Smartphone flagships keep pushing boundaries every year — and 2024–2025 brought two very different approaches: Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra (powerful Android, giant camera sensor and S Pen) and Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro (refined iOS experience, A-series performance, camera system tuned for video and color). Below I compare both across the specs and real-world use so you can decide which fits your needs.
Design & display
Samsung S24 Ultra uses a large 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with extreme peak brightness and Gorilla Glass Armor, and it still includes the integrated S Pen for note-taking and editing. Samsung focuses on a sharp, large canvas with highly configurable display settings and an always-on AI toolkit layered on Android. (Samsung India)
iPhone 17 Pro keeps Apple’s premium build but refines the display: two sizes exist for the Pro line (6.3″ for Pro, 6.9″ for Pro Max) with Super Retina XDR OLED panels, ProMotion up to 120Hz and extremely high peak brightness (claimed up to 3,000 nits in HDR situations). Apple’s displays typically prioritize color accuracy and outdoor visibility. If you want a compact-but-pro iPhone, the 17 Pro’s slightly smaller Pro model can be easier to handle. (Apple)
Winner (display): tie — Samsung for sheer size and customization; Apple for color accuracy and peak HDR brightness.
Performance & software
Samsung’s S24 Ultra is powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (in most regions) with up to 12GB RAM and Android 14 with Samsung’s Galaxy AI extras. It’s built for multitasking, productivity (S Pen + DeX) and heavy Android customization. (Gadgets 360)
Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro runs on the A19 Pro chip (3nm) paired with iOS 26 — Apple’s hardware-software integration still gives it a performance edge in single-threaded tasks, app optimization and sustained performance for video editing and CPU/GPU heavy apps. Benchmarks historically favour iPhones in raw single-core speed and more consistent real-world app performance. (The Verge)
Winner (performance): iPhone 17 Pro for raw single-core and optimized workflows; S24 Ultra is excellent for multitasking and feature-rich Android use.
Cameras — photos and zoom
Samsung: S24 Ultra’s headline is its 200MP (or very high-megapixel) main sensor with an extremely capable telephoto and a long history of zoom innovation (100x Space Zoom marketing, practical periscope zoom for real optical reach). The phone also brings advanced AI photo tools (AI Zoom, Photo Assist) for creative edits on-device. For ultra-detailed daylight shots and long-range zoom, Samsung often wins. (91mobiles)
Apple: iPhone 17 Pro moves the Pro series forward with three 48MP “Fusion” sensors (wide, ultra-wide, telephoto/periscope on Pro Max families) plus improved telephoto sensor sizes and video-first features (ProRes, ProRes RAW, Dual Capture) — Apple continues to lead in natural color science, skin tones and video quality/stability. The 17 Pro also adds smarter selfie features (higher-resolution front camera with Center Stage). If you prioritize video and color-accurate stills, the iPhone is a top choice. (The Verge)
Winner (camera): depends on use — Samsung for zoom/detail and creative AI editing; iPhone for video, color accuracy and overall stills consistency.
Battery and charging
Samsung S24 Ultra packs a large 5000mAh battery that typically lasts a full day easily under heavy use and supports fast wired and wireless charging plus reverse wireless. (Gadgets 360)
Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro increased battery capacity compared with previous generations (Apple claims improvements and longer real-world playback for Pro models) and improved charging speeds with updated MagSafe/Qi2 support and faster wired charging claims. However, battery numbers still tend to be smaller than large-Android flagships, though iOS optimizations often close the practical gap. (The Verge)
Winner (battery): Samsung for raw capacity and endurance; Apple for efficiency per charge in some workflows.
Ecosystem & extra features
If you already own Apple products (MacBook, iPad, Apple Watch), iPhone 17 Pro integrates with continuity features, AirDrop, Handoff and ecosystem services in ways Android can’t match. Apple’s software updates and long-term support are also a strong point.
Samsung offers its own ecosystem with Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Tab, Samsung TV integrations and unique features like the built-in S Pen and Samsung DeX (desktop-like mode). Galaxy AI and close ties with Google’s AI ecosystem give Samsung advantage for on-device creativity and translation tools. (Samsung India)
Price and value
Flagship pricing remains premium for both. Samsung’s S24 Ultra launched as a top-tier Android flagship, while Apple priced the iPhone 17 Pro at flagship Apple prices. Value depends on region, storage choices and trade-in deals — Samsung sometimes undercuts Apple on specs-per-rupee, while Apple maintains resale value and tight integration. For exact current pricing check local retailers. (91mobiles)
Who should buy which phone?
- Buy the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra if you want: the largest display, best zoom/detail photography, S Pen productivity, maximum battery life and Android’s customization plus Galaxy AI tools. (Samsung India)
- Buy the iPhone 17 Pro if you want: the smoothest performance for pro video/photo workflows, best-in-class app optimization, tight Apple ecosystem integration and long-term software support. (The Verge)
Quick pros & cons (summary)
Samsung S24 Ultra
- Pros: Huge 6.8″ QHD+ display, 200MP/detail and long-range zoom, 5000mAh battery, S Pen. (Gadgets 360)
- Cons: Very large size, can feel heavy; Android updates historically shorter than Apple’s.
iPhone 17 Pro
- Pros: A19 Pro performance, industry-leading video and color tuning, iOS ecosystem and long support. (The Verge)
- Cons: Smaller battery on paper, fewer hardware customization options, higher starting price in some markets.
Final verdict
Both phones are excellent and represent the best of their ecosystems. If your priority is photography with long-range zoom and a large canvas for media and productivity (plus the S Pen), the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the practical flagship to choose. If you want the smoothest pro video workflow, exceptional app performance, and seamless Apple ecosystem features, the iPhone 17 Pro is the safer bet.
Want a headline recommendation for your use case? Tell me whether you shoot a lot of video, use Windows/Mac, or if battery life or photography matters most — I’ll give a tailored pick and a short buying checklist.