Samsung recently unveiled its newest flagship device, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which has generated much buzz. Apple is a fierce competitor with its established iPhone 16 Pro Max. With the tech world constantly evolving, it’s crucial to understand how these two smartphones stack up against each other. Let’s detail their features and specifications to help you make an informed decision.
Price & Storage
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max are premium smartphones, reflected in their pricing. The iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at $1,200, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra has a starting price of $1,300. Both models offer storage options of 256GB and 512GB, with the additional option of 1TB for users requiring more space. When deciding on storage, it’s essential to consider your usage patterns—whether you store many media files, apps, or other data on your device.
Performance
Both devices boast impressive hardware when it comes to performance. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite 4 Galaxy chip, which is designed to leverage Samsung’s suite of AI features known as Galaxy AI. New features like AI Select can suggest what you might want to do with the content on your screen, such as turning an image into a wallpaper or converting a video into a GIF. Additionally, the cross-app actions feature condenses tasks done in multiple apps into a single voice command.
On the other hand, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is equipped with Apple’s A80 Pro chip. This chip powers Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI tools designed for the iPhone 16 lineup. However, it’s worth noting that these features are still in beta and have experienced some bugs. Apple has committed to iterative improvements through software updates, though they may have over-promised and under-delivered at launch.
Both smartphones offer significant software support. Apple guarantees at least five years of security updates for its iPhones, while Samsung offers seven years of major OS and security updates for the Galaxy S25 Ultra. This commitment ensures your device remains secure and up-to-date for an extended period.
Display
The display is critical for many users, and both phones excel in this area. The Galaxy S25 Ultra features a 6.9-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 3120 x 1440 pixels and a pixel density of 501 PPI. Its peak brightness isIts peak brightness is 2600 nits, making it extremely bright and vibrant.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max also has a 6.9-inch display with a slightly lower resolution of 2868 x 1320 pixels and a pixel density of 460 PPI. Its peak brightness is 2000 nits, which is still impressive but falls short of the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Both devices feature a 1 to 120 Hz variable refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and gameplay. The Galaxy S25 Ultra uses Corning’s upgraded Gorilla Armor 2, designed to be more durable and anti-reflective. In contrast, the iPhone 16 Pro Max boasts Apple’s newest Ceramic Shield material, claimed to be twice as tough as any smartphone glass.
Design, Weight & Thickness
When it comes to design, weight, and thickness, both phones have their distinct characteristics. The Galaxy S25 Ultra has slimmed to 8.2 mm thick and weighs 218 grams, making it lighter and thinner than the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which weighs 8.25 mm thick and 227 grams.
Both devices feature a titanium frame, highlighting their durability. They are rated IP68, meaning they are water—and dust-resistant. An additional feature of the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the S Pen stylus, which is stored inside the phone. This is particularly useful for users who enjoy taking notes or drawing on their device. Meanwhile, Apple enthusiasts are still eagerly waiting for Apple Pencil support on the iPhone lineup.
Cameras
Camera quality is a significant factor for many smartphone buyers. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a three-camera system: a 48 MP F Fusion camera with an f/1.78 lens, a 48 MP ultra-wide camera with an f/2.2 lens, and a 12 MP telephoto camera with an f/2.8 lens and 5x optical zoom.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra, in contrast, boasts a four-camera system. It includes a 200 MP wide camera with an f/1.7 lens, a 15 MP ultra-wide camera with an f/1.9 lens, a 10 MP telephoto camera with an f/2.4 lens and 3x optical zoom, and another 50 MP telephoto camera with an f/3.4 lens and 5x optical zoom. Both phones have a 12 MP front-facing camera for selfies, though the iPhone 16 Pro Max has an f/1.9 lens while the Galaxy S25 Ultra has an f/2.2 lens.
Video recording capabilities also differ between the two devices. The iPhone 16 Pro Max can shoot in 4K at up to 120 frames per second, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra can shoot in 8K at up to 30 frames per second.
Battery Life & Charging
Battery life is another crucial aspect to consider. Both phones come with USB-C charging ports and support wireless charging. The Galaxy S25 Ultra also features reverse wireless charging, allowing you to charge other devices using the back of the phone.
Apple does not disclose the exact battery capacity of the iPhone 16 Pro Max but claims it offers up to 33 hours of video playback. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, with its 5,000 mAh battery, promises up to 31 hours of video playback.
Additional Features & Colors
Both devices have unique features that cater to different user preferences. The iPhone 16 Pro Max retains its Dynamic Pill Island Notch, allowing users to see updates from apps without opening them. In contrast, the Galaxy S25 Ultra features a small hole-punch camera, maximizing screen real estate.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is available in desert, natural, white, and black titanium. The Galaxy S25 Ultra offers a wider range of colors, including silver, blue, white, black, and gray. Samsung also offers exclusive colors on its website, such as jet black, jade green, and pink gold.
Conclusion
Both the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra are powerful gadgets, each with unique advantages and disadvantages. The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s excellent display, cutting-edge AI capabilities, and adaptable camera setup make it stand out. However, with its A80 Pro chip, long-lasting Ceramic Shield material, and smooth interaction with the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone 16 Pro Max delivers a powerful performance.
In the end, which option you choose will rely on your individual requirements and tastes. Both devices are made to provide a high-end smartphone experience, regardless of whether you like the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s refined experience and ecosystem or the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s customisation and AI capabilities.