Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: The Ultimate Flagship Battle

Every year, the smartphone industry pushes the limits of performance, design, and innovation. 2025 is no different, as three heavyweights go head-to-head: Google Pixel 10 Pro XL, Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max, and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Each brand has brought its finest technology to the table, making the choice tougher than ever for premium buyers.

Let’s break down their differences in design, display, performance, cameras, battery, software, and overall value so you can decide which flagship suits you best.

Design and Build

The three phones follow their brand’s unique design philosophy. The Pixel 10 Pro XL adopts a refined matte glass back with a smaller, sleeker camera visor compared to last year. Apple continues its titanium frame journey, making the iPhone 17 Pro Max both premium and durable, while Samsung pushes bold curves and ultra-slim bezels with the S25 Ultra.

Pixel 10 Pro XL: Lightweight matte finish, new eco-friendly materials.
iPhone 17 Pro Max: Aerospace-grade titanium, flat edges.
Galaxy S25 Ultra: Curved design, Gorilla Armor Glass protection.

Display Comparison

Feature	Pixel 10 Pro XL	iPhone 17 Pro Max	Galaxy S25 Ultra
Size	6.8-inch OLED	6.9-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED	6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution	3120 × 1440 (QHD )	3200 × 1440 (QHD )	3200 × 1440 (QHD )
Refresh Rate	1–144Hz adaptive	1–120Hz adaptive	1–144Hz adaptive
Brightness	3000 nits peak	2800 nits peak	3500 nits peak

Samsung still leads in brightness, but all three offer sharp, fluid displays perfect for gaming, media, and productivity.

Performance and Hardware

Performance this year is neck-and-neck.

Pixel 10 Pro XL comes with Google Tensor G5, optimized for AI-driven tasks, image processing, and efficiency.
iPhone 17 Pro Max introduces A19 Bionic chip, leading in raw performance and power efficiency.
Galaxy S25 Ultra uses Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 (for global markets), excelling in gaming and multitasking.

Component	Pixel 10 Pro XL	iPhone 17 Pro Max	Galaxy S25 Ultra
Processor	Google Tensor G5	Apple A19 Bionic	Snapdragon 8 Gen 5
RAM	12GB / 16GB	8GB / 12GB	12GB / 16GB
Storage Options	256GB / 512GB / 1TB	256GB / 512GB / 1TB	256GB / 512GB / 1TB
GPU	Immersive AI GPU	Apple-designed 6-core	Adreno Gen 9 GPU

Camera System

Cameras have become the biggest selling point, and here’s where things get interesting.

Pixel 10 Pro XL: Computational photography is king. Triple setup with 200MP main sensor, ultra-wide, and telephoto. Best for AI-enhanced low light.
iPhone 17 Pro Max: Balanced approach with 48MP primary, telephoto periscope (10x zoom), and ultrawide. Natural tones, great video.
Galaxy S25 Ultra: Quad setup including a 200MP main sensor, dual telephoto (5x 10x), and ultra-wide. Still unbeatable in zoom.

Camera Specs	Pixel 10 Pro XL	iPhone 17 Pro Max	Galaxy S25 Ultra
Main Sensor	200MP AI-optimized	48MP wide with sensor fusion	200MP ISOCELL HP5
Telephoto	48MP, 5x zoom	48MP, 10x periscope	50MP, 5x 50MP, 10x telephoto
Ultra-wide	48MP	48MP	50MP
Video	8K @ 30fps, 4K @ 120fps	8K @ 30fps, 4K @ 120fps	8K @ 60fps, 4K @ 120fps

Samsung still rules zoom, Apple dominates in video stability, and Pixel leads in AI-assisted imaging.

Battery and Charging

Feature	Pixel 10 Pro XL	iPhone 17 Pro Max	Galaxy S25 Ultra
Capacity	5300 mAh	4900 mAh	5500 mAh
Wired Charging	65W fast charge	35W fast charge	80W fast charge
Wireless Charging	25W	20W MagSafe	30W
Battery Life	~2 days mixed use	~1.5 days	~2 days heavy use

Samsung packs the biggest battery, Pixel balances efficiency, while Apple plays safe with modest charging speeds.

Software Experience

Pixel 10 Pro XL: Runs on Android 16 with HyperAI integration, smart features like live translation and advanced call screening.
iPhone 17 Pro Max: Ships with iOS 19, focused on privacy, seamless ecosystem, and Vision Pro integration.
Galaxy S25 Ultra: Powered by One UI 7 (Android 16 base), best multitasking features with S-Pen support.

Price Comparison

Model	Starting Price (USD)
Pixel 10 Pro XL	$1,099
iPhone 17 Pro Max	$1,299
Galaxy S25 Ultra	$1,199

Final Verdict

If you want best AI features and photography smarts, the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is unmatched.
If you prefer seamless ecosystem, polished video, and premium build, go with the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
If you need powerful hardware, insane zoom, and longest battery, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is your pick.

In 2025, there’s no single winner. It all comes down to what you value most: AI and smart features, ecosystem and reliability, or raw hardware dominance.