At long last, Apple has a new base flagship: the iPhone 17. Priced at $799, it joins the $999 iPhone Air, $1,099 iPhone 17 Pro, and $1,199 iPhone 17 Pro Max. While it is the entry-level option, it packs major upgrades such as a 120Hz ProMotion display, sharper cameras, and the fast A19 chip. Apple claims it outshines the iPhone 16 and, depending on your needs, might even rival the iPhone 17 Pro.
Naturally, the iPhone 17’s biggest competitor is the Samsung Galaxy S25, another $800 flagship. Both phones share many similarities yet appeal to different sides of the Apple–Android divide. So, how do they compare?
Display
The iPhone 17 finally gains a 120Hz ProMotion OLED display. It measures 6.3 inches with a 2,622×1,206 resolution and a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. This upgrade allows for an always-on display, smooth scrolling, and improved gaming visuals. In contrast, the Galaxy S25 offers a 6.2-inch AMOLED screen with 2,340×1,080 resolution and 2,600 nits brightness. Samsung has long used 120Hz refresh rates, so the difference comes down to sharpness and brightness.
Cameras
Samsung packs in more lenses. The Galaxy S25 has a 50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. Apple gives the iPhone 17 two strong cameras instead: a 48MP wide and a 48MP ultrawide, with 2x optical zoom. While fewer in number, the dual setup produces versatile shots and a notable leap from previous iPhones. For selfies, Apple uses an 18MP front camera, while Samsung sticks with 12MP. For video, the Galaxy can shoot 8K, whereas the iPhone maxes out at 4K.
Battery life
Apple claims the iPhone 17 lasts up to 30 hours of video playback, thanks partly to an AI-powered Adaptive Power feature in iOS 26. In real-world use, it lasts just over a day. The Galaxy S25 uses a 4,000mAh battery rated for 29 hours of playback. Testing shows it lasts about a day and a half. Both support fast charging via USB-C, but Samsung also offers wireless PowerShare to top up other devices.
Price and storage
Pricing is nearly identical, though storage differs. The iPhone 17 starts at $799 for 256GB. The Galaxy S25 costs $800 for 128GB, with 256GB available for $860. So while Samsung gives more RAM, Apple doubles the base storage.
Specs at a glance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 17 | Samsung Galaxy S25 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.3″ OLED, 120Hz, 3,000 nits | 6.2″ AMOLED, 120Hz, 2,600 nits |
| Cameras | 48MP wide, 48MP ultrawide, 18MP front | 50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto, 12MP front |
| Video | 4K at 30/60 fps | 8K at 30 fps |
| Processor | Apple A19 | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB | 128GB / 256GB |
| Battery | Up to 30 hrs playback | 4,000mAh, 29 hrs playback |
| OS | iOS 26 | Android 15 |
| Price | From $799 | From $800 |
In the end, the iPhone 17 vs Galaxy S25 battle is closer than ever. Apple leads on display brightness and base storage, while Samsung offers longer endurance and a versatile triple-camera system. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to whether you value iOS simplicity or Android flexibility.
