Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Phones
$1,299List price
Explore this product Your shortlist, side by side
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 17
Find the differences that matter for your next decision.
Apple
iPhone 17
Phones
$799List price
Explore this product What matters most to you?
Start with all rankable specifications, or focus on a particular use.
Your starting point
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
- Leads 11 of 13 rankable overall specs; iPhone 17 takes 2.
- Size: 6.9 inches vs 6.3 inches
How we reached this
We compare the published specifications relevant to your priority. Each rankable specification counts once; your selected requirements can rule a product out. This is a guide to the numbers, not a laboratory performance score.
RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB
iPhone 17 is $500 cheaper. Pay the difference only if size matters to you.
The trade-off to know
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Premium $1,299 starting price
Look at the differences ↓Refine your requirements
Your other devices
What would rule one out?
Side by side
The differences, in detail.
Start with the key specs, then explore as much as you need.
| What you’re comparing | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | iPhone 17 |
|---|---|---|
| WeightBody | 219 g (7.72 oz) | 177 g (6.24 oz) |
| SizeDisplay | 6.9 inches | 6.3 inches |
| ChipsetPlatform | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy (3 nm) | Apple A19 (3 nm) |
| RAMMemory | 12 GB (16 GB option) | 8 GB |
| Max optical zoomRear camera | 5x optical zoom (10x optical quality, 100x Space Zoom) | 2x (sensor crop) |
Showing 5 of 48 specifications. Missing values stay unlisted. About the sources
Both sides of the decision
What you gain. What you give up.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Reasons to choose it
- Top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite 3nm custom Galaxy performance
- Upgraded 50MP ultra-wide and dual 50MP telephoto sensors with 200MP main
- Corning Gorilla Armor 2 anti-reflective display and built-in S Pen stylus
Worth considering
- Premium $1,299 starting price
- Wired charging remains at 45W
iPhone 17
Reasons to choose it
- Upgraded 120Hz ProMotion display on the base model
- Apple A19 3nm chip with Apple Intelligence integration
- New 24MP Center Stage selfie camera and Apple N1 Wi-Fi chip
Worth considering
- No dedicated optical telephoto zoom lens (2x in-sensor crop)
- USB 2.0 transfer speed over USB-C port
Beyond the spec sheet
Living with your choice.
Explore the ownership details available for this pair.
Everyday ownership notes
Documented ergonomic quirks, hardware annoyances, and maintenance realities reported by real owners.
Samsung: What to watch for
- Hidden Cost
No wall charging adapter included in the retail box.
Apple: What to watch for
- Hidden Cost
No wall charging adapter included in the retail box.
Know what’s behind the comparison
Published specs. Visible sources.
Clinchmark compares manufacturer specifications and other published information. We have not independently lab-tested these products. Editorial assessments and unknown values are identified in the specification details.
Catalog snapshot: September 1, 2026. Prices, availability, and provider terms can change.
Still weighing it up?
Which is cheaper, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra or the iPhone 17?
iPhone 17 costs $500 less at list price.
What is the biggest catch with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra or iPhone 17?
iPhone 17 has this deal-breaker: no stylus. No pen input for handwritten notes or markup.
Which is better for photos, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra or the iPhone 17?
For photos, buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Leads 3 of 4 rankable photos specs; iPhone 17 takes 1. Max optical zoom: 5x optical zoom vs 2x
What cannot be compared from spec sheets?
Of the 48 specs tracked here, 35 are descriptive and cannot be ranked on numbers alone. Spec sheets also cannot measure subjective factors like build quality, real-world performance, or comfort.