Compare iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro in detail — design, performance, camera, battery, AI, price & offers in India. Also see how they stack up against Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra before you buy.
iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro vs Galaxy S25 Ultra - Which model is better?
The iPhone range continues to expand each year, and the upgrading between the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 17 Pro is a question that many customers and enthusiasts have:
Does an upgrade make sense, and what is the differences between the new iPhone Pro with the leading Android competitors, such as Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
Following below I have detailed the differences between the design, performance, camera, battery, software, and value in simple language so that you can make your choice on which phone best suits you.
Key Highlights
- iPhone 17 Pro introduces significant improvements to the 16 Pro, particularly in the camera (three 48 MP "Fusion" camera) and performance (A19 Pro chip + improved thermal/cooling design) by creators and power users.
- The upgrade to 17 Pro is not as radical with regards to casual use in case you already have the 16 Pro, which is a very capable device.
- Galaxy S25 Ultra promises colossal hardware credentials 6.9 120Hz QHD+ screen, 200MP primary camera sensor, powerful zoom/AI capabilities, and all-out Android experience.
- The best option that fits you would be based on ecosystem (iOS vs Android), whether you are a creator/editor who will require pro features, or you have display size/zoom/AI as a priority.
- Value-wise: The 16 Pro may provide the best bang to most users who do not necessarily need the latest upgrades; the 17 Pro is the one that offers the camera and performance head-room to the user that they might need; the S25 Ultra is the one that offers the best in Android.
Full Comparison
Model Overview
iPhone 17 Pro
- Newest Apple flagship of A19 Pro.
- Developed-creator oriented, better camera and cooling.
- High grade aluminum design.
.jpg)
iPhone 16 Pro
- A18 Pro chip and still powerful.
- Same compact design with titanium.
- Perfect in normal flagship operation.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
- Flagship Android beast
- Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, bigger display.
- Full of artificial intelligence camera and editing software.
Display
iPhone 17 pro : 6.3" super retina XDR OLED, 120 Hz, HDR10.
iPhone 16 Pro : 6.3" Super Retina XDR OLED, 120 Hz, HDR10.
Galaxy S25 Ultra : 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120 HZ, 3120 x 1440 (Quad HD+).
S 25 Ultra got larger size and brightness, iPhones have better color accuracy and compactness.
Performance
iPhone 17 Pro : The 3 nm design of the A19 Pro chip has increased sustained performance and faster graphics.
iPhone 16 Pro : A18 Pro chip - already the best, but less efficient thermally.
Galaxy S25 Ultra : Snapdragon 8 Elite chip- superb in multi tasking and gaming.
A19 Pro is the most efficient & S25 Ultra competes with it in the power of multi-core.
Camera
iPhone 17 Pro :
- Triple 48 MP fusion system
- Long range zoom and movie video features
- Photonic Engine
- Support for super‑high‑resolution photos
- Front camera Center stage to frame group
- ƒ/1.9 aperture
- Autofocus with Focus Pixels
- Retina Flash
iPhone 16 Pro :
- Pro camera system: Triple camera setup (48 MP main)
- Digital zoom up to 25x
- 4K Dolby Vision video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, 60 fps, 100 fps (Fusion), Or 120 fps (Fusion)
- 1080p Dolby Vision video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps, 60 fps, Or 120 fps (Fusion)
- TrueDepth Camera (Front)
- Face ID: Enabled by TrueDepth camera for facial recognition
- Outstanding photography, and aged telegraphic equipment.
Galaxy S25 Ultra:
- 200 MP main sensor (200 MP + 50 MP + 50 MP + 10 MP)
- Optical Zoom 3x and 5x, Optical quality Zoom 2x and 10x (Enabled by Adaptive Pixel sensor) , Digital Zoom up to 100x
- Slow Motion: 240fps @FHD, 120fps @FHD, 120fps @UHD
- Video Recording Resolution at: UHD 8K (7680 x 4320) @30fps
- Intense AI photo improvement.
- Front Camera - Resolution: 12 MP
Storage
iPhone 17 Pro: Starts at 256 GB, & goes up to 1 TB.
iPhone 16 Pro: Offers storage options of 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, & 1 TB.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Comes in 256 GB, 512 GB, & 1 TB variants.
Battery & Charging
iPhone 17 Pro : More efficient, approximately 33 hours of video play & Up to 30 hours of video playback (streamed). Supports fast charging with Built‑in rechargeable lithium‑ion battery.
iPhone 16 Pro : Good battery life, a little bit shorter. Up to 27 hours
Video playback (streamed)of up to 22 hours & Audio playback of up to 85 hours.
Galaxy S25 Ultra : Battery capacity of about 5000 mAh, wired charging that is faster. Video Playback Time of up to 31 hours.
