Choosing the right flagship smartphone in 2025 is a challenge. Two of the most notable devices this year are the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Vivo X300 Pro 5G. Both phones offer premium build, excellent performance, and advanced cameras, but each excels in different areas.
Based on real-world testing from MobileSnipers.com, here’s a detailed comparison to help you make the right choice.
Quick Overview
- iPhone 17 Pro Max – Best all-rounder smartphone with excellent video recording, stable performance, and premium Apple ecosystem features.
- Vivo X300 Pro 5G – Ultimate choice for photography enthusiasts with the strongest camera system, ultra-bright display, and massive battery.
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Design & Build Quality
iPhone 17 Pro Max Design & Build Quality
- Aluminum alloy frame for improved cooling
- Ceramic Shield 2 front protection
- IP68 dust and water resistance
- Solid premium in-hand feel
- Slight risk of back panel paint peeling – protective case recommended
Vivo X300 Pro 5G Design & Build Quality
- Glass front with aluminum alloy frame
- Armor Glass protection
- IP68/IP69 dust and water resistance
- Slim bezels, premium feel
- Slightly heavier due to camera module and larger battery
Verdict: iPhone offers a refined, lightweight feel; Vivo provides a rugged, feature-packed build.
Display
iPhone 17 Pro Max Display
- 6.9-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED
- 120Hz refresh rate
- HDR10 and Dolby Vision support
- Peak brightness up to 3000 nits
- Anti-reflective coating
Vivo X300 Pro 5G Display
- 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED, 1.5K resolution
- 120Hz refresh rate
- HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support
- Peak brightness 4500 nits
- Vibrant colors and cinematic experience
Verdict: iPhone has a color-accurate and smooth display; Vivo offers unmatched brightness.
Performance & Software
iPhone 17 Pro Max Performance & Software
- Apple A19 Pro (3nm) processor
- 12GB RAM
- Smooth multitasking and gaming
- Runs iOS 26 with long-term updates
- Improved thermal management due to aluminum frame
Vivo X300 Pro 5G Performance & Software
- MediaTek Dimensity 9500 Ultra (3nm)
- RAM options: 12GB / 16GB
- Android 16 with OriginOS 6
- Fast and smooth app performance, capable of heavy gaming
Verdict: Both are extremely fast; iPhone offers consistent optimization, Vivo offers raw performance and flexibility.
Camera Comparison
iPhone 17 Pro Max Camera
- Rear: 48MP main, 48MP periscope telephoto (4x zoom), 48MP ultra-wide
- LiDAR scanner
- Video: 4K up to 120fps, ProRes, ProRes RAW, Apple Log 2
- Front: 18MP ultra-wide, excellent stabilization
Strength: Best video recording on a smartphone in 2025.
Vivo X300 Pro 5G Camera
- Rear: 50MP main, 200MP periscope telephoto (3.7x zoom), 50MP ultra-wide, Zeiss optics
- Video: 8K at 30fps, 4K 120fps, 10-bit LOG, Dolby Vision HDR
- Front: 50MP autofocus, 4K 60fps video
Strength: Best still photography and overall camera versatility.
Verdict: iPhone excels in video, Vivo dominates in photography.
Battery & Charging
iPhone 17 Pro Max 5G Battery & Charging
- 5088mAh battery (UAE variant)
- Lasts full day with heavy usage
- 50% fast wired charging in 20 minutes
- MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging
- eSIM-only variants offer slightly better battery life
Vivo X300 Pro 5G Battery & Charging
- 6510mAh (global), 5440mAh (regional)
- Full-day heavy use; 1.5 days light-to-medium use
- 90W wired, 40W wireless charging
- Reverse wireless charging
- Fully charges in under 40 minutes
Verdict: iPhone has reliable endurance, Vivo offers bigger battery and faster charging.
Key Specifications Comparison
| Feature | iPhone 17 Pro Max | Vivo X300 Pro 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.9″ LTPO OLED, 120Hz, 3000 nits | 6.78″ LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 4500 nits |
| Processor | Apple A19 Pro | MediaTek Dimensity 9500 Ultra |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB / 16GB |
| OS | iOS 26 | Android 16 + OriginOS 6 |
| Rear Camera | 48MP + 48MP + 48MP | 50MP + 200MP + 50MP |
| Front Camera | 18MP ultra-wide | 50MP autofocus |
| Video | 4K 120fps, ProRes | 8K, 4K 120fps, 10-bit LOG |
| Battery | 5088mAh | 6510mAh |
| Charging | 50% in 20min wired, wireless | 90W wired, 40W wireless, reverse |
Pros & Cons Comparison
| Device | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | Smooth performance, best video recording, premium design, excellent battery optimization | Expensive, paint peeling on some units, slightly heavy, slower charging |
| Vivo X300 Pro 5G | Best camera system, ultra-bright display, huge battery, fast charging | Heavy, some pre-installed Chinese apps, AI tools limited to Chinese |
Phone 17 Pro Max vs Vivo X300 Pro Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Vivo X300 Pro 5G, with its Zeiss camera system and large sensors.
iPhone 17 Pro Max, with ProRes, 4K 120fps, and stabilization.
iPhone: Full day heavy usage
Vivo: Full day heavy usage, 1.5 days light-to-medium usage
Vivo X300 Pro 5G (90W wired vs iPhone 50% in 20 min wired).
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If you’d like a detailed review of the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or the Vivo X300 Pro, don’t worry—we’ve already reviewed both devices. You can check the full reviews on our website.
Final Recommendation & Verdict
In our experience, the all-new Vivo X300 Pro 5G takes the crown for 2025 if your priority is photography, display brightness, battery life, and Android customization. It offers the best still images, a slightly lower price than iPhone, and flexibility with Android skins, making it ideal for photography enthusiasts and users who value hardware customization.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max remains an excellent choice for those who want a reliable all-rounder, premium video quality, iOS ecosystem benefits, long-term updates, top brand value, and strong resale price. It is perfect for users who prioritize video recording over still photography and prefer the Apple experience.
If you are looking for an even more top-tier Vivo flagship, the Vivo X300 Ultra is expected to launch in the coming months. Stay tuned for our detailed review and deals once it becomes available.
Both phones are outstanding, and your choice depends on whether you value photo-focused features and Android flexibility (Vivo X300 Pro) or video excellence and Apple ecosystem benefits (iPhone 17 Pro Max).