The iPhone 16 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra are two of 2025’s most advanced smartphones. If you’re buying a flagship and wondering which one to pick, this head-to-head comparison covers everything: build & design, display, performance, camera, battery/charging, software & ecosystem, price & value — so you can decide which suits you best.
Quick Verdict
If you live deeply in the Apple ecosystem and prioritise colour-accurate photos and seamless OS updates, go with the iPhone 16 Pro Max. If you lean toward Android, want extreme camera flexibility, high storage and cutting-edge features for content creation, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the smart pick.
Detailed Specs Table
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| Specification | iPhone 16 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
| Screen size | 6.9″ | 6.9″ |
| Resolution | 2868 × 1320 | QHD+ (exact official not disclosed) |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Chipset | A18 Pro (3nm) | Snapdragon 8 Elite (or region equivalent) |
| RAM / Storage options | 8 GB RAM with 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | 12 GB RAM + up to 1TB storage |
| Rear cameras | 48MP main + 48MP ultra-wide + 12MP telephoto (5×) | 200MP main + 48MP periscope telephoto + 12MP ultra-wide |
| Battery | ~4685 mAh (teardown figure) | 5000 mAh |
| Wired charging | (Apple’s speed not officially emphasised) | 45W wired charging |
| Operating system | iOS 18 | Android + One UI I |
| Price (Pakistan approx) | Rs ~450,999 | Rs ~439,999 (512 GB) |
Design & Build
Both phones deliver premium build quality. The iPhone uses a titanium frame with textured glass back, offering durability with a lighter feel. The S25 Ultra also reportedly uses premium materials and includes a large display with minimal bezels. Users appreciate its design but some feel features are incremental.
Takeaway: If you value a refined, minimal Apple design, the iPhone wins slightly. If you want a bold, Android flagship feel, the S25 Ultra delivers.
Display
The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with 120 Hz refresh rate and ultra-bright peaks (up to ~2,000 nits) for HDR and outdoor use.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel also runs at 120 Hz, with excellent sharpness and brightness that reviewers praise.
Takeaway: Both are top-tier. If you edit photos or want colour accuracy, lean iPhone. For rich contrast, media, and maybe better outdoor visibility, the S25 Ultra may pull ahead.
Performance & Benchmark
The iPhone’s A18 Pro chip brings major efficiency and performance improvements — Apple claims ~15 % faster than last year.
Samsung’s S25 Ultra with Snapdragon 8 Elite (or equivalent) handles heavy workloads smoothly according to reviews.
Takeaway: Real-world use will be excellent on both. If you care about gaming, high refresh, and expansion, S25 Ultra has slight edge. If OS smoothness, longevity and software updates matter, iPhone is strong.
Camera Comparison
The iPhone offers a 48MP main, 48MP ultra-wide, and a 12MP periscope telephoto (5× optical) lens. Apple emphasises Pro workflows, Photonic Engine, Apple ProRAW.
The S25 Ultra pushes a 200MP main sensor, larger optical zoom (10×) and AI-driven camera functions.
Takeaway: For everyday photos with minimal fuss, the iPhone delivers consistent top quality. For zoom, flexibility and creative control (especially for content creators), S25 Ultra wins.
Battery & Charging
In reviews, the S25 Ultra is reported to last 1.5 days under moderate use and charges reasonably fast (45W wired). The iPhone is claimed by Apple to have its best battery yet (up to ~33 hours video playback) in the Pro Max variant.
Takeaway: Both are strong for battery. If fast charging is more important (and you don’t mind carrying a charger), S25 Ultra has a slight advantage.
Software & Ecosystem
iPhone runs iOS 18 with Apple Intelligence, deep ecosystem integration (Mac, iPad, Apple Watch). Gadgets 360
Samsung runs Android with One UI, includes S Pen features, strong AI tools, open ecosystem.
Takeaway: If you’re already invested in Apple gear, the iPhone is more seamless. If you prefer customisation, flexibility, or Android features, the S25 Ultra is the better fit.
Price & Value
The iPhone 16 Pro Max launched internationally starting at $1,199 USD for the 256 GB model, $1,399 USD for 512 GB, and around $1,599 USD for the 1 TB version. In the UK, prices start at £1,199, while in Europe the base model is roughly €1,449. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra begins at $1,299 USD for the 256 GB variant, rising to $1,419 USD for 512 GB and $1,659 USD for 1 TB. In the UK, it starts around £1,249 for the base model. Both phones sit firmly in the premium flagship range above the $1,000 mark, and actual retail prices vary slightly by region due to taxes and import duties.
Pros & Cons
iPhone 16 Pro Max
- Excellent ecosystem integration
- Strong photo/videos for professionals
- Long software support
− Slightly less zoom flexibility
− Premium price, fewer customisation options
Galaxy S25 Ultra
- Top-tier zoom and camera flexibility
- Excellent for power users & creators
- Strong hardware & large storage options
− Android ecosystem might be less streamlined if you use Apple gear
− Charging speed is good but not leading edge
Final Verdict
If you are an Apple user, prefer simplicity and integration, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is your best buy. If you’re switching, want the “most features” or are in content creation and value flexibility, choose the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Either way you’ll get one of the best phones of 2025.
FAQs
Which one is better, Samsung S25 Ultra or iPhone 16 Pro Max?
The Samsung S25 Ultra is better for users who prioritize a brighter, anti-glare display, faster raw performance, and advanced camera features like 8K video and a built-in stylus, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max is better for users who prefer its more streamlined operating system, a wider ecosystem, and smoother-looking animations
Which is best, iPhone or Samsung Galaxy?
Your choice between an iphone or samsung galaxy should really come down to your personal style and what other tech you already own and love.
What is the camera of the iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung S24 Ultra?
It also has a 12-megapixel front-facing camera. The iPhone 16 Pro Max can shoot up to 4K video at 120fps. The Galaxy S24 Ultra, meanwhile, sports a 200-megapixel wide camera, a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera, a 10-megapixel camera with 3x optical zoom and a 50-megapixel telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom.
Which phone has a better camera?
The “best” phone camera depends on your needs, with top contenders including the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra for zoom and general photography, the iPhone 17 Pro for video and photography.
How much will the S25 Ultra cost?
Full retail price $1299.99.
What is the top 1 phone in the world?
There is no single “no. 1” phone, as this depends on the criteria, but Apple is the top smartphone brand by global market share and is often considered the most popular for its ecosystem and premium features, while Samsung leads in the premium Android space and has a similar global market share to Apple. Other phones, like the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, are considered top contenders for specific features like camera performance.
