Apple and Samsung have been waging a relentless battle for the title of the best camera phone in the world for over a decade. In 2025, new protagonists entered the market: the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Both have an arsenal of sensors, megapixels, and artificial intelligence that would have sounded like science fiction just a few years ago. But the question that interests most users is simple: which phone has the better camera?
Which phone has the better camera?
Samsung once again pulled out breathtaking numbers from his sleeve: 200-megapixel main camera, and next to it, two telephoto modules (3× and 5×) and an ultra-wide sensor. Apple appears more modest on paper – 48-megapixel sensor with improved processing and a new tetraprism telephoto lens that delivers 4x optical zoom.
In practice, however, numbers are not everything. iPhone 17 Pro Max is at naturalness of colors and consistency of details much more reliable. Photos are realistic, skin tones remain natural, tree leaves don't turn fluorescent green. Samsung is more vibrant and contrasty - which impresses at first glance, but often loses subtle textures upon closer inspection.
Zoom: Samsung's power and Apple's elegance - which phone has the better camera
Zoom is an area where Samsung has traditionally felt at home. 5× optical zoom and additional digital capabilities allow it to capture details of distant objects that are barely noticeable on the iPhone. If you're looking for the best phone for taking pictures of the moon, birds, or stadiums, this is it. S25 Ultra still king.
Apple is back in the game with a new 48 MP telephoto sensor, which achieves "only" 4x optical zoom, but provides a smoother experience when switching between focal lengths and, above all, better quality in low light. Samsung can quickly lose detail in this area and add too much noise.
Portraits: DSLR-effect in your pocket – which phone has the better camera
Apple is at portraits made a noticeable leap. The new processing brings more detail, better sharpness and more accurate separation of the background from the subject. The result is a blur that is closer to DSLRs than ever before. Samsung still offers more “Instagrammer” colors and contrast, but it often lags behind in details – such as the structure of fabric or the naturalness of skin.
If you're looking for a phone for professional portrait use, the iPhone has the edge. But if you want to quickly share fun, colorful photos, the Samsung will appeal to many.
Video: tradition versus innovation
When it comes to video, the iPhone has long been the industry standard. Stabilization, reliable color reproduction and smooth recording are still the reason why professional content creators use it too. iPhone 17 Pro Max It doesn't disappoint here – the footage is stable, the colors are predictable, and the processing is fast.
Samsung, however, has one advantage that Apple still doesn't have: recording in 8K. This isn't a feature the average user will use every day, but for content creators it means a lot of flexibility when it comes to trimming and editing. In terms of color, the S25 Ultra is often not so consistent - green grass is lemon-bright one time, almost black the next.
Low light: who is better at navigating in the dark?
Night photography has been a battleground for both brands for generations. This time, the iPhone wins, with poor light brings more natural details and less noise. Portraits at night are noticeably better, colors remain closer to reality. Samsung can boast a stronger dynamic range in certain night scenes (e.g. bright signs), but often in the desire for sharpness it invents details that are not really there.
Front camera: Apple raises the bar
Selfies and vlogs are an area where Apple is clearly leading this year. Wide angle, better stabilization, and the ability to shoot in landscape mode without physically turning the phone are great innovations. Samsung remains solid, but without major improvements – and in a direct comparison, it loses.
Final verdict: Which phone has the better camera?
To summarize:
- iPhone 17 Pro Max victory in reliability, color accuracy, portraits, night photography and vloggingThis is a phone that will almost always take a predictably good photo or video, suitable for more serious use as well.
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra but he is still the champion at zoom, 8K video and colorful photos, which are perfect for sharing on social media.
So which one is better? If you want the universally best mobile camera for everyday use, the answer is iPhone 17 Pro MaxBut if you're drawn to extremes – be it zoom, mega-megapixels or vibrant colors – then you'll be Galaxy S25 Ultra entertained more than any other phone.
Which phone has the better camera? This is a tale of two philosophies: Apple's focus on precision and consistency, while Samsung's focus on power and spectacle. And perhaps the real winner is the user, who can now choose between two phones that already surpass the limits of classic cameras.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Which phone has a better camera for everyday use – iPhone 17 Pro Max or Samsung S25 Ultra?
iPhone 17 Pro Max. With more reliable processing, natural colors, and stable image quality, it's better for all-purpose use, from family photos to vlogging.
2. Is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra really better for zoom photography?
Yes. The S25 Ultra has a 5x optical zoom and additional telephoto lenses, which gives it an advantage when capturing distant objects. However, the iPhone 17 Pro Max offers better zoom quality in low light.
3. Which phone is better for recording video?
For most users, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is better due to its stabilization, consistent colors, and ease of use. The Samsung, on the other hand, allows for 8K recording, which is a plus for creators who want the most editing flexibility.
4. How do both phones perform in night photography?
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is better at night portraits and preserving natural details without too much noise. The Samsung has stronger dynamic range in very bright night scenes, but sometimes overdoes the processing.
5. Which phone is better for selfies and video calls?
iPhone 17 Pro Max. Its front camera has a wider angle, better stabilization, and allows you to shoot in landscape mode without rotating the device. The Samsung S25 Ultra is good, but falls behind a bit in a direct comparison.
