The iPhone 15 Pro Max and Galaxy S25 Ultra take different paths through price, hardware, camera priorities, and ecosystem extras.
This comparison breaks down price, design, display, performance, camera, battery, software, storage, transfer, and final buyer value so you can see where each phone actually leads.
TL;DR: The Galaxy S25 Ultra is the better buy on paper because it gives you telephoto flexibility, stronger Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy performance, up to 31 hours of video playback, and larger display.
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Galaxy S25 Ultra Specs Table
The specs table below highlights the exact launch-price, size, display, chip, camera, battery, USB, and connectivity differences between iPhone 15 Pro Max and Galaxy S25 Ultra before the section-by-section breakdown.
| Specifications | iPhone 15 Pro Max | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $1,199 | $1,299.99 |
| Dimensions | 6.29 x 3.02 x 0.32 in | 6.41 x 3.06 x 0.32 in |
| Weight | 221 g | 218 g |
| Processor | A17 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB |
| Display | 6.7 in (Super Retina XDR OLED, ProMotion, Always-On) | 6.9 in (Dynamic AMOLED 2X) |
| Resolution | 2796 x 1290 | 3120 x 1440 |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, Ultra Wideband | 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, UWB |
| Rear Cameras | 48MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 12MP telephoto | 200MP main + 50MP ultrawide + 50MP 5x telephoto + 10MP 3x telephoto |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 12MP |
| Battery | Up to 29 hours video playback | Up to 31 hours video playback |
| USB | USB 3 up to 10Gb/s | USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1 |
| Colors | Natural Titanium, Blue Titanium, White Titanium, Black Titanium | Titanium Silver Blue, Titanium Black, Titanium White Silver, Titanium Gray, Titanium Jade Green, Jet Black, Pink Gold |
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Galaxy S25 Ultra: Price
The iPhone 15 Pro Max starts at $1,199, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra starts at $1,299.99. That creates a launch-price gap of $100.99.
The premium only makes sense if you specifically want telephoto flexibility, stronger Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy performance, up to 31 hours of video playback, and larger display from the Galaxy S25 Ultra. If not, the iPhone 15 Pro Max keeps the cleaner value case.
Winner: iPhone 15 Pro MaxiPhone 15 Pro Max vs Galaxy S25 Ultra: Design
The iPhone 15 Pro Max measures 6.29 x 3.02 x 0.32 in and weighs 221 g, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra comes in at 6.41 x 3.06 x 0.32 in and 218 g.
Galaxy S25 Ultra wins on design because it gives you the more practical physical design case.
Winner: Galaxy S25 UltraiPhone 15 Pro Max vs Galaxy S25 Ultra: Display
The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers 6.7 in, 2796 x 1290, and Adaptive up to 120Hz, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra counters with 6.9 in, 3120 x 1440, and 1-120Hz adaptive.
Galaxy S25 Ultra takes the display section because it delivers a larger 6.9 in screen and higher pixel density.
Winner: Galaxy S25 UltraiPhone 15 Pro Max vs Galaxy S25 Ultra: Performance
On paper, the iPhone 15 Pro Max runs A17 Pro, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra runs Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy. Transfer support also matters: iPhone 15 Pro Max uses USB 3 up to 10Gb/s, and Galaxy S25 Ultra uses USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1.
Galaxy S25 Ultra wins performance because it gives you stronger Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy performance.
Winner: Galaxy S25 UltraiPhone 15 Pro Max vs Galaxy S25 Ultra: Camera
The iPhone 15 Pro Max uses 48MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 12MP telephoto on the back plus a 12MP TrueDepth front camera. The Galaxy S25 Ultra counters with 200MP main + 50MP ultrawide + 50MP 5x telephoto + 10MP 3x telephoto and a 12MP selfie camera.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra has the stronger rear camera setup because of its telephoto lens and broader focal-length flexibility. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has the upgraded 12MP TrueDepth front camera. That creates a real tradeoff rather than a total camera sweep from one side. Overall, the Galaxy S25 Ultra takes the camera section once rear-camera flexibility, front-camera hardware, and video-workflow practicality are weighed together.
Winner: Galaxy S25 UltraiPhone 15 Pro Max vs Galaxy S25 Ultra: Battery
Apple lists the iPhone 15 Pro Max at Up to 29 hours video playback. Samsung lists the Galaxy S25 Ultra at Up to 31 hours video playback.
Galaxy S25 Ultra gets the battery win because its quoted video-playback figure is higher, giving it the stronger paper endurance claim.
Winner: Galaxy S25 UltraiPhone 15 Pro Max vs Galaxy S25 Ultra: Software, Storage, and Features
The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers storage up to 1TB, plus 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, Ultra Wideband. The Galaxy S25 Ultra reaches up to 1TB, plus 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, UWB.
Galaxy S25 Ultra wins this section because it gives you Wireless PowerShare, Wi-Fi 7, and S Pen.
Winner: Galaxy S25 UltraSwitching to a New Phone? Use MobileTrans to Transfer Your Data
If you are moving between the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Galaxy S25 Ultra , the practical challenge is not just choosing a winner. It is also making sure your photos, videos, messages, contacts, and app data move over cleanly without wasting time.
That is where MobileTrans - Phone Transfer can help. It is useful whether you are jumping from iPhone to Samsung, Samsung to iPhone, or just setting up a second device while keeping your files organized.
How to transfer data using MobileTrans
If you decide to upgrade to either model, moving your data can be quick and simple with MobileTrans.
Step 01
Connect Your Phones
Install MobileTrans on your computer, then click the Phone to Phone tab and connect both Phones via USB.
Step 02
Choose What to Transfer
Select the data you want to move, such as contacts, photos, messages, videos, and other important files.
Step 03
Start the Transfer
Click the transfer button and wait for the process to finish. Once done, check your new phone to make sure everything has been copied successfully.
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Galaxy S25 Ultra: Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Galaxy S25 Ultra if you want telephoto flexibility, stronger Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy performance, up to 31 hours of video playback, larger display, and S Pen.
Choose the iPhone 15 Pro Max only if you specifically care more about lower starting price of $1,199, 12MP TrueDepth front camera, smaller footprint, and MagSafe/Qi2 than about the broader value case of the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Winner: Galaxy S25 UltraFinal Verdict
Final verdict: the Galaxy S25 Ultra wins this comparison because it gives you telephoto flexibility, stronger Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy performance, up to 31 hours of video playback, larger display, and S Pen.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max still matters if you specifically want lower starting price of $1,199, 12MP TrueDepth front camera, smaller footprint, and MagSafe/Qi2, but the value scoring here favors the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
