Galaxy S25 VS iPhone 17 Pro Max

87

Galaxy S25

6.2-inch AMOLED 120Hz · Snapdragon 8 Elite · 4000mAh · 50MP · IP68

$799

MSRP

95

iPhone 17 Pro Max

6.9-inch OLED 120Hz · A19 Pro · 5088mAh · 48MP · IP68

$1199

MSRP

$749.97

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Buy Galaxy S25

$1199

MSRP

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Our verdict

The iPhone 17 Pro Max takes the performance lead, 9% ahead overall, driven by its A19 Pro and an AnTuTu score of 2,590,567.

On value the Galaxy S25 stands out at $799, pairing a 50MP main camera with a 4000mAh battery.

For most buyers the Galaxy S25 is the smarter choice. One runs iOS and the other Android, so your existing apps, watch and ecosystem may matter more than the spec differences.

Performance winner

iPhone 17 Pro Max

9% faster overall

Best value for money

Galaxy S25

18% better value per dollar

Galaxy S25 best for

Value for money

18% better value per dollar

Overview

The iPhone 17 Pro Max comes out ahead overall, scoring 95 to the Galaxy S25's 87. Priced at $1199 against $799, the choice between them is as much about budget as specs, and each phone leans toward a slightly different buyer.

Performance

For raw speed the Galaxy S25 takes the lead, with an AnTuTu score of 2,920,032 against 2,590,567, driven by its Snapdragon 8 Elite. Both feel quick in everyday use, but the gap shows up in demanding games and heavy multitasking where the faster chip pulls ahead.

Cameras

The Galaxy S25 pairs a 50MP main camera with 3x optical zoom and a 12MP front sensor. The iPhone 17 Pro Max answers with 48MP, 4x zoom and a 18MP selfie camera. The iPhone 17 Pro Max reaches further with its longer optical zoom, which helps for portraits and distant subjects.

Battery and charging

Battery favours the iPhone 17 Pro Max, with a 5088mAh cell against 4000mAh. For refills the iPhone 17 Pro Max is quickest at 40W, spending less time tied to a charger.

Display

Both use high refresh rate OLED screens. The Galaxy S25 measures 6.2" and peaks at 2600 nits, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max is 6.9" and reaches 3000 nits. Screen size and outright brightness are where they separate most.

Which should you buy

Overall the Galaxy S25 is the one we would steer most buyers toward. One runs iOS and the other Android, so your existing apps, watch and ecosystem may matter more than the spec differences. Consider the iPhone 17 Pro Max instead if longer battery life matters more to you.

battery

Battery
4000mAh
5088mAh
Wired charging
25W
40W
Wireless charging
15W
25W

camera

Main camera
50MP
48MP
Optical zoom
3x
4x
Ultrawide
12MP
48MP
Front camera
12MP
18MP
Max video
8K30
4K120

display

Display size
6.2"
6.9"
Display type
Dynamic AMOLED 2X
OLED
Refresh rate
120Hz
120Hz
Peak brightness
2600 nits
3000 nits
Resolution
2340x1080
2868x1320

Performance

Chipset
Snapdragon 8 Elite
A19 Pro
RAM
12GB
12GB
Storage
128GB
256GB

Physical

Weight
162g
233g
Thickness
7.2mm
8.75mm
Water resistance
IP68
IP68

Synthetic & compute benchmarks

Geekbench 6 (Multi-Core)
9,494 pts
10,439 pts
AnTuTu v11
2,920,032 pts
2,590,567 pts

Frequently asked questions

Is the Galaxy S25 better than the iPhone 17 Pro Max?

Overall the iPhone 17 Pro Max scores 95 out of 100 against the Galaxy S25's 87, so it edges ahead on our combined rating. Even so, the two are close enough that price, size and your preferred ecosystem should also guide the decision.

Which has the better camera, the Galaxy S25 or the iPhone 17 Pro Max?

The Galaxy S25 has the stronger camera on paper, leading with a 50MP main sensor and 3x optical zoom. Both take excellent photos, but the Galaxy S25 offers more reach and flexibility.

Which has better battery life, the Galaxy S25 or the iPhone 17 Pro Max?

The iPhone 17 Pro Max carries the larger 5088mAh battery against 4000mAh, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max charges fastest at 40W. For heavy all-day use the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the safer bet.

Which is faster, the Galaxy S25 or the iPhone 17 Pro Max?

In benchmarks the Galaxy S25 is quicker, posting an AnTuTu score of 2,920,032 against 2,590,567 thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Elite. Both handle everyday tasks smoothly, but the Galaxy S25 pulls ahead in demanding games.

Should I buy the Galaxy S25 or the iPhone 17 Pro Max?

For most buyers the Galaxy S25 is the smarter pick, balancing performance, features and price. One runs iOS and the other Android, so your existing apps, watch and ecosystem may matter more than the spec differences. Choose the iPhone 17 Pro Max if longer battery life is your priority.

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