As of mid-2025, Apple commanded a market share of 49% in the U.S., while Samsung held 31%, leaving limited space for other brands. The two leading models from these companies, the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, both start with configurations of 256GB storage and 12GB RAM. However, the iPhone offers up to 2TB of storage, doubling the S25 Ultra's maximum capacity, while the latter can be equipped with 16GB of RAM.
Pricing for the S25 Ultra begins at $1,049.99, whereas the iPhone starts at $1,199, placing both devices above the $1,000 threshold. A significant feature of the S25 Ultra is its integrated stylus, which enhances precision for tasks involving smaller user interface elements and offers unique functionalities like screen writing for quick notes. Additionally, the S25 Ultra retains a physical SIM slot, allowing for easy phone line transfers, unlike Apple's newer models that only support eSIM.
The choice between these two premium smartphones ultimately depends on user preference for operating systems, though many might find the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra to be the more advantageous option due to its lower price and additional features.