The smartphone market in 2025 is more competitive than ever, with Apple and Samsung once again standing at the top of the premium segment. On one side, we have the Apple iPhone 17 Pro, a device focused on refinement, powerful performance, and professional-grade cameras. On the other, there’s the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, an Android powerhouse that combines a massive display, versatile camera system, and feature-rich software.
In my hands-on experience with both devices, I quickly realized they target slightly different kinds of users, even though they share the same flagship space. This comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses across design, display, performance, cameras, battery life, and overall value, so you can decide which one deserves a spot in your pocket.
Design & Build Quality
Holding the iPhone 17 Pro for the first time, I noticed Apple’s shift back to an aluminum alloy frame. It feels lighter than the titanium build of the previous generation, yet it still has a solid and premium touch. The flat edges and compact 6.3-inch size make it comfortable for one-handed use, and the Ceramic Shield 2 front glass gives extra peace of mind against drops. I also appreciated the new matte finish on the back, which resists fingerprints far better than earlier models.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra, by contrast, feels like a true big-screen flagship. Its 6.9-inch size and titanium frame give it an ultra-premium presence, although it is a bit heavier in the hand. The slightly curved edges and Gorilla Armor 2 protection make it durable and resistant to scratches. Unlike the iPhone, Samsung includes a stylus that slides neatly into the frame, and while I don’t use it every day, it’s an excellent tool for note-taking and quick sketches.
Both devices are IP68 rated, but Apple offers better water resistance (up to 6 meters for 30 minutes) compared to Samsung’s 1.5 meters. However, Samsung’s phone feels tougher when it comes to drop protection thanks to its stronger glass and titanium build.
If you prefer a more compact, sleek, and easy-to-hold device, the iPhone has the edge. But if you love a bold, large-screen phone that doubles as a productivity tool, the Galaxy S25 Ultra feels more versatile.
Also Read: iPhone 17 Pro price in nepal & Review
Display
The iPhone 17 Pro’s 6.3-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED is a joy to look at. Colors are vibrant without feeling oversaturated, and the 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling buttery smooth. Apple has also improved outdoor visibility with a peak brightness of up to 3000 nits, and during my time outdoors, I never struggled to read the screen even under harsh sunlight. The anti-reflective coating also makes a noticeable difference, especially when compared to last year’s model.
On the other side, the Galaxy S25 Ultra comes with a much larger 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. It pushes a higher resolution at 1440p, making videos and games look sharper. The brightness peaks at 2600 nits, which is slightly lower than the iPhone on paper, but in practice, both are outstanding in direct sunlight. I did, however, find Samsung’s panel more immersive thanks to its larger size and slimmer bezels.
For content consumption like watching movies or gaming, the Galaxy’s display feels unmatched. But for everyday usability and comfort, especially with one hand, the iPhone’s screen strikes a better balance.
Performance & Software Experience
Powered by the Apple A19 Pro chip, the iPhone 17 Pro feels effortless in everything I threw at it. Multitasking, editing 4K video, or running the latest games nothing caused slowdowns. Apple’s optimization with iOS 26 makes the experience fluid, and the new cooling system does a great job of keeping the device from overheating. During long gaming sessions, I noticed far less thermal throttling compared to older iPhones, which is a big step forward.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra counters with the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor paired with up to 16GB of RAM. Performance here is equally impressive, with apps loading instantly and games running smoothly at the highest settings. Samsung’s One UI 7 brings a mix of customization and AI-powered features like Circle to Search and Google’s Gemini integration, which genuinely made my workflow faster. I often used DeX mode on a monitor, turning the Ultra into a full desktop-like experience something the iPhone simply doesn’t offer.
In benchmarks, the iPhone edges ahead in CPU scores, while the Galaxy pulls ahead in GPU-heavy tasks like 3DMark. In day-to-day use, though, both phones are lightning fast, and the choice really comes down to whether you prefer the clean simplicity of iOS or the flexibility of Android.
Camera Quality
The iPhone 17 Pro features a triple 48MP setup with a LiDAR scanner, and I was genuinely impressed by its consistency. The main sensor captures sharp, detailed shots with excellent color accuracy, while the ultra-wide lens delivers vibrant landscapes without distortion. The new periscope telephoto lens with 4x optical zoom is a welcome addition, and while it can stretch up to 40x digital zoom, I found image quality drops off past 20x. Low-light performance has improved dramatically, with less noise and more natural skin tones in night portraits. The 18MP front camera also stood out in my tests, giving selfies a wider field of view and more detail, even in dimly lit rooms.
