The iPhone 17 Pro and the Galaxy S25 Ultra are two of the most powerful flagship smartphones of 2025–26. Both offer top-level performance, advanced cameras, premium materials, and long-term software support.
If you are planning to invest in a high-end phone in India, this detailed comparison explains everything clearly and simply so you can choose the right device.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | iPhone 17 Pro | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, ~3000 nits | 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, ~2600 nits |
| Processor | Apple A19 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB / 16GB |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB |
| Rear Cameras | Triple 48MP setup | 200MP + 50MP + 50MP + 10MP |
| Front Camera | 18MP | 12MP |
| Battery | ~3988mAh | 5000mAh |
| Charging | 40W wired + MagSafe | 45W wired + wireless |
| Operating System | iOS 26 | Android 15 with One UI |
| Special Features | ProRes video, strong ecosystem integration | S Pen support, Galaxy AI |
| Price in India | Around ₹1,30,000 | Around ₹1,10,000 |
Design and Build Quality
Both devices look and feel premium.
iPhone 17 Pro
- Compact 6.3-inch form factor
- Ceramic Shield protection
- Strong metal frame
- Easier one-hand usage
Galaxy S25 Ultra
- Larger 6.9-inch body
- Titanium frame
- Gorilla Armor 2 protection
- Built-in S Pen stylus
The Samsung model is larger and better suited for media consumption and productivity. The iPhone feels more compact and balanced for daily handling.
Both phones feature IP68 water and dust resistance.
Display Quality
Display size and experience differ noticeably.
iPhone 17 Pro
- 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED
- 120Hz ProMotion
- Extremely high brightness
- Excellent colour accuracy
Galaxy S25 Ultra
- 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- 120Hz refresh rate
- QHD+ resolution
- Larger immersive viewing area
Samsung offers a bigger and sharper screen, ideal for movies and gaming. Apple delivers higher brightness and precise colour tuning.
Performance and Speed
Performance is elite on both phones.
The iPhone 17 Pro runs on the A19 Pro chip, which delivers exceptional single-core performance and smooth overall system responsiveness. It is highly efficient and optimized with iOS.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. It performs strongly in multitasking, gaming, and AI-powered tasks. Samsung also allows more customization through Android.
In real-world usage, both feel extremely fast. Apple often leads in single-core tasks, while Samsung performs very well in sustained gaming and multitasking.
Camera Comparison
Camera systems are a major deciding factor.
iPhone 17 Pro
- Triple 48MP rear cameras
- 18MP front camera
- Natural colours and strong HDR
- ProRes video and Cinematic mode
- Excellent selfie quality
Galaxy S25 Ultra
- 200MP main sensor
- Multiple telephoto and zoom lenses
- Strong zoom performance (up to 10x optical capability)
- AI-powered photo tools
- 12MP front camera
If you prefer strong zoom and versatile shooting options, Samsung has an edge. If you value video quality, colour consistency, and selfies, Apple stands out.
Also Read Best Apple iPhone Comparison: iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17 (2026)
Battery and Charging
Battery capacity differs significantly.
Galaxy S25 Ultra
- 5000mAh battery
- 45W wired charging
- Reliable all-day performance under heavy use
iPhone 17 Pro
- Around 3988mAh battery
- 40W wired charging
- Excellent efficiency with optimized software
Samsung may last longer during heavy gaming or streaming sessions. Apple compensates with strong optimization, giving solid full-day usage for most users.
Software and Ecosystem
Software experience plays a major role in long-term satisfaction.
iPhone 17 Pro
- Runs iOS 26
- Smooth, clean interface
- Strong privacy features
- Deep integration with Apple ecosystem devices
Galaxy S25 Ultra
- Runs Android 15 with One UI
- Highly customizable interface
- DeX desktop mode
- Galaxy AI tools
- S Pen productivity features
Both brands promise up to seven years of updates, making them future-ready devices.
Price and Value in India
- Galaxy S25 Ultra: Around ₹1,10,000
- iPhone 17 Pro: Around ₹1,30,000
Samsung generally offers more aggressive discounts and trade-in offers. Apple devices typically maintain stronger resale value over time.
If upfront cost matters, Samsung is more affordable. If long-term resale value matters, Apple performs well.
Pros and Cons
iPhone 17 Pro – Pros
- Excellent video recording tools
- Bright and colour-accurate display
- Strong front camera
- Long-term ecosystem benefits
- Smooth and stable software
iPhone 17 Pro – Cons
- Higher starting price
- Smaller battery
- Smaller display for media-heavy users
Galaxy S25 Ultra – Pros
- Larger, sharper display
- Powerful 200MP camera system
- Excellent zoom performance
- Bigger battery
- S Pen included
- More customization options
Galaxy S25 Ultra – Cons
- Front camera resolution lower
- Software can feel complex to new users
- Update experience may vary slightly by region
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone is better for photography?
For zoom and flexibility, Galaxy S25 Ultra leads. For natural colours and professional video tools, iPhone 17 Pro is stronger.
Which phone is better for content creators?
The iPhone 17 Pro offers advanced video features that benefit creators.
Which battery lasts longer?
Galaxy S25 Ultra has a larger battery and may last longer during heavy use.
Which phone gets updates longer?
Both promise around seven years of updates.
Is the S Pen useful?
Yes, especially for note-taking, editing, drawing, and productivity tasks.
Final Verdict
Both the iPhone 17 Pro and the Galaxy S25 Ultra are outstanding flagship smartphones.
Choose the iPhone if you value polished software, video quality, ecosystem integration, and long-term resale strength.
Choose the Galaxy S25 Ultra if you prefer a bigger display, versatile camera zoom, larger battery, and S Pen productivity.
Your final decision should depend on your usage style, ecosystem preference, and budget.
