Apple iPhone 17 (and Pro & Pro Max) offer premium experience, tight integration with iOS and iCloud, security, long-term support and resale value. 4,000 mAh cell delivers strong battery life in light use; Samsung S25 gains on AI features, flexible Android customisation and strong displays.
Expect Samsung models to get slimmer too.
CPU
The Galaxy S26 isn’t the product of a thriving company that’s out to innovate and break boundaries; it’s a meager leftover from a dying one. u/Sajid_GG’s ridicule of the S26’s lack of camera upgrades over four years atop a stale base model has sparked a lot of discussion on Reddit about Samsung’s stagnation.
The two flagships represent 2025’s top-tier in design and performance, but they lean in different directions. iPhone 17 delivers a seamless Apple experience, premium build, and security, plus camera enhancements and a strong battery. Samsung offers flexibility, customisation and a powerful processor in its S25 line.
Ultimately, which phone you choose depends on what matters to you. If you value ecosystem, security and a premium experience, go for the iPhone 17 line; if you need customisation and AI features, a solid display, and multiple variants, pick the S25 series.
Both phones have great cameras, though. The S25’s Ultra variant takes the lead in zoom and content creation, while the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max improve on low-light, ultra-wide, and front camera capabilities.
Samsung’s S26 Ultra is expected to have a 6.2-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display, HDR10+ support, and bright peak brightness. It also has a custom Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. However, a rumor claims that the S26 will skip Qualcomm’s chipset in order to save costs. Instead, it’ll use a Samsung-built Exynos chip in certain markets. If true, this would be a big win for Samsung’s bottom line. But it’s not guaranteed to help the S26 compete with the iPhone’s battery. That’s because Apple’s A19 processor is a powerhouse that could outperform the S26’s chip in specific usage scenarios.
GPU
If you’re looking to buy a flagship smartphone, it might be tough to decide which one to go with. Both Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max (2TB) are high-end phones with top-of-the-line specs. Both offer excellent performance and great cameras, but they also have different strengths. Here’s a look at the key differences between the two smartphones so you can determine which is right for you.
The iPhone 17 line emphasizes a premium design, iOS 12, the A19 chip, and 48 MP cameras. It also comes with a USB-C port, and has a bigger battery than the S25. Apple’s tight integration with iCloud, Mac, and iPad; polished UI; and security/privacy features give it a better overall experience than Samsung. The iPhone 17 series also typically gets longer software updates than Samsung phones.
Meanwhile, the S25 delivers a custom Snapdragon 8 Elite processor; AI-features baked into One UI; a 120Hz LTPO AMOLED 2X display; and strong hardware (including a 50 MP main camera). It’s also more affordable and offers more variation in hardware options than the iPhone lineup. It also comes with a 4,000 mAh cell, an efficient chip, and typical strong mid-to-high usage battery life.
RAM
The iPhone 17 delivers a highly optimized and stable performance thanks to Apple’s tight hardware software integration. However, if you need a powerful Android phone with strong GPU performance and advanced AI features, the Galaxy S26 may be the better choice.
The Galaxy S26 is expected to feature Samsung’s next-generation Dynamic LTPO AMOLED display that supports 120Hz Promotion, which offers industry-leading brightness, high-resolution video playback, and advanced color accuracy. In addition, the Galaxy S26 is expected to offer a new dual-camera setup that includes a telephoto lens and a wide-angle sensor for excellent low-light photography.
Both smartphones are powerful enough to handle demanding games. However, the Galaxy S26 is expected to deliver better graphics performance due to its faster GPU. It will also support higher resolutions, which makes it a better choice for gamers who want to enjoy the latest mobile gaming trends.
In terms of battery life, the iPhone 17 is known for its long battery life and consistent performance. The device also prioritizes power efficiency over raw battery size, ensuring that it can last all day. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S26 is expected to have a larger battery and offer faster charging.
Overall, both phones are top-tier flagships and offer a premium experience. However, the decision depends on your priorities. If you value the Apple ecosystem, premium experience, and security, the iPhone 17 is the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer Android customization, advanced hardware, and varied camera options, the Galaxy S26 is the right choice for you.
Storage
If you want the best performance for gaming, the iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max may edge it out with a more powerful processor. However, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is also a strong contender, with its flagship hardware, good thermal efficiency and GPU optimisation. Its 6.2-inch LTPO AMOLED display can hit high peak brightness, with HDR10+ support. Both phones deliver very fast wired charging, although Apple typically offers slightly faster charging speeds (depending on the model).
Both models offer outstanding battery life, with excellent multitasking and graphics performance. They also have great cameras, with the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max providing industry-leading camera features, including improved optical zoom for better telephoto shots.
The iPhone 17’s premium build, refined design language, and advanced software optimisation make it a great choice for anyone who values the Apple experience. Its tight hardware/software integration ensures smooth, reliable performance and long-term stability. The iPhone 17 also excels at delivering natural-looking photos and industry-leading video recording. The Galaxy S26, on the other hand, is a better choice for users who prefer Android customization, flexible hardware options, and advanced display technology.
Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preferences and priorities. If you value the Apple ecosystem, security, and premium experience, go with iPhone 17. However, if you prefer Android customisation, varied hardware options, and advanced AI features, choose the Galaxy S26. Its powerful chips, efficient battery management, and consistent day-to-day performance make it a great choice for heavy users.
Battery
The iPhone 17 is a proven flagship with refined performance and camera upgrades. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S26 represents Samsung’s next step in a premium lineup, with an emphasis on smart features and an Android-focused experience.
iPhone 17 offers a more cohesive Apple experience and stable software integration, with the benefit of iCloud, Mac, iPad integration, and long-term support for iOS updates. It also offers a premium design and high-resolution Super Retina XDR OLED display that supports 120Hz Promotion for great brightness, smooth scrolling, and industry-leading color accuracy.
On the other hand, the Galaxy S26 offers a flexible hardware experience that can be upgraded with multiple processor options and RAM capacities. It offers a Samsung-exclusive Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, AI features baked into One UI, and a 6.2-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display with a high peak brightness of up to 620 nits and HDR10+ support.
Both phones offer excellent all-day battery life and a strong multitasking performance thanks to their powerful processors, GPU optimization, and high memory configurations. However, iPhone 17 is able to offer more consistent performance due to its optimization and power efficiency.
As far as cameras are concerned, the Galaxy S25 is expected to improve its camera game with 48 MP main sensor, better ultra-wide and telephoto zoom in Pro models, and improved image processing for low-light shots. The iPhone 17 series, on the other hand, ups its photography game with more refined and natural-looking photos, as well as an improved video recording and a better telephoto zoom. Both phones offer excellent front cameras for selfies, video calls, and snaps.
