iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra: Which Premium Phone is Better
The top-tier phones from Apple and Samsung compete closely in design, camera quality, battery life, and overall performance. After Apple released the full iPhone 17 lineup in September, the iPhone 17 Pro Max stood out as the company's most advanced and expensive model.
This flagship device now faces off against leading Android models, especially the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Both smartphones feature nearly 7-inch displays, cutting-edge cameras, and the most powerful specifications available.
Design and Hardware Differences
While they share many similarities, the two phones take somewhat different approaches to building a premium device. The Galaxy S25 Ultra includes a unique hardware feature: the S Pen stylus, which is stored inside the phone.
Pricing and Availability
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is priced $100 less than the Galaxy S25 Ultra, continuing a consistent price gap between these flagship models from previous years.
Samsung's phone is generally more likely to receive discounts and go on sale compared to Apple's device, based on past trends.
Where to Buy
- To order the iPhone 17 Pro Max, refer to deals guides to check if you can get it for free and find other special offers.
- For buying the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, look for the best deals across carriers and retailers.
"Both phones live up to their names, with nearly 7-inch screens, advanced cameras and the most powerful specs to date."
"Samsung's phone does have a notable hardware extra with its S Pen stylus (stored within the handset), but it's also far more likely to go on sale than Apple's big handset."
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Summary: The iPhone 17 Pro Max and Galaxy S25 Ultra offer top-tier features with distinct advantages, including Apple's lower price and Samsung's unique stylus and better sale frequency.