It’s a new year, and that means new flagship smartphones. Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy S25 series, and its top-tier model, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, is ready to challenge Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max. While we haven’t conducted a full review of the S25 Ultra yet, we have enough information to compare these two titans. Let’s dive into a head-to-head matchup of the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: Specifications
| Specs | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 162 x 77.6 x 8.2mm | 163 x 77.6 x 8.25mm |
| Weight | 218 grams | 227 grams |
| Display | 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (1440 x 3120 pixels), 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, 2600 nits peak brightness | 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED (1320 x 2868 pixels), 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, 2000 nits peak brightness |
| Operating System | Android 15, One UI 7 | iOS 18 |
| RAM & Storage | 12GB RAM, 256GB/512GB/1TB | 8GB RAM, 256GB/512GB/1TB |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Apple A18 Pro |
| Rear Camera | 200MP wide, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto (5x optical zoom), 10MP telephoto (3x optical zoom) | 48MP wide, 48MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto (5x optical zoom) |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Water Resistance | IP68 (1.5m for 30 minutes) | IP68 (6m for 30 minutes) |
| Battery & Charging | 5,000mAh, 45W wired, Fast Wireless Charging 2.0, Wireless PowerShare | 4,685mAh, 45W wired, 25W MagSafe wireless, 15W Qi2 wireless |
| Colors | Titanium Silverblue, Titanium Black, Titanium Whitesilver, Titanium Grey, Titanium Jadegreen (Samsung.com exclusive), Titanium Jetblack (Samsung.com exclusive), Titanium Pinkgold (Samsung.com exclusive) | Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, Desert Titanium |
| Starting Price | $1,299 | $1,199 |
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: Design and Display
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The Galaxy S25 Ultra refines the sleek design language of its predecessor with rounded corners and a slimmer, lighter profile. Its expansive 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. A peak brightness of 2600 nits ensures excellent outdoor visibility. The integrated S Pen, while having evolved from previous iterations, continues to be a unique selling point for Samsung.
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The iPhone 16 Pro Max showcases a premium titanium frame, adding durability and a touch of elegance. Its 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display offers stunning visuals with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and 2000 nits peak brightness. Apple’s Ceramic Shield provides added protection against scratches and drops. While both phones boast 6.9-inch displays, the S25 Ultra is slightly smaller and lighter. Real-world usability will be determined in our full review.
Winner: Tie
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: Performance
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While benchmark comparisons offer some insights, real-world testing will ultimately determine the performance champion. The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, with its newer architecture and powerful Adreno GPU, promises superior multitasking and gaming performance. The A18 Pro in the iPhone 16 Pro Max excels in single-core performance, making it highly responsive for everyday tasks. The choice depends on your priorities: heavy multitasking and gaming favor the S25 Ultra, while optimized efficiency for daily use favors the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (Preliminary)
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: Battery and Charging
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The Galaxy S25 Ultra inherits the 5,000mAh battery from its predecessor, promising up to 31 hours of video playback. 45W fast charging provides a quick top-up. The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a 4,685mAh battery, offering up to 33 hours of video playback. It supports 45W wired charging, 25W MagSafe wireless charging, and 15W Qi2 wireless charging. Until we conduct our battery tests, it’s difficult to declare a winner.
Winner: Tie
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: Cameras
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The S25 Ultra boasts a revamped camera system with a 200MP wide lens, a 50MP ultrawide lens, and two telephoto lenses (5x and 3x optical zoom). Software enhancements, including a virtual aperture feature, promise improved image quality and versatility.
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The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a triple-lens system with a 48MP wide camera, a 48MP ultrawide camera, and a 12MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom. Apple’s Photonic Engine and ProRAW support enhance image processing and editing capabilities. A comprehensive camera comparison awaits our full review of the S25 Ultra.
Winner: Tie
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: Software and Updates
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The S25 Ultra runs Android 15 with Samsung’s One UI 7, providing a customizable user experience and a suite of productivity features. Samsung’s commitment to seven years of OS and security updates is a significant advantage. The iPhone 16 Pro Max runs iOS 18, offering a seamless user experience and integration with the Apple ecosystem. While Apple’s update policy is less defined, it has a track record of providing long-term support. Software preference often boils down to personal preference and ecosystem loyalty.
Winner: Tie
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: Price and Availability
The Galaxy S25 Ultra starts at $1,299 for the 256GB model, with 512GB and 1TB options available. The iPhone 16 Pro Max, launched earlier, starts at $1,199 for 256GB, with 512GB and 1TB variants also offered.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: Which Should You Buy?
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The Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max represent the pinnacle of smartphone technology. Your choice hinges on your individual needs and preferences. The S25 Ultra’s advanced camera system, S Pen functionality, and Android flexibility cater to power users and creative professionals. The iPhone 16 Pro Max’s seamless iOS experience, powerful A18 Pro chip, and integration with the Apple ecosystem appeal to those prioritizing simplicity and performance.
