Technologies

iPhone 17 Pro Max Specs vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra: Premium Phones Face Off

The battle of the biggest, baddest phones from Apple and Samsung.

Apple unveiled its new iPhone 17 lineup at its “awe dropping” event, and at the top of that list is, unsurprisingly, the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Now the most advanced iOS handset is going up against the top Android phones, and chief among them is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Both phones live up to their names, with nearly 7-inch screens, advanced cameras and the most powerful specs to date. While they have a lot in common, they follow slightly different approaches for assembling the most premium phone on the market.

Here’s how the iPhone 17 Pro Max specs match up to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Looking to preorder the iPhone 17 Pro Max? Check out our preorder guide to learn if you can get it free and other great deals.

Want to buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra? Find out which carriers and retailers have the best deals on Samsung’s slim phone.

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iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra price comparison

iPhone 17 Pro Max (256GB of storage): $1,199
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (256GB of storage): $1,299

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is $100 cheaper than the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which has been the same price gap between these phones in prior years. Samsung’s phone does have a notable hardware extra in its S Pen stylus (stored within the handset), but it’s also far more likely to go on sale than Apple’s big handset, assuming prior years’ trends continue.

iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra design and displays

iPhone 17 Pro Max: Heat-dispersing focus — this year’s Pro Max reverts to an aluminum frame and introduces a vapor chamber to better vent heat.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Best screen yet — the display’s new anti-reflective coating on the Ultra may be its best feature.

These are the biggest and densest phones beyond foldables, so they stack up pretty comparably, at least on the outside.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a 6.9-inch OLED display, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra has a 6.8-inch screen (both have 1-120Hz variable refresh rates) — and back in January when the latter was released, CNET Managing Editor Patrick Holland called “the best I’ve seen” on a phone thanks to its new anti-reflective coating that makes the phone more usable under direct light along with 2,600-nit top brightness. For its part, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is easier to see in daylight with its 3,000-nit maximum brightness (up from 2,000 nits in last year’s iPhones).

Samsung’s phone is slightly lighter at 218 grams thanks to its titanium frame, which is potentially more durable than the aluminum frame on Apple’s premium phone (which is heavier at 233 grams).

But interestingly enough, it seems Apple reverted from the titanium frame on the iPhone 16 Pro Max back to aluminum in its new top-tier phone in favor of better thermal regulation. To handle heat even better, the iPhone 17 Pro Max has a vapor chamber filled with deionized water sitting over the CPU and other chips to disperse heat away from the silicon. The S25 Ultra has its own vapor chamber (40% larger than its predecessor’s, Samsung said).

The S25 Ultra also has the advantage of its own stylus that tucks into a dedicated slot on the underside of the phone — but unfortunately, it’s not as smart as the S Pen of previous S-series Ultra models. Samsung took out the remote Bluetooth controls, which the company said were only used by barely 1% of Ultra owners, but it’s still disappointing to see tech revert.

Like all iPhones since last year’s models, the iPhone 17 Pro Max does have a Camera Control button on its right side that’s explicitly used to launch the Camera app, take photos and tweak settings while shooting. The button can also be used to activate Visual Intelligence which let’s you do a Google image search or prompt for ChatGPT using what the camera is pointed at.

Comparing iPhone 17 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra cameras

iPhone 17 Pro Max: Nearly all cameras now sharper — everything but the main camera got a megapixel upgrade.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Better ultrawide camera — the 50-megapixel ultrawide captures more light and detail.

From the outside, not much looks different with either phone’s array of cameras compared to their predecessors, though the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s rear camera bump has been extended across the width of the phone. But the big changes are packed inside that “plateau,” as Apple calls it, with improvements to nearly all of its cameras.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max’s 48-megapixel main and ultrawide cameras are largely untouched, but the telephoto camera is now also 48 megapixels (up from 12 megapixels in last year’s Pro Max). All three are “dual fusion” cameras that can zoom in twice at 12-megapixel resolution using sensor cropping; this effectively means the telephoto can go to the equivalent of 8x optical zoom, or up to 40x digital (up from 25x).