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra, meanwhile, doubles down on versatility with a quad-camera setup. Its headline 200MP main sensor delivers incredible resolution, and zoom flexibility is where it really shines. The 5x periscope lens produces clear shots even at higher zoom levels, making it more reliable for distant subjects than the iPhone. The ultra-wide and telephoto lenses complement the system well, and video recording up to 8K adds another layer of creativity for content creators. However, I noticed Samsung’s color profile tends to be punchier, which looks great on social media but can feel less natural compared to Apple’s more realistic tones.
For casual shooters, the iPhone’s ease of use and balanced results make it an excellent choice. But if you want maximum versatility and zoom power, the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s camera system is hard to beat.
Also Read: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Review (2025): Here’s the Truth
Battery Life & Charging
During my testing, the iPhone 17 Pro consistently impressed me with its efficiency. The 4252 mAh battery (on the eSIM-only model) comfortably lasted through a full day of heavy use, including video streaming, photography, and navigation. Apple’s optimizations in iOS 26 make standby drain minimal, and I could easily push the phone into a second day with moderate use. Charging speeds have improved, with 50% charge in about 20 minutes using a wired PD charger. Wireless MagSafe charging also feels faster than before, although the 15W limit in China remains a drawback.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra comes with a larger 5000 mAh battery, and while it offers slightly less endurance on paper due to the bigger display and higher resolution, it still delivered excellent results in my daily use. I usually got a solid day and a half before needing a top-up. Charging is faster here 45W wired charging reaches around 65% in 30 minutes, which is noticeably quicker than the iPhone’s solution. Wireless charging is supported too, along with reverse wireless for topping up accessories like earbuds.
If you value longevity in real-world use, the iPhone edges ahead thanks to its software optimization. But if you want faster charging and bigger battery capacity, the Galaxy S25 Ultra delivers more flexibility.
Value for Money
Price plays a huge role in choosing between these two flagships. The iPhone 17 Pro starts at around NPR 220,999, making it one of the most expensive smartphones of 2025. You are paying for Apple’s ecosystem, unmatched software support, and top-tier performance, but it does feel like a premium tax. For users who already own other Apple devices like a MacBook or iPad, the seamless integration makes the cost easier to justify.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra, in comparison, starts at NPR 179,999 in some markets, which is significantly more affordable. Despite the lower entry price, it offers a larger display, a more versatile camera system, and features like the S Pen and DeX mode that Apple doesn’t provide. Samsung also promises seven years of Android updates, which narrows the software advantage Apple has traditionally enjoyed.
If you want the most polished experience with longevity in mind and don’t mind the higher cost, the iPhone 17 Pro is the better investment. But if you’re looking for a feature-packed flagship that delivers more value per dollar, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the smarter buy.
FAQ
1. Which phone has the better camera, iPhone 17 Pro or Galaxy S25 Ultra?
The iPhone 17 Pro delivers more natural and consistent results, especially in low light, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra offers more versatility with higher zoom levels and a 200MP main sensor. If you want balanced shots, the iPhone is better, but for zoom and detail, Samsung wins.
2. Does the Galaxy S25 Ultra support the S Pen?
Yes, the Galaxy S25 Ultra includes the S Pen with full support for note-taking, sketching, and productivity tools. It’s a unique feature that Apple doesn’t offer on the iPhone.
3. Which phone has better battery life?
The iPhone 17 Pro lasts slightly longer in real-world use thanks to its efficient iOS optimization. However, the Galaxy S25 Ultra charges faster and has a bigger 5000mAh battery, which many users will appreciate.
4. Is the iPhone 17 Pro worth the higher price?
If you are already in Apple’s ecosystem and value iOS updates, performance consistency, and seamless integration with other Apple products, then yes, the higher price is justified. But if you want maximum features for the money, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is a better deal.
5. Which one should gamers buy?
Both phones handle gaming exceptionally well. The iPhone 17 Pro offers smoother sustained performance with less overheating, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s larger display and DeX mode make it better for immersive gaming and multitasking.
Conclusion
After spending time with both devices, it’s clear that the iPhone 17 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra cater to slightly different users. The iPhone 17 Pro excels in compact design, seamless iOS experience, consistent camera quality, and thermal efficiency, making it ideal for users who prioritize reliability, longevity, and ecosystem integration.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra, meanwhile, shines with its massive display, versatile camera system, S Pen functionality, and fast charging, offering excellent value for those who want productivity features and a larger, immersive screen at a more approachable price.
Ultimately, your choice depends on what matters most: if you prefer a refined, polished experience with strong integration across devices, go with the iPhone 17 Pro. If you want maximum features, flexibility, and value for money, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is hard to beat.
Which one would you pick, the power-packed iPhone 17 Pro or the feature-rich Galaxy S25 Ultra? Share your thoughts in the comments below or check out the best deals linked here to grab yours today!