iPhone 17 VS Galaxy S25: Battle of the Base Models
Apple launched four new iPhones this year and each of them has their own unique offering to the market. Among them the base model, which is the iPhone 17 is making quite a buzz in the users conversations. And there’s another product that gained a lot of hype a few months ago, it’s the Galaxy S25 from Samsung.
In today’s blog I will be comparing their qualities, in terms of design, display and overall specs to better understand which one will be right for you. Without waiting any longer, let’s dive right in:
iPhone 17 vs Galaxy S25: Key Differences
Before jumping into detailed discussions, let’s take a look at a few basic differences that make both of the devices apart from each other.
| iPhone 17 | Galaxy S25 |
| 149.6mm Height | 146.9mm (Compact) |
| 177 grams Weight | 162 grams (Lighter) |
| 6.3 inches Screen Size | 6.36 inches (Smaller Screen) |
| 3692mAh | 4000mAh (Larger Battery) |
iPhone 17
- Display: 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 3000 nits peak brightness
- Chipset: Apple A19 for smooth multitasking & performance
- Rear Camera: Dual 48MP Wide + Ultrawide, cinematic video
- Front Camera: 18MP with OIS & Dolby Vision HDR
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, precise GPS tracking
iPhone 17 Vs Galaxy S25: Design & Build
| Design & Build | |
| iPhone 17 | Galaxy S25 |
| Ceramic Shield 2 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| IP68 dust and water resistance | IP68 dust and water resistance |
| Glass front (Ceramic Shield 2), aluminum frame, glass back | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front and back), Armor aluminum 2 frame |
Starting off, let’s talk about design differences among both devices. And when you look at the new iPhone 17, there is no major change from last year’s iPhone 16. You also get around 177 grams of weight and 149.6mm of height, which is quite compact enough to hold. But when you look at Galaxy S25, it’s more compact and handy in front of iPhone 17 at just 146.9mm height and 7.2mm thickness. You also feel lighter with Galaxy S25 with just 162 grams weight, which is around 15 grams lighter compared to Apple’s iPhone 17.
In terms of built materials, both iPhone 17 and Galaxy S25 come with an aluminum frame for lighter design, and both of them are protected with glass protection for front and rear.
iPhone 17 Vs Galaxy S25: Display
| Display Differences | |
| iPhone 17 | Galaxy S25 |
| 6.3-inch | 6.2-inch |
| LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Up to 3000 peak brightness | Up to 2600 peak brightness |
| HDR10 | HDR10+ |
Moving on to the display section, both devices came with smaller screen sizes than their pro/ ultra models.
In iPhone 17, you get ProMotion, a newly added feature, thanks to Apple. The display is larger too compared to Galaxy S25 with 6.3-inch. Peak brightness in iPhone goes higher as well with up to 3000 nits while Galaxy gives you bright enough with 2,600 nits. With just an inch difference with iPhone 17, Apple wins the round in the display section.
Both the devices have excellent display technology as well, the iPhone has LTPO OLED and the Galaxy S25 has LTPS AMOLED 2X, meaning you will definitely get an optimized battery from both the devices.
Read More: iPhone 17 VS Galaxy S25 Ultra
iPhone 17 Vs Galaxy S25: Camera
| Camera Comparison | |
| iPhone 17 | Galaxy S25 |
| Dual Fusion Camera (48MP+48MP) | Triple Camera (50MP+10MP+12MP) |
| 4K Rear Recording | 8K Rear Recording |
| 18MP Front, 4K Recording | 12MP Front, 4K Recording |
The camera is a vital part of these devices. And based on the table info mentioned above, you can clearly see why Galaxy S25 is the winner in camera round.
In terms of iPhone 17, you only get a dual fusion camera with a newly added center stage feature. While the ultrawide lens is improved from 12MP to 18MP in the front camera. Recording power remained the same as usual with 4K recording for both back and rear.
In comparison, the Galaxy S25 has a triple camera lens and a dedicated telephoto lens, to capture distant photos better. Recording resolution capability is higher too in front of Apple, with 8K recording for the rear lens. For the front, there is a 12MP wide lens with 4K recording, which is similar to Apple’s. So yeah, the camera round goes to Samsung due to higher recording capability and extra lens.
iPhone 17 Vs Galaxy S25: Performance
| Performance | |
| iPhone 17 | Galaxy S25 |
| Apple A19, Hexa-core | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) |
| Up to 512GB + 8GB RAM | Up to 512GB + 12GB RAM |
| Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth v6.0 | NFC | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth v5.4 | NFC |
Moving on to the performance section, each device has their amazing processor inside to offer the best performance.
In terms of iPhone 17, you will be getting the A19 chip with hexa-core processing power. Which gives you as much as 4.26Ghz processing for running apps. For memory get up to 512GB storage and up to 8GB RAM, giving you quicker multitasking and hassle-free gaming. There’s also the latest connectivity, which gives you faster download and upload speed and better Bluetooth technology.
