Apple iPhone 17 vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Our Verdict: The better buy depends on whether you value Apple's software continuity or the Android phone's spec mix more. S25 Ultra has the larger display, 6.8 inches against 6.3, while S25 Ultra is sharper at about 505 PPI versus 458; S25 Ultra brings a much higher-resolution 200MP main camera, compared with 48MP. The price gap is small enough that ecosystem and hardware priorities should carry more weight. Your software preference may settle it, but the Android model deserves attention if you want more spec for the money.

Over a full contract, the iPhone 17 works out around £781 all-in, about £59 less than the S25 Ultra.

Expert Rating
4.5
12 reviews
4.4
12 reviews
Screen
6.3" 6.8"
Display
LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1206 x 2622 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch
458 505
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 200 Megapixels
Front Camera
18 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A19 Pro Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Battery
3,692 mAh 5,000 mAh
Storage
256GB, 512GB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
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/7
Bluetooth
6.0, A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm
Weight
177 grams 219 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
£29.99/mo (£39.00 upfront) £33.79/mo (£29.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£600.00 £569.99

Prices updated 27 July 2026

Apple iPhone 17 Apple iPhone 17 Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Expert Rating 4.5
12 reviews
4.4
12 reviews
Screen 6.3" 6.8"
Display LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1206 x 2622 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch 458 505
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 200 Megapixels
Front Camera 18 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A19 Pro Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Battery 3,692 mAh 5,000 mAh
Storage 256GB, 512GB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
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/7
Bluetooth 6.0, A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm
Weight 177 grams 219 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 £29.99/mo
£39.00 upfront
£33.79/mo
£29.00 upfront
SIM-free £600.00 £569.99
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 17
Apple iPhone 17

24 Months

256GB

Black

Refurbished

250GB

Data

£29.99 per month, £39 upfront.

Use code: SAVING10 (£10)

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

24 Months

256GB

Titanium Black

Refurbished

10GB

Data

£33.79 per month, £29 upfront.

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 17 or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 17 is cheaper on contract at £781.16 over the life of the deal from £29.99 per month with £39.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 17 or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Apple iPhone 17's 6.3", the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has the sharper display at 505 pixels per inch versus 458, and the Apple iPhone 17 uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 17 or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?

The Apple iPhone 17 features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has a 200 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 or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £569.99.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 17 and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?

The Apple iPhone 17 is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 17 and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra use?

The Apple iPhone 17 is powered by the Apple A19 Pro, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra uses the Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 17 or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?

The Apple iPhone 17 is the more portable of the two: it's 42g lighter at 177 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 17 or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?

The Apple iPhone 17 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.

What operating system do the Apple iPhone 17 and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra run?

The Apple iPhone 17 runs Apple iOS and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 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.