Source: Aluby Compare
The long-standing rivalry between Apple and Samsung continues to heat up as we approach the release of two of 2025’s most anticipated smartphones: the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. These devices represent the pinnacle of each brand’s innovation—Apple pushing boundaries with cutting-edge materials and AI-driven software, and Samsung redefining smartphone design with its ever-evolving foldable lineup.
In this early comparison, we’ll explore everything we know so far about these upcoming flagships—from design and display to performance, camera, and more. Whether you’re an Apple loyalist, a Galaxy enthusiast, or a curious buyer, this in-depth breakdown will help you understand which phone could be the better fit in 2025.
Design & Build Quality
iPhone 17 Pro Max: Apple is rumoured to continue using its premium titanium frame introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro series, enhancing both durability and elegance. Early leaks suggest even thinner bezels, a sleeker profile, and a refined matte glass finish that resists fingerprints and scratches. Apple’s focus seems to be on incremental design improvements that improve ergonomics while maintaining its iconic flat-edged silhouette.
Galaxy Z Fold 7: Samsung, on the other hand, is doubling down on its foldable form factor. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is expected to be slimmer than its predecessor, with a lighter chassis and a more durable waterdrop hinge that reduces screen creasing. Samsung might also introduce a dust resistance rating in a Fold device, addressing one of the major criticisms of previous models.
Verdict: While Apple stays true to its refined aesthetics, Samsung’s design evolution offers a more futuristic and versatile experience. If innovation in form is what you’re after, the Fold 7 takes the lead.
Display Technology
iPhone 17 Pro Max: Expect a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR LTPO OLED panel with 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, Always-On Display, and support for HDR10 and Dolby Vision. Apple may further improve peak brightness and introduce more efficient power consumption using advanced OLED manufacturing techniques.
Galaxy Z Fold 7: Samsung is rumoured to use an upgraded 7.6-inch QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X inner display with a 120Hz refresh rate, along with a 6.2-inch cover screen that also supports 120Hz. The crease will reportedly be less visible due to advancements in Samsung’s Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) technology. The Fold 7’s screen is expected to support HDR10+ and adaptive colour tone mapping.
Verdict: If you’re a fan of multitasking and immersive experiences, the Fold 7’s expansive foldable display provides unmatched screen real estate. However, the iPhone 17 Pro Max will still appeal to those who prefer a more traditional, highly refined display.
Performance & Chipset
iPhone 17 Pro Max: Apple is set to debut the powerful A19 Pro chip, built on a 3nm process by TSMC. This chip is expected to deliver significant performance boosts, improved GPU capabilities, and energy efficiency. One of the biggest draws will be deeper integration with Apple Intelligence, Apple’s suite of AI-powered features for productivity, creativity, and personalization.
Galaxy Z Fold 7: Samsung’s Fold 7 is likely to ship with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 for Galaxy, optimized for better thermal management and power efficiency. In some markets, it may come with the Exynos 2500, but this hasn’t been confirmed. Early benchmarks show promising multi-core performance gains, particularly in AI-driven tasks.
Verdict: Apple might take the crown in raw power and energy efficiency, while Samsung’s hardware flexibility and enhanced AI processing could narrow the gap significantly.
Camera Comparison
iPhone 17 Pro Max: Leaked specs suggest a triple-lens setup: a 48MP wide, a 12MP ultra-wide, and a new 12MP periscope telephoto with up to 6x optical zoom. Apple is expected to double down on computational photography, with enhancements in Night Mode, Smart HDR 6, and 4K Cinematic Mode.
Galaxy Z Fold 7: Samsung will likely use a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x zoom. Additionally, it may feature an under-display selfie camera on the foldable screen and a 10MP front camera on the cover screen. Samsung is also rumoured to improve 8K video recording and Super Night Shot capabilities.
Verdict: Apple is focused on quality and simplicity, while Samsung offers versatility and innovation. The winner may come down to how you use your camera—point-and-shoot simplicity vs high-end editing flexibility.
Software & Ecosystem
iOS 19: The iPhone 17 Pro Max will run iOS 19, featuring Apple Intelligence for on-device AI tasks, enhanced Siri, and tighter integration with the Apple ecosystem (Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods). iOS is known for its stability, timely updates, and superior app optimization.
