The smartphone race has reached a new peak with the official announcement of the new iPhone lineup during the Apple Event 2025. Just hours after Tim Cook presented the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone Air, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, comparisons began flooding the internet — and Google’s trending searches revealed a massive spike in interest worldwide.
ALSO READ. CONFIRMED! This is how much the new iPhone 17 will cost
But the question remains: how does Apple’s new iPhone compare to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra? We analyzed specs, AI features, design, performance, and camera technology to give you a full breakdown.
What’s new with the iPhone 17 lineup?
During Apple’s official announcement, Tim Cook described the iPhone 17 Pro Max as “by far the most powerful iPhone we’ve ever made”, introducing a radically improved design, faster chip, and the latest iteration of Apple Intelligence.
The 2025 lineup includes four models:
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: larger 6.9″ Super Retina XDR display, A19 Pro chip, and up to 2TB storage
- iPhone 17 Pro: smaller 6.3″ size, same triple-lens camera and premium aluminum build
- iPhone Air: the thinnest iPhone ever made, with a flat titanium design and A19 Pro power
- iPhone 17: standard model with a new Ceramic Shield 2 front and back, dual-lens 48MP camera
The new iPhone release date is set for September 19, with pre-orders opening on September 12 via the Apple Store and authorized carriers.
How does the iPhone 17 Pro Max compare to the Galaxy S25 Ultra?
Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max and Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra are both flagship titans. But while Apple pushes integration and intelligent software, Samsung bets on raw hardware and customization.
| Feature | iPhone 17 Pro Max | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.9” OLED, 3000 nits | 6.9” AMOLED, 2600 nits |
| Chip | A19 Pro (6-core GPU) | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy |
| AI | Apple Intelligence | Galaxy AI + Gemini |
| Rear Camera | 3x 48MP (Main, Ultra Wide, Telephoto) | 200MP + 50MP + 10MP + 50MP |
| Front Camera | 18MP Center Stage | 12MP AI-enhanced |
| Battery | Up to 39h video | 5,000 mAh |
| Charging | 40W USB-C (50% in 20min) | 45W USB-C + Wireless reverse |
| OS | iOS 26 | Android 15 (One UI 7) |
Does the iPhone 17 Pro Max outperform Samsung in AI?
Both companies have gone all-in on AI capabilities in 2025. Apple introduced Apple Intelligence, tightly integrated into iOS 26. It offers:
- Live Translation for audio and text
- On-device foundation models with offline functionality
- Screenshot scanning and smart summarization
- FaceTime framing, photo filters, and multimodal suggestions
Meanwhile, Samsung Galaxy AI combines Google’s Gemini with in-device learning, offering Circle to Search, Generative Edit, Transcript Summaries, and Drawing Assist.
Both ecosystems are powerful, but Apple’s edge lies in privacy and offline integration, making the iPhone 17 Pro Max more reliable for users who value data protection.
What’s the difference between the iPhone Air and the iPhone 17 Pro?
Many buyers are torn between the iPhone Air and the iPhone 17 Pro. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- iPhone Air:
- “The thinnest iPhone ever. The power of a Pro.”
- A19 Pro chip
- 6.5” display
- Single-lens 48MP Fusion camera
- Lighter design, perfect for casual users
- iPhone 17 Pro:
- Unibody aluminum with Button of Action
- Triple-lens camera with telephoto
- Ceramic Shield 2 on front and back
- Designed for creators, pros, and heavy users
Which phone takes better photos: iPhone or Galaxy?
This year’s iPhone 17 Pro Max packs an all-new Fusion camera system, including three 48MP lenses and Apple’s Photonic Engine. It supports ProRAW, ProRes, and genlock, delivering cinematic control to mobile creators. The 18MP Center Stage front camera rotates between landscape and portrait automatically and enables dual video capture.
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra, however, stands out with a 200MP main sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide, and two telephotos (3x and 5x). It also introduces Virtual Aperture, Audio Eraser, and Galaxy Log for cinematic footage.
Verdict: Samsung wins in zoom and resolution, while Apple dominates in video quality and pro workflows.
Is now the best time to buy the new iPhone?
With pre-orders launching on September 12, Apple fans have a one-week window to secure the latest model before general availability begins on September 19. Early adopters typically enjoy:
- Faster delivery
- Exclusive Apple Store pickup slots
- Trade-in discounts
- Bonus subscriptions (3 months of Apple TV+, Fitness+, Music, News+)
Meanwhile, Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra is already available in most global markets — giving Android loyalists the chance to upgrade now.
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