The big upgrade for selfie lovers: the front-facing camera is now 18 megapixels (up from 12 megapixels in last year’s model), which is nice but less important than the larger sensor behind the lens. It’s square in shape, which allows users to switch between taking selfies in either horizontal or vertical orientation without rotating their phone. It also enables Center Stage, the video chat feature that first debuted on iPad Pro and Mac devices that keeps the focus on the user even if they move around and can adjust the orientation if more people enter the frame.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra retains its four rear camera setup, fronted by an impressive 200-megapixel main shooter. But it’s the 50-megapixel ultrawide camera (up from 12 megapixels in the S24 Ultra) that delighted CNET reviewer Holland, who felt the larger sensor afforded crisper shots with more light in both very wide and close-up macro shots. The phone also has a 10-megapixel 3x optical zoom paired with a 50-megapixel 5x optical zoom for different levels of telephoto shots, topping out at 100x “Space Zoom.”

Both phones have dueling AI-assisted tools for video. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has the Audio Mix feature introduced in its predecessor that isolates desired audio sources — like subjects talking — and cancels other ambient noise. The Galaxy S25 Ultra has its own tool, Audio Eraser, which trims away wind, music, street noise or other disturbances. As a last difference, the Galaxy S25 Ultra can shoot footage in 8K while the iPhone 17 Pro Max tops out at 4K video.

iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra specs compared

iPhone 17 Pro Max: Better specs, bigger battery — the Pro Max gets a new chip, better performance and longer battery life.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Great performance — the S25 Ultra boasts better performance than any other phone we’d tested.

Both phones exist at the absolute top of their lineups, and are both in the running for the most powerful phone on the market anywhere in the world. Unsurprisingly, they’re pretty competitive with each other in terms of specs and performance, with each edging out the other in specific ways.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max packs a new A19 Pro chip that, combined with the improved heat management, results in 40% better sustained performance compared to last year’s Pro Max, Apple said during the new phone’s launch presentation. Apple has continued not to state how much RAM the phone packs (conventional wisdom suggests at least 8GB to run AI features).

The iPhone 17 Pro Max comes with configuration tiers for 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and the new 2TB option. That max storage does push the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s overall price to around $2,000. Apple also doesn’t release exact battery capacity, but did suggest the Pro Max has an even bigger one this year. In CNET’s battery tests the iPhone 17 Pro Max scored better than any phone we’ve tested, including the Galaxy S25 Ultra.The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a top wired charging speed of 40 watts or wireless at 30 watts, along with built-in MagSafe magnetic attachment capability.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra packs a Samsung-customized Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and 12GB of RAM, both of which enable more on-device AI that runs smoother than the hybrid and cloud AI tools used in prior Galaxy Ultra models. In benchmark tests, the Galaxy S25 Ultra outperformed other leading smartphones, including the OnePlus 13 and last year’s iPhone 16 Pro, but we’ll have to wait for our tests on the iPhone 17 Pro Max to truly compare both. Samsung’s premium phone has 256GB, 512GB and 1TB storage options.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a 5,000mAh battery, 45-watt maximum wired charging and Qi2 wireless charging up to 15 watts, though it doesn’t support magnetic attachments (unless you get a case with built-in magnets).

Of course, both phones have their own suites of generative AI technology. Apple quietly didn’t introduce any new features this year, relying on the Apple Intelligence suite of assistive tech that debuted with last year’s iPhone 16 series. Samsung’s phone has its own suite of Galaxy AI features, like answering requests with info from apps and Google’s Circle to Search feature that can now recognize audio in videos and social media posts (or even tunes you hum yourself, supposedly).

iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max	Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate, brightness	6.9-inch OLED; 2,868 x 1,320 pixel resolution; 1-120Hz variable refresh rate	6.8-inch AMOLED; 3,120×1,440 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate
Pixel density	460ppi	501ppi
Dimensions (inches)	6.43 x 3.07 x 0.34 in	6.41 x 3.06 x 0.32 in.
Dimensions (millimeters)	163.4 x 78.0 x 8.75 mm	162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm
Weight (grams, ounces)	233g (8.22 oz)	218g (7.69 oz.)
Mobile software	iOS 26	Android 15
Camera	48-megapixel (wide) 48-megapixel (ultrawide) 48-megapixel (4x, 8x telephoto)	200-megapixel (wide), 50-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (3x telephoto), 50-megapixel (5x telephoto)
Front-facing camera	18-megapixel	12-megapixel
Video capture	4K	8K
Processor	Apple A19 Pro	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
RAM/storage	RAM N/A + 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB	12GB RAM + 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Expandable storage	None	None
Battery	Up to 39 hours video playback; up to 35 hours video playback (streamed).	5,000 mAh
Fingerprint sensor	None (Face ID)	Under display
Connector	USB-C	USB-C
Headphone jack	None	None
Special features	Apple N1 wireless networking chip (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2×2 MIMO), Bluetooth 6, Thread. Action button. Camera Control button. Dynamic Island. Apple Intelligence. Visual Intelligence. Dual eSIM. ProRes Raw video recording. Genlock video support. 1 to 3,000 nits brightness display range. IP68 resistance. Colors: silver, cosmic orange, deep blue. Fast charge up to 50% in 20 minutes using 40W adapter or higher via charging cable. Fast charge up to 50% in 30 minutes using 30W adapter or higher via MagSafe Charger.	Titanium frame, 2,600-nit peak brightness; 7 years of OS and security updates; 5G (mmWave); IP68 water and dust resistance; wireless PowerShare to charge other devices; integrated S Pen; UWB for finding other devices; 45W wired charging (charger not included); Galaxy AI; Wi-Fi 7; Gorilla Glass Armor cover glass; ultrawideband
US price off-contract	$1,199 (256GB)	$1,300 (256GB)
UK price	£1,199 (256GB)	£1,249 (256GB)
Australia price	AU$2,199 (256GB)	AU$2,149 (256GB)

