Which flagship phone reigns supreme in video quality? I took the iPhone 17 Pro and Galaxy S25 Ultra to the beach to find out — and the results might surprise you.
For weeks, I’ve been diving deep into the iPhone 17 Pro (https://www.tomsguide.com/phones/iphones/apple-iphone-17-pro-review), but one aspect I hadn’t thoroughly explored was its video camera capabilities. So, I decided to pit it against the Galaxy S25 Ultra (https://www.tomsguide.com/phones/samsung-phones/samsung-galaxy-s25-ultra-review) in a beachside video shootout. But here's where it gets controversial: while both phones are undisputed champions in the camera phone arena, their strengths and weaknesses reveal themselves in surprising ways when put to the test.
These two devices are undoubtedly among the best camera phones (https://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-phone-cameras,review-2272.html) available today. The iPhone 17 Pro shares its camera setup with the iPhone 17 Pro Max (https://www.tomsguide.com/phones/iphones/iphone-17-pro-max-review), which emerged victorious in my previous 200-photo shootout against the Galaxy S25 Ultra (https://www.tomsguide.com/phones/i-shot-over-200-photos-with-the-iphone-17-pro-max-vs-galaxy-s25-ultra-heres-the-winner). However, Samsung’s flagship shouldn’t be underestimated, thanks to its impressive zoom capabilities and intuitive camera interface. And this is the part most people miss: while the iPhone often takes the crown in photo comparisons, video performance is a different ballgame, with factors like stabilization, dynamic range, and color processing playing pivotal roles.
To ensure a fair comparison, I recorded all videos in 4K at 30fps with HDR enabled on both devices, despite their support for higher resolutions and frame rates. This setup not only mirrors typical user preferences but also keeps file sizes manageable. Here’s a breakdown of my findings, along with a detailed look at their specifications.
iPhone 17 Pro vs Galaxy S25 Ultra: Video Camera Specifications
| Feature | iPhone 17 Pro | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|-------------------------|--------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|
| Rear Cameras | 48MP main (f/1.78), 48MP ultrawide (f/2.2), 48MP 4x telephoto (f/2.8) | 200MP main (f/1.7), 50MP ultrawide (f/1.9), 10MP 3x telephoto (f/2.4), 50MP 5x telephoto (f/3.4) |
| Front Camera | 18MP (f/1.9) | 12MP (f/2.2) |
| Max Video Capture | 4K 120fps | 8K 30fps |
| Slow Motion | 1080p 240fps, 1080p 120fps, 4K 120fps | 1080p 240fps, 1080p 120fps, 4K 120fps |
Why These Settings Matter
Before diving into the comparisons, let’s clarify my testing methodology. While both phones offer higher video capture modes—the Galaxy S25 Ultra maxes out at 8K 30fps, and the iPhone 17 Pro at 4K 120fps—I opted for 4K 30fps. This choice reflects real-world usage, as most users prioritize this setting for its balance of quality and file size. Additionally, I enabled HDR on both devices to enhance dynamic range and kept their color profiles on default settings, despite the availability of flat color options.
All footage was shot handheld, without stabilizers, tripods, or gimbals, to simulate everyday use. This approach highlights how each phone handles real-life scenarios, from shaky walks to close-up macro shots.
Stabilization: A Tale of Two Phones
My first test on the boardwalk focused on stabilization. Both phones employ optical image stabilization, but the results weren’t identical. The Galaxy S25 Ultra delivered smoother footage, effectively minimizing shakes and movements. The iPhone 17 Pro, while competent, showed slightly more jitter, particularly with its main camera. Bold claim: If stabilization is your top priority, the Galaxy S25 Ultra takes the lead. For an even smoother experience, consider pairing the iPhone 17 Pro with a gimbal like the Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra (https://www.tomsguide.com/phones/this-ai-phone-gimbal-transforms-my-iphone-17-pro-into-a-better-dji-pocket-3-and-its-37-percent-off) or the DJI Pocket 3 (https://www.tomsguide.com/reviews/dji-osmo-pocket-3).
Winner: Galaxy S25 Ultra
Ultrawide: Clarity Counts
Both phones offer a 120-degree ultrawide field of view, but the iPhone 17 Pro’s footage stood out for its sharpness and detail. The wooden rails and distant dunes appeared crisper, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s footage looked softer, lacking fine detail. Thought-provoking question: Does megapixel count always translate to better quality, or is Apple’s image processing the secret sauce here?
Winner: iPhone 17 Pro
Dynamic Range: A Close Call
Both phones excelled in dynamic range, maintaining even exposure across the frame. However, the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s lower contrast gave it an edge, particularly in shadowed areas, which appeared brighter compared to the iPhone 17 Pro. Controversial interpretation: Could Samsung’s approach to contrast be more practical for real-world shooting conditions?
Winner: Galaxy S25 Ultra
Vlogging: A Surprising Tie
I expected the iPhone 17 Pro’s 18MP Center Stage camera to dominate, but both phones delivered comparable results. While the iPhone captured slightly more detail and avoided lens flare, the Galaxy S25 Ultra accurately reproduced skin tones. Counterpoint: Is Apple’s detail advantage worth the trade-off for Samsung’s natural color representation?
Winner: iPhone 17 Pro
Macro: Detail is Key
In macro mode, the iPhone 17 Pro outperformed the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which struggled with overexposure and detail loss. The iPhone’s footage preserved the wooden grain structure, showcasing its superior handling of close-up shots.
Winner: iPhone 17 Pro
Zoom: A Tug-of-War
Zoom performance was a rollercoaster. At 2x, both phones performed similarly, but the Galaxy S25 Ultra pulled ahead at 3x thanks to its dedicated telephoto lens. The iPhone 17 Pro reclaimed the lead at 4x, leveraging its 48MP telephoto sensor. At 5x and beyond, the iPhone maintained its edge, offering sharper details, especially at 8x and 10x zoom. Bold question: Is Apple’s reliance on optical zoom a game-changer, or does Samsung’s hybrid approach still hold value?
Winner: iPhone 17 Pro
The Bottom Line
While the iPhone 17 Pro emerged victorious in this daytime beach test, I’m hesitant to declare it the definitive video camera champion. Low-light performance, portrait video mode, and other factors remain untested. However, for sunny outdoor shooting, the iPhone 17 Pro proves its mettle, likely thanks to its advanced image processing algorithms.
Final Thought-Provoking Question: As smartphone cameras continue to evolve, will hardware or software innovations ultimately define the winner? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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John, a senior editor at Tom’s Guide, has been covering phones and gadgets since 2008. Beyond his editorial duties, he’s a seasoned videographer, producing YouTube content both in front of and behind the camera. Previously, he held editor roles at PhoneArena, Android Authority, Digital Trends, and SPY. When not immersed in tech, John enjoys creating mini documentaries, embracing beach life at the Jersey Shore, and navigating first-time homeownership.
