iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Galaxy S25 Ultra: The $1,200 Smartphone Dilemma

At Apple's September keynote, the iPhone 17 Pro Max arrived with the most significant design overhaul in years, while Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra refined its established formula. Both $1,200+ devices represent engineering marvels, but as our testing reveals, their diverging philosophies create a clear choice based on user priorities.

Technical Specifications at a Glance

The iPhone 17 Pro Max Advantage

1. Unmatched Video Production Capabilities

Apple continues its videography dominance with groundbreaking ProRes RAW support across all rear cameras, enabling 4K Dolby Vision recording at 120fps. The upgraded 18MP front camera now features "ultrastabilized" video—a game-changer for content creators. As ZDNET's testing confirms, "If you want a smartphone for shooting videos, an iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone 17 Pro Max is the phone to go for."

2. MagSafe Ecosystem Integration

The magnetic ecosystem remains Apple's stealth advantage. From tripod mounts to wallets and precision-aligned wireless chargers, MagSafe accessories transform the iPhone into a modular workstation. As noted in our testing: "To keep your old MagSafe investments intact and usable, you should go with the iPhone 17 Pro Max."

3. Creator-Grade Storage Configuration

With a 2TB storage option ($1,999), Apple caters explicitly to professionals capturing ProRes footage. This capacity dwarfs the S25 Ultra's 1TB maximum—a critical differentiator when working with raw video files that rapidly consume storage.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra Edge

1. Display Technology Leadership

Samsung's display engineering shines with anti-reflective and anti-smudge properties that outperform previous iPhones in outdoor visibility. As ZDNET observed: "The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra's display has spoiled me... it is easier to view and read outdoors." While Apple introduced new anti-reflective coating, Samsung's implementation sets the current benchmark.

2. Comprehensive AI Integration

Galaxy AI's contextual awareness outpaces Apple Intelligence in daily utility. The AI Select feature transforms text selections into calendar events with one tap, while object eraser and instant slow-mo video tools demonstrate more mature implementation. "Samsung's Galaxy AI offers a more complete AI user experience as of now," concludes our testing.

3. S Pen Productivity

Samsung preserves the Note legacy with its integrated stylus—still the only flagship offering precise handwriting input. Despite feature reductions over generations, the ability to annotate documents and sketch ideas directly on-screen remains invaluable for business users.

The Verdict: Specialization Over Universality

This showdown reveals how flagship smartphones increasingly prioritize specialization. Video professionals and Apple ecosystem users will find the iPhone 17 Pro Max's cinematic capabilities and accessory integration irresistible. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S25 Ultra caters to mobile power users needing display excellence, AI-enhanced workflows, and stylus functionality. Neither device claims universal superiority, but each delivers best-in-class performance for its target audience—signaling that the era of one-size-fits-all flagships has ended.

Source: ZDNET hands-on testing by Prakhar Khanna