Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S25+
Our Verdict: The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max came out in 2025, after the Samsung Galaxy S25+ in 2025, so it's the more recent phone. The S25+ has the better camera on paper, 50MP versus 48MP, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.9" against 6.7", while the S25+ has the sharper one at 513 PPI. The iPhone 17 Pro Max goes up to 2TB of storage, where the S25+ tops out at 512GB, and the S25+ is the lighter phone at 190g against 233g. Unusually, the cheaper S25+ takes some of the spec wins as well, so it's the obvious choice for most people.
The S25+ is the cheaper one to own: around £880 over a typical contract, £80 less than the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
11 reviews 4.0
10 reviews
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
|
Samsung Galaxy S25+
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.4 11 reviews |
4.0 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.9" | 6.7" |
| Display | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1320 x 2868 | 1440 x 3120 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 458 | 513 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 18 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A19 Pro | Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) |
| Battery | 4,823 mAh | 4,900 mAh |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | 256GB, 512GB |
| OS | Apple iOS | Android 15 |
| SIM Type | nano-SIM and e-SIM | nano-SIM and e-SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e |
| Bluetooth | 6.0, A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 163.4 x 78 x 8.8 mm | 158.44 x 75.79 x 7.35 mm |
| Weight | 233 grams | 190 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts |
£37.99/mo
£19.00 upfront |
£69.83/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £899.00 | £484.99 |
| Deals | Deals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S25+ cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S25+ is cheaper on contract at £880.46 over the life of the deal from £69.83 per month with £30.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S25+?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S25+'s 6.7", the Samsung Galaxy S25+ has the sharper display at 513 pixels per inch versus 458, and the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S25+ has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S25+?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S25+ has a 50 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S25+?
The Samsung Galaxy S25+ is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £484.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25+?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S25+ comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25+ use?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A19 Pro, while the Samsung Galaxy S25+ uses the Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S25+?
The Samsung Galaxy S25+ is the more portable of the two: it's 43g lighter at 190 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 158.44 x 75.79 x 7.35 mm, and is slimmer at 7.35mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S25+?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy S25+ is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25+ run?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max runs Apple iOS and the Samsung Galaxy S25+ runs Android 15. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.