On the other hand, Galaxy S25 comes with Qualcomm’s best chip in town, the Snapdragon 8 Elite 3, which comes with octa-core processing power to provide incredible performance for tasks. And this chipset has the power to give you 4.47Ghz processing, surpassing iPhone 17’s processing power. Meaning it has better processing performance compared to the latest iPhone 17.
Galaxy S25 5G
- Camera: Capture stunning photos & videos even in low light
- Performance: Smooth multitasking for apps & games
- Display: Bright colors with smooth scrolling
- Battery: All-day power with fast charging
- AI Features: Smart suggestions for daily tasks
- Audio: Dolby Atmos & AKG-tuned stereo speakers
iPhone 17 Vs Galaxy S25: Software & OS
| UI & OS | |
| iPhone 17 | Galaxy S25 |
| iOS 26 | Liquid Glass | Android 15 | One UI 7 |
| 5-6 Years | 7 Years |
| Apple Intelligence | Galaxy AI |
Software and OS experience is very different, as I’m talking about two different ecosystems here. It’s the Apple’s iPhone 17 and Android king Samsung Galaxy S25.
In Apple’s iPhone 17, there’s the all new iOS 26, which introduces Liquid Glass, creating glossy reflections across themes, widgets and icons for a premium feel. Apple typically delivers five to six years of updates, so iPhone 17 should also receive several years of reliable software support.
On the other hand, in Galaxy S25, the One UI 7 on Android 15 integrates Galaxy AI, enabling Gemini calls, Circle-to-Search, reminders, pro writing and quick video editing. Samsung now confidently provides seven years of OS updates for Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy S25.
Read More: iPhone 17 VS iPhone Air
iPhone 17 Vs Galaxy S25 : Battery Life
| Battery | |
| iPhone 17 | Galaxy S25 |
| 3692mAh | 4000mAh |
| Wired, PD3.2, AVS | 25W Wired, PD3.0 |
| 25W MagSafe/Qi2 | 15W Wireless (Qi2) |
| 4.5W reverse wireless | 4.5W reverse wireless |
Lastly let’s talk about battery life of both the devices. And you will be happy to know that these two devices are ready to give you a day’s power without worrying about charging.
In terms of iPhone 17, there’s a decent 3692mAh capacity inside, which gives you 30 hours of video playback smoothly. Enough time to watch a few episodes of your favorite tv-shows. Charging is similar to pro models, you get a PD3.2 charging speed. There’s also 25W MagSafe support and 4.5W reverse wireless to charge other accessories.
In comparison, the Galaxy S25 comes with a larger 4000mAh capacity, which gives you more than a day’s power in minimum usage. Obviously, you will get a few hours of extra power compared to the iPhone 17. Charging speed is about 25W fast charging, 15W wireless and 4.5W reverse wireless capability.
Overall Specs
Here is both device’s technical information for a better overview of the iPhone 17 specification against the Galaxy S25’s specs:
| Specs | iPhone 17 | Galaxy S25 |
| Display | 6.3’’ | 1206 x 2622 | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | 120Hz | 3000 nits | 6.2’’ | 1080 x 2340 | Dynamic LTPS AMOLED 2X | 120Hz | 2600 nits |
| Body | Dimensions: 149.6 x 71.5 x 8 mm | Weight: 177 grams | 146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2 mm | Weight: 162 grams |
| Main Camera | 48MP (wide) | 48MP (Ultrawide) | Video: 4K | 50MP (Wide) | 10MP (Telephoto) | 12MP (Ultrawide) | Video: 8K |
| Front Camera | 18MP (Ultrawide) | Video: 4K | 12MP (Wide) | Video: 4K |
| Processor | Apple A19 (3nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| CPU | Hexa-core | Octa-core |
| Memory | 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| Audio | Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers |
| Battery | 3,692mAh | PD3.2 Wired | AVS | 25W MagSafe/Qi2 Wireless | 4.5W reverse wireless | 4,000mAh | 25W Wired | 15W wireless (Qi2) | 4.5W reverse wireless |
| Sensors | Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7 | Bluetooth v6.0 | NFC:Yes | Wi-Fi 7 | Bluetooth v5.4 | NFC: Yes |
Verdict
So that’s about it all guys, now you have a better idea which device to pick, whether it’s the iPhone 17 or Galaxy S25. Each of the devices has its own perks, and they will obviously amaze you with their unique features.
It goes down to your personal choices, if you are already in Apple’s ecosystem, then go for the iPhone 17 which comes with improved processing, better display with ProMotion and upgraded battery life than last year’s iPhone. And if you are someone who is good with Samsung’s One UI and loves the Android freedom as always you did, then go for the Galaxy S25, which has the flagship processor like the rest of the Ultra Galaxy does and the best camera in town.
As always, stay tuned to Apple Gadgets blog page to remain updated about latest smartphone and gadgets reviews. Buy your preffered gadgets at Apple Gadgets today & enjoy hasssle free delivery around any location.
Rabbi Rahman enjoys talking about tech, gadgets and especially smartphones. He’s been writing about them for four years . His favorite topic is discussing innovations in devices, engaging in conversations with others who share his passion for technology.