One UI 7 / Android 15: Samsung’s Fold 7 will run One UI 7, built on Android 15, optimized for multitasking and large-screen foldables. Expect features like split-screen multitasking, drag-and-drop, Samsung DeX, and deeper integration with Galaxy Buds, Watch, and SmartThings.
Verdict: iOS continues to excel in seamlessness and security, but One UI offers more flexibility and customization, especially for power users who love productivity features.
Battery Life & Charging
iPhone 17 Pro Max: Battery capacity is expected to rise slightly, likely exceeding 4,500mAh, with improved efficiency due to the A19 chip. The phone will support MagSafe wireless charging and possibly faster wired charging via USB-C.
Galaxy Z Fold 7: The Fold 7 will feature a 4,800mAh battery, supporting 45W wired charging, 25W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging. Foldables have historically struggled with battery life, but optimization in One UI 7 could help.
Verdict: Apple may win in endurance due to better optimization, while Samsung impresses with its charging versatility.
Storage & RAM
iPhone 17 Pro Max: Apple is rumoured to offer storage options from 256GB to 1TB, with 8GB or 12GB RAM. Its proprietary NVMe storage ensures rapid data access, benefiting video editing and large file handling.
Galaxy Z Fold 7: Samsung may launch the Fold 7 with 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB variants, paired with 12GB or 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage for ultra-fast performance.
Verdict: Samsung offers more RAM for heavy multitasking, but Apple’s memory management is famously efficient, minimizing the need for excessive RAM.
Price & Availability
iPhone 17 Pro Max: Expected starting price: $1,199. Launch timeline: September 2025, following Apple’s traditional release schedule. Available globally within weeks.
Galaxy Z Fold 7: Expected price: $1,799. Launch timeline: August 2025, likely announced at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked. Availability may vary slightly by region.
Verdict: The Fold 7 is significantly more expensive, but it offers a foldable display and added versatility. Apple’s pricing, while premium, is more mainstream for a flagship.
Pros & Cons
| Feature | iPhone 17 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Premium titanium, refined look | Futuristic foldable, lighter hinge |
| Display | Excellent OLED with ProMotion | Dual-screen foldable, immersive |
| Performance | A19 Pro, efficient & powerful | Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, AI heavy |
| Camera | High-end photography, periscope zoom | Under-display selfie, 8K video |
| Software | iOS 19, Apple Intelligence | Android 15, multitasking king |
| Battery | Efficient with MagSafe | Versatile charging, big battery |
| Price | ~$1,199 | ~$1,799 |
Early Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose the iPhone 17 Pro Max if you want a solid, dependable flagship with top-tier performance, better ecosystem synergy (especially with other Apple products), and excellent camera quality.
- Choose the Galaxy Z Fold 7 if you’re looking for next-gen design, multitasking capabilities, and the flexibility of two screens in one device.
In essence, the iPhone 17 Pro Max excels in polish and consistency, while the Galaxy Z Fold 7 pushes the envelope with innovation and versatility.
Conclusion
As we look forward to the launch of the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, it’s clear that both phones will dominate the premium segment in their ways. The iPhone remains the go-to for reliable performance and ecosystem integration, while Samsung’s Fold 7 offers a glimpse into the future of mobile computing.
Whether you value traditional excellence or daring innovation, 2025 will offer something truly remarkable, regardless of which side you choose.
Stay tuned for more updates as the official announcements near, and don’t forget to subscribe or bookmark this page for the latest news!
FAQs
Will iPhone 17 Pro Max have USB-C?
Yes, Apple is expected to continue using USB-C after transitioning with the iPhone 15 lineup.
Does the Galaxy Z Fold 7 still have a visible crease?
Leaks suggest the crease will be significantly less noticeable, thanks to a new hinge mechanism.
Which phone is better for gaming?
Both are excellent, but the iPhone’s A19 chip might offer better thermal efficiency, while the Fold 7 offers a larger screen for immersive play.
Which phone has better battery life?
iPhones typically outperform due to iOS optimization, though the Fold 7 is catching up thanks to software enhancements.