Samsung wins in terms of high-speed charging; Apple in terms of efficiency in the long-term.
Software & AI
iPhone 17 Pro : Tighter integration, iOS 26 with Apple Intelligence.
iPhone 16 Pro : The same iOS environment with a little less AI optimizations.
Galaxy S25 Ultra : Android 15 and One UI 7 (Upgradable to One UI 8) with Google Gemini AI.
Apple has a better ecosystem integration; Samsung drives AI innovativeness.
Build & Design
iPhone 17 Pro : Titanium and aluminum alloy, more powerful cooling casing.
iPhone 16 Pro : Titanium construction with last-year introduction, but it is still high.
Galaxy S25 Ultra : Made of glass and metal, massive and bulky.
Value & Upgrade Decision
iPhone 17 Pro:
This is intended to be used by creators and vloggers as well as power users who would edit or film content.
iPhone 16 Pro:
This is the best phone that will be very suitable to individuals who are not required to use all the new features.
Galaxy S25 Ultra:
Android users desiring massive screen + AI + best hardware.
Price In India (Approximate)
iPhone 17 Pro - Rs 1,34,900 onwards for 256 GB variant
iPhone 16 Pro - Rs 1,09,900 onwards for 128 GB variant
Galaxy S25 Ultra - Rs 1,29,999 onwards for 256 GB variant
Where to Buy and Present Discounts (India)
iPhone 17 Pro:
Flipkart, Amazon, Croma, and Reliance Digital have it available in their Apple India Store.
Offers: Exchange Bonus of upto Rs 10,000 on older iPhones, and HDFC bank cashback Rs 5000.
iPhone 16 Pro:
Sold in shops at Apple Resellers, Amazon, and Flipkart.
Discounts: Flat Rs 10,000 off on festive offers, EMI on Rs 4,999/month.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra:
Purchase: Samsung.com, Amazon, and Physical Samsung Smart Cafes.
Promotion: Rs 12,000 exchange bonus, 9 months free EMI.
Where Each Phone Wins
iPhone 17 Pro: Better ecosystem, professional video, most smooth.
iPhone 16 Pro: The iPhone best value, but a flagship monster, nevertheless.
Samsung S25 Ultra: The best in raw power, display, as well as AI creativity.
Quick Comparison for the phones
| Feature | iPhone 17 Pro |
iPhone 16 Pro | Galaxy S25 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.3″ OLED 120 Hz |
6.3″ OLED 120 Hz |
6.9″ QHD+ AMOLED 120 Hz |
|
| Chipset | A19 Pro | A18 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Elite | |
| Cameras | 48 MP x3 (Fusion) | 48MP+ 48MP + 12MP | 200 MP + 50 MP + 50 MP + 10 MP | |
| Battery | Up to 33 hrs video | Slightly less | 5000 mAh, fast charge | |
| Build | Aluminum body + cooling |
Titanium frame | Glass + metal, large body |
|
| Software | iOS 26 | iOS 18 | Android 15 + One UI 7 | |
| Best For | Creators & Pro users | Flagship value seekers |
Power Android users | |
| Storage | 256 GB - 1 TB | 128 GB - 1 TB | 256 GB - 1 TB |
Recommendations
| User Type | Best Option |
|---|---|
| iOS power user | iPhone 17 Pro |
| iOS general user | iPhone 16 Pro |
| Android pro user | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
| Camera enthusiast | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
| Video creator | iPhone 17 Pro |
Conclusion
The iPhone 17 Pro refines the Apple Pro model with finer camera, superior cooling, and higher efficiency in terms of battery life - ideal to creators and professionals.
The iPhone 16 Pro is an incredible phone when one wants to upgrade their old iPhones such as 13 or 14 Pro. It delivers the majority of the flagship of Apple at a reduced price.
In the meantime, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the best of Android - huge screen, ultra zoom camera, and extensive AI capabilities to be productive.
And should you be an Apple fan, and be willing to have pro level performance, go 17 Pro.
When you want the best all-round bargain - take the 16 Pro.
Android power and innovation are what you crave, then S25 Ultra is the one.
Disclaimer
The specifications, prices, and offers of all products in this article are founded on the existing information presented in the official brand listings and confirmed retailers as of October 2025. Depending on the regions and platforms, prices and discounts could be different. The article is merely informational and comparative in nature and should never be relied upon to establish the final prices and availability since that will always vary with time.
Official Links for reference:
Find out What Our Technology Section has to tell more!
Be at the forefront of all innovations - whether it is the latest smartphone releases and artificial intelligence discoveries or reviews of technology and gadgets.
See other trending tech news now in our Technology Section.