Apple and Samsung continue their perennial rivalry with the Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16. While the S25 builds upon the S24’s foundation with internal enhancements, the iPhone 16 introduces notable features like Apple Intelligence. This comparison dives deep into their specs, design, performance, and more to determine which phone claims the 2025 flagship crown.
Design: A Tale of Two Flat Sides
Both phones sport the now-ubiquitous flat-sided design, making them almost indistinguishable from the front. However, their rear camera modules tell a different story. Samsung retains its signature triple-lens vertical array, while Apple adopts a pill-shaped enclosure for its dual cameras, a nostalgic nod to the iPhone X. Both utilize aluminum frames and glass backs, with Samsung opting for Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and Apple employing its Ceramic Shield glass on the front. Both boast IP68 water resistance, but Apple’s certification extends to a greater depth.
Display: Refresh Rate Rift
Samsung equips the S25 with its flagship-level Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, complete with a 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate and an always-on display. The iPhone 16, however, sticks with a standard 60Hz OLED, a puzzling choice in 2025. While the iPhone 16’s display offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, the S25’s smoother scrolling, superior power efficiency, and always-on functionality give it a clear advantage.
Performance: Powerhouses in Their Own Right
The Galaxy S25 boasts Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, while the iPhone 16 features Apple’s A18 processor. Both deliver exceptional performance for everyday tasks and demanding mobile games. The S25’s Adreno GPU might have a slight edge on paper, but the iPhone 16 benefits from the App Store’s robust library of AAA console-quality games.
Battery: A Day’s Worth and Then Some
Both phones offer all-day battery life with their respective 4,000mAh and 3,561mAh batteries. Charging speeds are also comparable, with both supporting around 25W wired charging. The iPhone 16 supports 25W MagSafe and 15W Qi2 wireless charging, while the Galaxy S25 offers similar speeds through a magnetic case accessory.
Cameras: Capturing Moments, Different Approaches
The Galaxy S25 features a 50MP primary lens, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto lens. Samsung emphasizes improved low-light photography and videography with its new Nightography mode and Log V3 video format support. The iPhone 16, with its 48MP Fusion camera and a new autofocus-enabled ultrawide lens, introduces macro photography and Spatial Photos and Videos. Apple’s enhanced Photographic Styles provide greater creative control over image editing.
Software and Updates: AI Takes Center Stage
The Galaxy S25 runs Android 15 with One UI 7, offering a refined user experience with a cleaner interface, new widgets, and features like the Now Bar and Now Brief. The iPhone 16 introduces iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI-powered features. Samsung’s Galaxy AI, now in its second generation, integrates Gemini Live as its primary voice assistant, a significant upgrade over Siri. Apple, however, integrates ChatGPT into iOS 18 to address Siri’s limitations.
Special Features: AI and Beyond
Both phones heavily leverage AI. Samsung’s Galaxy AI shines with features like advanced photo and video editing. The iPhone 16 counters with innovative features like the Camera Control button and Visual Intelligence, which offer unique ways to interact with the camera and the world around you.
Price and Availability: Accessible Flagships
Both phones are priced competitively, starting around $800 for their base models. The Galaxy S25 offers a wider range of color options, while the iPhone 16 provides more storage tier choices.
Verdict: Choosing Your Champion
The ultimate choice depends on your priorities. The Galaxy S25 excels with its cutting-edge AI features, superior display, and powerful performance. The iPhone 16 stands out with its refined camera system, innovative control features, and the mature iOS ecosystem. If AI is your focus, the S25 is the clear winner. If photography and a familiar user experience are paramount, the iPhone 16 is a compelling choice.
