iPhone 17 vs Galaxy S25: Comparing the Standard Models
Apple’s iPhone 17 and Samsung’s Galaxy S25 are two of the most anticipated smartphones of 2025. Both represent the entry models in their flagship series, and even though they don’t carry the “Pro” label, they pack powerful hardware, refined designs, and high-end features. Here’s a full breakdown of how they compare across design, performance, cameras, battery, and software.
Key Takeaways
- iPhone 17: Faster charging, stronger wireless charging, more base storage, unique 18 MP front camera.
- Galaxy S25: Lighter, more RAM, triple-lens with optical zoom, reverse wireless charging, AI features.
- Both: Premium design, IP68 rating, 5G, Wi-Fi 7, and flagship-level performance.
Design and Build
iPhone 17: Measures 149.6 × 71.5 × 7.95 mm mm and weighs about 177 g. It uses Apple’s new Ceramic Shield 2 glass with anti-reflective coating for better durability and outdoor visibility. The body maintains Apple’s flat-edge design with premium aluminum framing.
Galaxy S25: Slightly more compact at 146.9 × 70.5 × 7.2 mm and lighter at 162 g. Samsung equips it with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for front and back protection, paired with an aluminum frame.
Verdict: The iPhone feels a bit heavier and solid, while the Galaxy S25 is thinner and lighter, making it more comfortable for one-handed use.
Display
iPhone 17: Sports a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with 120 Hz ProMotion refresh rate. The always-on display is now available even in the non-Pro model, delivering brighter visuals and smoother scrolling.
Galaxy S25: Features a 6.2-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X screen with 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate. It adjusts dynamically to save battery life when not needed.
Verdict: Both are nearly identical in smoothness and clarity, but the iPhone offers slightly more screen area while the Galaxy’s adaptive LTPO panel may use less power.
Performance and Hardware
iPhone 17: Powered by the Apple A19 chip, built on an advanced 3 nm process. It is optimized for performance per watt, making it efficient and powerful for gaming, multitasking, and AI-driven tasks. RAM is 8 GB.
Galaxy S25: Runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (for Galaxy), Samsung’s customized top-tier processor. It delivers excellent AI and multitasking power, with 12 GB of RAM in the standard model.
Storage options:
iPhone 17: 256 GB and 512 GB (no 128 GB option).
Galaxy S25: 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB.
Verdict: Samsung wins on RAM and flexibility, while Apple ensures more generous base storage.
Cameras
iPhone 17: Features a dual 48MP camera system, which includes a Fusion Main sensor that offers a 2x optical-quality zoom by cropping its center, along with a new 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide camera. On the front, it sports an 18MP "Center Stage" camera with a square sensor that allows for flexible, auto-adjusting shots in both portrait and landscape orientation.
Galaxy S25: Features a triple-lens rear system, consisting of a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The front camera is a 12MP sensor that, while capable, is generally considered less innovative than Apple’s new front-facing sensor for features like video calls.
Verdict: Samsung has more lens variety and real optical zoom, while Apple innovates on the front camera for creative use.
Battery and Charging
iPhone 17: The battery size is approximately 3,692 mAh. It supports fast wired charging up to 40W via a USB-C port and 25W wireless charging with Qi2 and MagSafe.
Galaxy S25: Features a 4,000 mAh battery that supports 25W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. The reverse wireless charging feature, called Wireless PowerShare, allows the phone to charge earbuds or other devices.
Verdict: The Galaxy S25 has the bigger battery and can share power wirelessly, but the iPhone charges much faster through cable and has stronger wireless charging standards.
Software and Features
iPhone 17: Ships with iOS 26, with a focus on integration across Apple’s ecosystem. It continues with Face ID for biometric security. Apple has also expanded AI-assisted features, but in a more privacy-focused, on-device manner.
Galaxy S25: Runs Android 15 with One UI 7, bringing Samsung’s Galaxy AI tools deeply into the phone - including live translation, AI photo editing, and productivity features. It uses an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for unlocking.
Other shared features:
Both phones support 5G, Wi-Fi 7, NFC, and carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
iPhone models in many regions are eSIM-only, while the Galaxy S25 retains a physical SIM slot in addition to eSIM, depending on the market.
Verdict: iOS is polished and seamless with other Apple devices, while One UI on the Galaxy offers more customization and advanced AI-driven tools.
Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?
- Choose the iPhone 17 if you want faster charging, stronger wireless charging, more base storage, and advanced front camera tech. It’s also ideal if you’re already in Apple’s ecosystem and want smooth integration with Macs, iPads, or Apple Watch.
- Choose the Galaxy S25 if you prefer a lighter and thinner design, need more RAM, want true optical zoom photography, and appreciate AI-driven features that boost productivity and creativity.
Both phones deliver premium experiences at the standard level, and the choice really comes down to whether you value Apple’s ecosystem advantages or Samsung’s flexibility and AI strength.
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FAQs
Q. Will the iPhone 17 be very different?
A. Yes, it’s different with a slightly larger display, faster charging, better front camera, and more base storage compared to older iPhones.
Q. What are the main differences between Samsung and iPhone?
A. Samsung offers more RAM, optical zoom, lighter design, and stronger AI features. iPhone focuses on faster charging, tighter ecosystem, and smoother software.
Q. What new features are on the iPhone 17?
A. New 6.3-inch OLED with 120 Hz, 18 MP square front camera, faster 40–60 W charging, and 256 GB starting storage.
Q. What are the disadvantages of iPhone over Samsung?
A. No optical zoom, less RAM, smaller battery, heavier design, and usually higher starting price.