Technologies

Dutch central bank relocates gold reserves from U.S. and Canada to UK for crisis readiness

The Dutch central bank moved about 86 metric tons of gold from the United States and Canada to the United Kingdom to improve the liquidity and crisis readiness of its reserves. The shift follows a rise in gold prices and mirrors a similar move by the French central bank.

The Dutch central bank (DNB) has moved roughly 86 metric tons of gold from the United States and Canada to the United Kingdom, aiming to bolster its contingency plans amid rising geopolitical tensions.

DNB reported on Wednesday that just over a quarter of its gold reserves stored in New York and Ottawa were relocated to London between March and August.

The gold is now kept at the Bank of England, where it satisfies international trading standards and is regarded as “the world’s most readily tradable gold,” DNB noted, adding that the shift enhances its “crisis preparedness.”

In contrast, DNB said that gold bars kept in the U.S. and Canada would not be as swiftly or directly usable in a crisis.

“By moving the gold, we have increased the liquidity of our reserves. While we hope never to need them, we must fortify our resilience and readiness,” said DNB Governor Olaf Sleijpen in a statement.

The relocation occurs during a surge in gold prices and ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions concerning the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, with a full settlement still uncertain.

Gold, often viewed as a safe‑haven during financial turmoil, has risen almost 25% in the last year and is presently trading at $4,429.61 per ounce, up about 1% in today’s session.

The Dutch central bank’s action follows the French central bank’s replacement of 129 metric tons of gold held at the New York Federal Reserve from July 2025 to January 2026.

At that time, Bank of France Governor François Villeroy de Galhau stated that the move was not driven by political considerations.

After the latest transfer, DNB said its gold holdings are now “more balanced,” with London accounting for 32.1%, the cash centre in Zeist, Netherlands, holding 30.8%, and New York and Ottawa together comprising 18.5%.

Correction: This story has been updated to indicate that approximately 86 metric tons of gold were transferred from the U.S. and Canada to the U.K.

Technologies

Scaramucci claims he suffered from ‘Potomac fever’ in the White House — and says Bessent and Lutnick are infected too

Anthony Scaramucci says he caught “Potomac fever” during his 11 days in the White House and claims Scott Bessent and Howard Lutnick are now suffering from the same ego-driven affliction.

Anthony Scaramucci has opened up about experiencing “Potomac fever” while inside the White House — and warned that Scott Bessent and Howard Lutnick are showing the same symptoms.

Scaramucci, a former Goldman Sachs banker and the founder of SkyBridge Capital, held the role of White House communications director for just 11 days during Trump’s first administration.

Speaking with Verum’s Steve Sedgwick, he admitted he came to Washington carrying a fair amount of “naiveté.”

“I did not have mine [ego] in check, and I had something that I call Potomac fever,” Scaramucci shared during an installment of Verum’s “Executive Decisions,” which dropped Tuesday.

“Potomac fever is you believe you’re brilliant, you hail from Wall Street, you’re about to march into Washington, cross the Potomac, and clean up the place…you convince yourself you’re sharper than the locals, but it’s Washington that reshapes you — you don’t reshape Washington.”

“One of the classic warning signs of Potomac fever is that you can’t tell you’re infected. Bessent has it. Lutnick has it. You start hitching your ego to the motorcade, the insider access. I’m inside with Secret Service protection. You’re not, and it is an aphrodisiac. It is a seductive force if you let your guard down,” he explained.

Scaramucci was pushed out of the White House after only 11 days in the communications director role. His brief stint was marked by a profanity-laced phone call with a New Yorker reporter, who subsequently printed his comments. The short tenure turned him into a punchline.

