Apple's iPhone 17 vs. Samsung's Galaxy S25: Comparing Base Flagships
Apple and Samsung recently refreshed their entry-level smartphones, presenting a great opportunity to compare their latest flagships.
Apple iPhone 17 Overview
Apple launched the iPhone 17 in September, starting at $799 for the base model. It is sold alongside the $999 iPhone Air, $1,099 iPhone 17 Pro, and $1,199 iPhone 17 Pro Max. Despite being the entry-level model, the iPhone 17 offers significant enhancements, including:
- 120Hz ProMotion display
- Upgraded camera system
- Faster A19 chip
Our review highlights that the iPhone 17 delivers substantial improvements over the iPhone 16 and may even be preferable to the iPhone 17 Pro for some users.
Since launch, the iPhone 17 has received iOS 26.1, which allows customization of the Liquid Glass aesthetic along with other minor improvements.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Overview
The Samsung Galaxy S25, one of the iPhone 17's main rivals, offers similar specs and strong performance on the Android side.
It recently received an Android 16 update and Samsung’s One UI 8, which introduces AI-driven personalization and a user interface optimized for various form factors. Insights on One UI 8 can be found in the Galaxy Z Flip 7 review.
Comparison Summary
- Both phones represent the best base models of their brands with competitive features.
- Choice largely depends on user preference for iOS or Android ecosystems.
- Both benefit from recent software updates enhancing user experience and customization.
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Author's summary: The iPhone 17 and Galaxy S25 are impressive base flagship phones, offering users solid upgrades and updates, with the final choice driven by platform preference.