If You Want More Versatility from Your Phone, Samsung is Still the Clear Winner

Samsung and Apple’s rivalry continues to define the flagship smartphone market in 2025. With the launch of the iPhone 17 Pro Max, comparisons with the Galaxy S25 Ultra are inevitable. While Apple’s latest offering is undeniably powerful, the S25 Ultra pulls ahead in key areas that matter most to productivity-focused and power users. Here’s why Samsung still holds the edge.

1. Superior anti-glare display

Apple introduced an anti-glare coating on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, improving visibility under direct light. Samsung flagships have had this feature for a while, and it’s visibly superior. Whether you’re outdoors under harsh sunlight or working under bright indoor lighting, the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s screen reflects less light, so you get sharp visuals nearly free of distracting reflections.

2. One UI customization and multitasking

Software flexibility has long been Samsung’s strength, and with One UI 8, the Galaxy S25 Ultra continues to outpace iOS. Samsung users can fine-tune layouts, gestures, and themes far beyond what Apple allows. The Good Lock suite adds even deeper control, letting you turn the phone into a truly personalized device. Combine that with genuine multitasking tools like split-screen apps and floating windows, and it’s clear the S25 Ultra caters to users who want their phone to adapt to them, not the other way around.

3. Galaxy AI leadership

Artificial intelligence is this generation’s defining feature, and Samsung has built Galaxy AI into the very core of the Galaxy S25 Ultra. From real-time translation in calls to AI-assisted note-taking, photo editing, and document summarization, Galaxy AI feels polished and practical. Apple Intelligence on the iPhone 17 Pro Max shows promise, but feels lacking. To be fair, it isn’t ready for prime time. Samsung’s version is broader in scope and more seamless in daily use.

4. The S Pen advantage

The S Pen continues to be a game-changer. Whether sketching ideas, annotating documents, or jotting down notes in a flash, the S Pen adds versatility that finger input can’t replicate. Its deep integration with Samsung Notes and creative apps makes the Ultra invaluable for students, professionals, and artists alike. Even for casual use, the stylus adds a unique dimension to the smartphone experience. Samsung may have removed some features this year, but the S Pen remains a tool Apple simply doesn’t have an answer for.

5. Samsung DeX for a PC-like experience

The Galaxy S25 Ultra doubles as a desktop computer thanks to Samsung DeX. By connecting the phone to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, you unlock a PC-like interface perfect for productivity tasks. Apple has kept the iPhone tied strictly to mobile use, but Samsung empowers its flagship to scale into a desktop environment, offering unmatched versatility for work and multitasking.

Both the Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro Max are cutting-edge devices, but for those who demand more from their phone, the Samsung flagship stands out as the more complete package. If this looks like your next phone, you can buy it from Samsung’s website. Meanwhile, if you plan to wait until the Galaxy S26 Ultra, sign up for our Mystery Box program to get a free box of goodies when you buy the phone early next year.