iPhone 17 Pro vs Samsung S25 Ultra: Best Flagship to Buy This Black Friday 2025?

Hey everyone,

With Black Friday 2025 just around the corner, I’m planning to upgrade my phone, and I’m torn between the iPhone 17 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Here’s what I’m considering so far:
*Both have excellent cameras, but Samsung’s 200 MP sensor and improved AI-based zoom on the S25 Ultra look tempting.
*iPhone 17 Pro’s A19 Pro chip and iOS 26 optimisations might offer smoother long-term performance.
*Samsung comes with a larger 5,000 mAh battery, the S Pen, and upgraded cooling efficiency — but it’s heavier.
*I’m looking for the best combination of performance, camera quality, battery life, and long-term value.

So, for those who’ve used either (or both):
-Which one do you think is the better buy this Black Friday?
-Any insider info or predictions on how much these might be discounted in the U.S.?
-How do the ecosystems compare for everyday use (Apple vs Samsung/Android) in 2025?

Would love to hear some real-world feedback before I decide where to spend this year’s deal money.

Thanks in advance!

This topic was modified 3 months ago by mark willium.

Sowen

Participant

October 15, 2025 at 7:24 am

The community seems split:
-Samsung S25 Ultra wins on hardware, display, customization, and battery.
-iPhone 17 Pro shines with video, performance stability, ecosystem, and design.

It’s not about which is “better” — it’s about which fits your tech lifestyle.

Cookie Jane

October 15, 2025 at 7:22 am

I’m waiting for real AI integration. Apple Intelligence is promising but limited. Samsung’s Galaxy AI already feels more practical day-to-day — translations, summaries, etc.

John Willy

October 15, 2025 at 7:20 am

Design-wise, the iPhone 17 Pro’s titanium finish feels premium. Samsung’s is sleeker but a bit too large for one-hand use. I wish Apple made a smaller Pro Max version.

Betty

October 15, 2025 at 7:19 am

Apple charging cable again! Even after switching to USB-C, it feels underwhelming when Samsung gives faster speeds and better accessories in the box.

Genelia

October 15, 2025 at 7:17 am

S25 Ultra battery is a tank. I got nearly two full days on moderate use. The iPhone 17 Pro barely makes it to the next morning for me.

Daxi

October 15, 2025 at 7:15 am

Apple wins for ecosystem hands down. My iPhone, Mac, and Watch just work together perfectly. Samsung’s ecosystem has improved but still feels disjointed at times.

Kevin

October 15, 2025 at 7:14 am

I noticed Samsung’s photos look great on the phone but sometimes a bit oversaturated on a PC. Apple’s shots stay more true to life. Not a dealbreaker, but worth noting.

Mack

October 15, 2025 at 7:13 am

I’ve used both. The S25 Ultra gives you more freedom — you can customize, tweak, and even use DeX mode. The iPhone 17 Pro feels restricted but never lags. Both are great; it depends on what you value more.

Xeyon

October 15, 2025 at 7:12 am

Samsung wins in hardware, no doubt. But iPhone’s video recording is still unbeaten — especially when editing 4K HDR clips. I work in content creation, and that workflow on iPhone is buttery smooth.

Will

October 15, 2025 at 7:11 am

The S25 Ultra feels more like a productivity tool. The S Pen is actually useful for note-taking and editing. I just can’t justify iPhone’s price when Samsung offers so many extra features.

Nick

October 15, 2025 at 6:38 am

As an Apple user for years, I must say the 17 Pro’s A19 Pro chip feels effortless. Apps open instantly, and battery management is finally good. But yeah, wish they gave us faster charging like Samsung’s 45 W.

Beatrice

October 15, 2025 at 6:36 am

I agree. The 200 MP sensor on the S25 Ultra makes zoom shots insanely detailed. But Apple’s low-light and portrait modes still feel more natural — less overprocessed.

Deno

October 15, 2025 at 6:35 am

I just tested both at my local store. The S25 Ultra’s display is unreal — super bright and fluid. Apple’s still great with color accuracy, but Samsung’s QHD+ panel with AI tone adjustment feels next level.