Why I Ordered the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Instead of Upgrading to the iPhone 17 Pro Max
Introduction
Every year, Apple and Samsung battle it out for the top smartphone spot. Normally, I’ve been firmly in the iPhone camp — my current daily driver is the iPhone 16 Pro Max. But after watching Apple’s latest event and comparing it to what Samsung is doing with the Galaxy S25 Ultra, I made the decision to switch. Here’s exactly why I Ordered the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Instead of the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Apple’s Event Felt Underwhelming
The iPhone 17 Pro Max looks sleek, but this year’s Apple event left me wanting more. The biggest headline seemed to be a new bright orange titanium color. For some, that’s exciting, but I’ve never been into flashy colorways. I stick to black, silver, or blue — colors that feel timeless and professional.
Other than color, the upgrades felt minor. Sure, there’s a small camera tweak like recording in landscape while holding the phone upright, but honestly? I don’t mind rotating my phone for video. That feature alone isn’t worth $1,200+.
Samsung’s S25 Ultra Feels More Innovative
On the other side, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra packs features that actually change how I use my phone day to day.
- LDAC Codec for Music: As someone with multiple pairs of high-end headphones, I want the best wireless audio possible. The S25 Ultra supports LDAC, delivering near-lossless sound. Apple’s Bluetooth audio still feels capped and limited.
- Built-in EQ: Samsung gives you an adjustable equalizer with presets for hip-hop, electronic, jazz, and more. Apple’s EQ is barebones, and honestly, switching settings there feels like it barely changes the sound. For me, music is personal, and the S25 gives me that control.
- Galaxy AI: Samsung’s AI tools are miles ahead of Siri and Apple Intelligence. Apple teased AI features, but most won’t even roll out until later. Samsung is already delivering practical AI tools today — from text summarization to photo editing and real-time translation.
Cameras – A Toss-Up with a Twist
I’ll admit it — when comparing iPhone and Samsung cameras side by side, the iPhone still produces slightly more natural results, especially in video. But here’s my weird take: I actually look better in Samsung photos. No filters, no extra processing — just how it renders me. It’s subtle, but I noticed it right away, and it matters when you’re snapping pics daily.
Display Quality
Both phones have incredible screens, but in different ways:
- Watching YouTube on the iPhone 16 Pro Max still feels raw and cinematic, almost like a perfectly tuned cinema screen.
- On the Samsung, the screen feels cleaner and sharper overall. It’s bright, smooth, and makes the UI feel more high-definition than iOS.
Neither is a loser here, but Samsung edges it for sheer clarity.
Small Design Details That Matter
- Dynamic Island vs Small Camera Cutout: Apple’s Dynamic Island is functional, but visually it’s always there. Samsung’s tiny punch-hole camera is much less distracting.
- Case or No Case?: I think the iPhone looks better without a case — sleek titanium feels premium. But once you put both in cases, the Galaxy looks more business-savvy and professional.
Why the S25 Ultra Just Made More Sense
At the end of the day, the iPhone 17 Pro Max feels like a minor refresh with flashy marketing. The Samsung S25 Ultra, on the other hand, feels like true innovation in the areas I actually care about — music, AI, customization, and usability.
If I were a frequent flyer, maybe I’d stick with Apple for its smoother video camera. But I’m not. I use my phone for music, daily tasks, photos, and productivity. The S25 Ultra checks more boxes for me right now, and that’s why I chose it over the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is a gorgeous device, but it feels like an upgrade for people who want to show they have the latest iPhone. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, meanwhile, gives me practical, everyday innovations that improve how I use my phone. For me, that’s the clear winner.
Verdict: iPhone 17 Pro Max plays it safe, but the Galaxy S25 Ultra moves the game forward.
Check out my iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Pro Max comparison
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