PhoneLifespan

iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Galaxy S25+

vs

It depends

Too close to call outright

These two are within 4 points overall — it genuinely depends on price on the day. The iPhone 17 Pro Max edges both longevity and performance, so prefer it when prices are close.

Value Score: iPhone 17 Pro Max 69 · Galaxy S25+ 73 methodology

The lifespan decider

When specs are close, support length decides it — this is what each phone costs per month of safe use.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max $1199
Safe to buy$15.94/mo
2025◆ Buy-by Sep 20302032
Samsung Galaxy S25+ $849
Safe to buy$12.52/mo
2025◆ Buy-by Feb 20302032

Category by category

Display
iPhone 17 Pro Max 90Galaxy S25+ 100

The Galaxy S25+'s screen is the better one — 6.7-inch dynamic amoled 2x, qhd+ (3120×1440), 1–120hz, up to 2600 nits.

Performance
iPhone 17 Pro Max 100Galaxy S25+ 98

Performance is a wash — same chip tier.

Camera
iPhone 17 Pro Max 74Galaxy S25+ 79

The Galaxy S25+ has the stronger camera system — same lens count, higher-grade sensors.

Battery
iPhone 17 Pro Max 82Galaxy S25+ 78

5,088mAh vs 4,900mAh — the iPhone 17 Pro Max lasts longer between charges.

Software longevity
iPhone 17 Pro Max 90Galaxy S25+ 81

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is supported until Sep 2032 — 7 months longer than the Galaxy S25+.

Value
iPhone 17 Pro Max 69Galaxy S25+ 73

Overall value goes to the Galaxy S25+ at $12.52 per month of safe use.

Full spec table
SpeciPhone 17 Pro MaxGalaxy S25+
Price (street)$1199$849
Display6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, ProMotion 1–120Hz, up to 3000 nits peak6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, QHD+ (3120×1440), 1–120Hz, up to 2600 nits
ChipsetApple A19 ProSnapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
RAM12GB12GB
Storage256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB256GB/512GB
Battery5,088 mAh4,900 mAh
ChargingWired fast charge — 50% in ~20 min with a 40W+ adapter; MagSafe wireless up to 25W (Qi2.2)45W wired, 15W wireless
Rear cameras48MP main, 48MP ultra-wide, 48MP telephoto 4x50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto 3x
Dimensions163.4 × 78 × 8.75 mm158.4 × 75.8 × 7.3 mm
Weight233 g190 g
Water resistanceIP68IP68
Supported untilSep 2032Feb 2032

Scores and verdicts are computed from our verified database — see exactly how. Specs from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers.