A Detailed Comparison Between Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max |
|
|---|---|---|
| Design & Build | Titanium frame, IP68 (1.5m for 30 min), S Pen support | Titanium frame, IP68 (6m for 30 min) |
| Weight | 218g | 227g |
| Display Type | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Display Size | 6.9 inches | 6.9 inches |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3120 pixels (~498 ppi) | 1320 x 2868 pixels (~460 ppi) |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness | 2600 nits (peak) | 1796 nits (measured) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm) | Apple A18 Pro (3nm) |
| RAM Options | 12GB / 16GB | 8GB |
| Storage Options | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB (UFS 4.0) | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB (NVMe) |
| Operating System | Android 15 (One UI 7) | iOS 18 |
| Main Camera | 200 MP (wide) | 48 MP (wide) |
| Telephoto Camera | 50 MP (5x optical zoom) | 12 MP (5x optical zoom) |
| Ultrawide Camera | 50 MP | 48 MP |
| Front Camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Video Recording | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps, HDR10+ | 4K@120fps, Dolby Vision, ProRes |
| Battery Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4685 mAh |
| Battery Life (Active Use) | 14:49 hours | 17:18 hours |
| Wired Charging | 45W PD3.0 (65% in 30 min) | 50% in 30 min (PD2.0) |
| Wireless Charging | 15W Qi2 | 25W MagSafe, 15W Qi2 |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | 4.5W | 4.5W |
| Extra Features | MagSafe, iOS ecosystem | S Pen, DX anti-reflective coating |
| Read Reviews | iPhone 16 Pro Max Review | Samsung Galaxy 25 Ultra Review |
Smartphone enthusiasts and tech lovers are always on the lookout for the next big thing in mobile technology. Two of the biggest competitors, Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra, bring cutting-edge advancements to the table. In this detailed comparison, we’ll break down their specifications, performance, camera systems, battery life, and more to help you decide which flagship device suits your needs best.
Design & Build
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
- Dimensions: 163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm
- Weight: 227g
- Frame Material: Grade 5 Titanium
- Front & Back: Glass (Corning-made)
- Durability: IP68-rated (water-resistant up to 6m for 30 min)
- Color Options: Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, Desert Titanium
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
- Dimensions: 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm
- Weight: 218g
- Frame Material: Grade 5 Titanium
- Front & Back: Corning Gorilla Armor 2 (front), Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (back)
- Durability: IP68-rated (water-resistant up to 1.5m for 30 min)
- Color Options: Titanium Silver Blue, Titanium Black, Titanium White Silver, Titanium Gray, Titanium Jade Green, Titanium Jet Black, Titanium Pink Gold
- Extra Feature: Built-in S Pen stylus
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (Lighter weight, additional stylus support, and durable Gorilla Armor 2 protection)
Display
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
- Screen Type: LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED
- Size: 6.9 inches
- Resolution: 1320 x 2868 pixels (~460 ppi density)
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Brightness: 1796 nits (measured)
- Features: Always-On Display, HDR10, Dolby Vision, Ceramic Shield protection
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
- Screen Type: Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
- Size: 6.9 inches
- Resolution: 1440 x 3120 pixels (~498 ppi density)
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Brightness: 2600 nits (peak)
- Features: Always-On Display, DX anti-reflective coating, Corning Gorilla Armor 2 protection
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (Higher resolution and brightness, improved durability)
Performance & Software
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
- OS: iOS 18 (upgradable)
- Chipset: Apple A18 Pro (3 nm)
- CPU: Hexa-core (2×4.05 GHz + 4×2.42 GHz)
- GPU: Apple GPU (6-core graphics)
- RAM & Storage: 8GB RAM; 256GB, 512GB, 1TB (NVMe storage)
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
- OS: Android 15 with One UI 7
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
- CPU: Octa-core (2×4.47 GHz + 6×3.53 GHz)
- GPU: Adreno 830
- RAM & Storage: 12GB/16GB RAM; 256GB, 512GB, 1TB (UFS 4.0 storage)
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (More RAM options and slightly higher processing power)
Camera System
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Rear Cameras:
- 48 MP (wide, f/1.8) – Sensor-shift OIS, dual pixel PDAF
- 12 MP (periscope telephoto, f/2.8, 5x optical zoom) – 3D sensor-shift OIS
- 48 MP (ultrawide, f/2.2) – PDAF
- TOF 3D LiDAR Scanner
- Video: 4K@120fps, Dolby Vision HDR, ProRes, 3D spatial video/audio
Front Camera:
- 12 MP (wide, f/1.9) – PDAF, OIS, SL 3D sensor
- Video: 4K@60fps, Dolby Vision HDR
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Rear Cameras:
- 200 MP (wide, f/1.7) – OIS, PDAF
- 10 MP (telephoto, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom, OIS, PDAF)
- 50 MP (periscope, f/3.4, 5x optical zoom, OIS, PDAF)
- 50 MP (ultrawide, f/1.9, 120° Super Steady Video)
- Video: 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps, HDR10+, gyro-EIS
Front Camera:
- 12 MP (f/2.2) – HDR, HDR10+
- Video: 4K@60fps
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (Higher megapixel main sensor, 8K video recording)
Battery & Charging
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
- Battery Capacity: 4685 mAh
- Wired Charging: 50% in 30 minutes (PD2.0)
- Wireless Charging: 25W MagSafe, 15W Qi2
- Reverse Wired Charging: 4.5W
- Battery Life: 17:18 hours (active use)
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
- Battery Capacity: 5000 mAh
- Wired Charging: 45W PD3.0 (65% in 30 minutes)
- Wireless Charging: 15W Qi2 Ready
- Reverse Wireless Charging: 4.5W
- Battery Life: 14:49 hours (active use)
Winner: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max (Better battery optimization despite lower capacity)
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
| Feature | Winner |
|---|---|
| Design & Build | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
| Display | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
| Performance | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
| Camera | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
| Battery Life | Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max |
Both devices are exceptional, but Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra edges out in most categories with better display, camera system, and performance. However, Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max offers superior battery life and seamless iOS ecosystem integration. Your choice depends on your priorities—Android customization & power vs. Apple’s refined user experience!