The smartphone world is buzzing: September 2025 will likely bring Apple's iPhone 17 series, headlined by the new Pro Max model, and Samsung’s answer the sleek Galaxy S26 Ultra. Here's a look at what to expect, how they compare, and which one might be your next upgrade.
iPhone 17 Pro Max: What’s New?
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Launch Date & Price: Expected announcement around Sept 9-10, with pre-orders on Sept 12 and street launch by Sept 19 Reddit+15LOS40+15SamMobile+15.
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Design: Slightly thicker at 8.75 mm to accommodate a bigger 4,800-5,000 mAh battery Geeky Gadgets+1Indiatimes+1. No notch the front camera and Face ID are hidden under the display .
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Performance: Powered by the next-gen A19 Pro chip, built on a 2 nm process, coupled with 12 GB RAM The Times of India+8LOS40+8Reddit+8. Includes Apple’s own Wi‑Fi 7 chip and a vapor chamber for heat control MacRumors+3MacRumors+3Reddit+3.
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Camera Upgrades: Triple 48 MP rear setup, a 24 MP TrueDepth front cam, and cinematic features like dual‑cam recording and possible 8K video Reddit+3LOS40+39to5Mac+3.
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Battery & Charging: Faster 35 W wired charging, MagSafe, and reverse wireless charging VietNamNet News+15LOS40+15Reddit+15.
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Fresh Colors: Adds bold hues like a new copper-orange, alongside classic black, silver, and navy VietNamNet News+4LOS40+4The Sun+4.
Bottom line: A powerhouse with best-in-class performance, rugged battery life, and refined design.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: The Challenger
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Ultra-Thin Design: Rumors suggest a sleek body under 8 mm, significantly slimmer than the iPhone’s 8.75 mm TechRadar+10Geeky Gadgets+10TechRadar+10.
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Advanced Display: Featuring Samsung’s CoE OLED tech for extra brightness, color accuracy, and efficiency Hindustan Times.
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Slender Philosophy: Samsung is slimming down the S26 Ultra—possibly ditching the S Pen—to match minimalist consumers Hindustan Times+5SamMobile+5TechRadar+5.
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Powerhouse Specs: Expect the latest Snapdragon/Exynos chipset, ample RAM, and optional S Pen support (unless removed).
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Camera & Battery: While details are under wraps, the S26 Ultra will likely rival top-tier flagship cameras and maintain Samsung’s reliable battery life.
Bottom line: Ultra-slim, glossy display, powerful internals, tailored for design-conscious users.
| Feature | iPhone 17 Pro Max | Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | ~8.75 mm (sturdy, battery-friendly) | < 8 mm (sleek, lightweight) |
| Processor | A19 Pro on 2 nm, 12 GB RAM | Latest Snapdragon/Exynos, likely 12–16 GB RAM |
| Display | 6.9″ ProMotion OLED, under-display Face ID | CoE OLED: brighter, accurate, efficient |
| Camera | 48 MP triple cams, 24 MP selfie, 8K video support | Expected top-tier Samsung lens setup |
| Battery | 4,800–5,000 mAh, fast wired & reverse wireless charging | Comparable capacity, efficient OLED screen |
| Colors | Bold copper-orange + classics | Likely classic/limited special editions |
| Special Features | Under-display Face ID, Wi‑Fi 7, improved Dynamic Island | Ultra-slim design, S Pen (uncertain), CoE OLED |
Verdict: Which One’s for You?
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Choose iPhone 17 Pro Max if: you want unmatched performance, pro-grade cameras, flawless ecosystem integration, and you don’t mind slightly more thickness.
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Choose Galaxy S26 Ultra if: you prioritize sleek design, crystal-clear display, and a lighter device without sacrificing power.
Final Thoughts
Both phones launch around mid-September 2025, and early leaks suggest prices north of $2,300 for flagships AppleInsider+7PhoneArena+7YouTube+7Indiatimes+11The Financial Express+11SamMobile+11.
Your pick depends on your priorities-power and ecosystem vs. slimness and display brilliance. Personally, I’m torn: iPhone delivers raw power and features, but the S26 Ultra’s sleeker look and display might sway me.
Which one are you leaning toward? Let’s keep the conversation buzzing! 🐝