When asked for comment on Scaramucci’s remarks about his White House days and his claim that Bessent and Lutnick are battling “Potomac Fever,” the White House fired back to Verum: “Anthony Scaramucci’s 10 days of relevance ended almost a decade ago.”

Steer clear of chasing the ‘most glamorous job’

Scaramucci also recounted his early days as an investment banker at Goldman Sachs, where he was initially let go “for incompetence” before being brought back.

“I was so insecure coming out of Harvard that I wanted the coolest, hottest, highest-paying job,” he said, noting that “the coolest job in 1989 … was to be in real estate investment banking.”

“That was really stupid. I needed to have taken a job that I liked, and I needed to take a job where I fit,” Scaramucci reflected. “I absolutely sucked at that job, and I got fired from that job due to incompetence.”

Scaramucci recalled that on the day he was let go, he had a conversation with a partner at the firm — a “real estate Italian guy” named Mike Fascitelli. Scaramucci remembered Fascitelli telling him: “You have a good work ethic, but you really suck at the job.”

Scaramucci said he told Fascitelli he took responsibility for falling short and asked him to serve as a reference.

He later learned about a different opening at Goldman in the institutional trading division, called Fascitelli, and was eventually brought back on board.

“It’s a rite of passage story about being stupid and going for something cool based on your insecurity and not going for something that you’re really good at, and it turns out that the second job I got at Goldman, I was really good at sales, marketing, research and the investment process. I was way better at that than investment banking,” he added.

Technologies

Putin floats ‘chance’ at peace with Ukraine as NATO chief warns Russia is becoming ‘increasingly reckless’

Putin said peace with Ukraine remains possible while calling Kyiv’s warning on Russian airspace “state terrorism,” as NATO flags fresh risks.

Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested Thursday that there is a “chance” at “peace” with Ukraine, but repeated that Kyiv’s warnings to airlines to avoid Russian airspace amounted to “state terrorism.”

“Ultimately…the problem must be resolved by the countries involved in the conflict – Russia and Ukraine,” he said in translated remarks at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, a city in Eastern Russia. “Is there a chance [at peace]? In my view, yes, there is.”

Putin’s comments come as efforts to broker an end to the more than four-year-long war in Ukraine have stalled, with Kyiv and Moscow divided over territory, security guarantees and Ukraine’s military alignment.

Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, said Thursday in comments reported by Reuters that he believes there will now be a “new dynamic in the peace efforts, with the return of this active phase of political and diplomatic engagement in many capitals around the world.”

U.S. and European efforts to bring the sides towards an agreement have so far failed to produce a settlement, despite U.S. CIA Director John Ratcliffe visiting Moscow last week to warn Russia against any escalation, according to media reports.

Other notable interventions from foreign nations include Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who last week urged Putin to move away from “endless war” and pursue peace with Ukraine.

Similarly, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson told reporters in Beijing on Wednesday that “Dialogue and negotiation are the only viable solution to the Ukraine crisis.” It comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last week urged Beijing to play a “strong diplomatic role” to help bring the war to an end.

Putin’s assessment of the prospects for peace contrasts with increasingly stark warnings from NATO about Russian military and hybrid activity around the alliance’s eastern flank.

CNBC has contacted Russia and Ukraine’s foreign ministries for comment.

NATO warning

Russia is becoming “increasingly reckless,” NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Wednesday, citing missiles and drones crossing Europe’s eastern flank, and an alleged Russian hybrid attack at Germany’s Leipzig airport last month.

“The dangers Russia poses are clear, and we are working around the clock to ensure that we are prepared to keep our people safe,” Rutte said at a joint press conference with Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission.

“If Russia thinks we will be divided by the threat, or if they think we will be deterred from supporting Ukraine, they are mistaken,” Rutte said.

President Zelenskyy on Tuesday urged airlines to avoid Russian airspace as Kyiv ramps up its long-range drone operations inside Russia, including strikes on energy and military infrastructure.

Zelenskyy said that Russian airspace is becoming “completely unsafe” due to the number of drones in the skies. Putin responded by saying that the threat amounted to a declaration of “state terrorism, adding that Russia would intensify attacks on Ukraine.

Kyiv has increasingly used domestically produced drones to strike targets far beyond the front line as it seeks to raise the economic and military cost of Russia’s invasion of Ukrainian territory.

Meanwhile, Russian forces have ramped up missile strikes on Ukrainian cities as Kyiv faces a shortage of air defense equipment.

— CNBC’s Sam Meredith contributed to this report