S Pen and anti-reflective screen; choose the iPhone 17 Pro Max for video, battery life and the Apple ecosystem.
| Criterion | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Zoom | Galaxy S25 Ultra | 5x plus 3x telephoto, 200 MP main |
| Video | iPhone 17 Pro Max | ProRes, Log and very consistent results |
| Battery life | iPhone 17 Pro Max | Bigger battery, very long runtime |
| Screen | Galaxy S25 Ultra | Anti-reflective glass |
| Stylus | Galaxy S25 Ultra | S Pen built in |
| Ecosystem | Tie | Depends on your other devices |
At a glance
| Feature | Galaxy S25 Ultra | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.9-inch QHD+, 120 Hz, anti-reflective | 6.9-inch OLED, 120 Hz |
| Chip | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | A19 Pro |
| Main camera | 200 MP | 48 MP |
| Telephoto | 50 MP 5x and 10 MP 3x | 48 MP 4x |
| Stylus | S Pen built in | No |
| Updates | 7 years | Usually 6–7 years or more |
| Max storage | 1 TB | 2 TB |
Swipe sideways to see both columns.
Which one should you buy?
Mister Magelo’s verdict
If you already use an iPhone, Mac or Apple Watch, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the easier choice and excels at video and battery life. If you want the most flexible zoom, write with a pen or prefer Android, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the better tool. Both get many years of updates.
Independent recommendation · Retailers can’t pay for rankingChoose Galaxy S25 Ultra if…
- you zoom a lot or photograph from far away
- you take notes or sketch with a pen
- you want an anti-reflective screen
Choose iPhone 17 Pro Max if…
- you film a lot of video
- you use other Apple devices
- battery life is your top priority
Questions and answers
Which has the better camera, S25 Ultra or iPhone 17 Pro Max?
For zoom the S25 Ultra is ahead with two telephoto lenses. For video and natural-looking photos many reviewers prefer the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Can I switch from Android to iPhone easily?
Yes. Apple's Move to iOS app transfers contacts, photos and messages. WhatsApp chats can also be moved.