When it comes to premium smartphones in 2025, two giants dominate the conversation — the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and the iPhone 16 Pro Max. These flagship devices represent the pinnacle of Android and iOS ecosystems, respectively. But which one is actually better?
In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive into every critical aspect: price, benchmark, camera, display, size, material quality, speaker quality, features, resale value, OS, battery, and overall performance. Whether you’re a die-hard Apple fan or a committed Android user, this guide will help you make the best decision.
If you’re also looking to enhance your entertainment setup, don’t miss our guide on the Top 5 Best Portable Speakers Under $100 in 2025. These affordable speakers are perfect for pairing with your smart home ecosystem.
1. Price Comparison
| Model | Launch Price (USD) | Base Storage | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S25 Ultra | $1,299 | 256 GB | 🛒 Buy on Amazon |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | $1,199 | 256 GB | 🛒 Buy on Amazon |
Verdict: The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers a slightly more competitive entry price, although the S25 Ultra often includes more bundled accessories like an S Pen or fast charger.
2. Performance & Benchmarks
Geekbench 6 Scores
- S25 Ultra (Snapdragon 8 Gen 4)
- Single-Core: ~2,300
- Multi-Core: ~7,800
- iPhone 16 Pro Max (A18 Pro)
- Single-Core: ~2,950
- Multi-Core: ~7,500
Verdict: The iPhone wins in single-core performance, ideal for everyday apps and UI fluidity. The S25 Ultra pulls ahead in multi-core tasks, better suited for multitasking, gaming, and productivity.
3. Camera Comparison
| Feature | Galaxy S25 Ultra | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 200MP (f/1.7) | 48MP (f/1.6) |
| Ultra-wide | 12MP | 12MP |
| Telephoto | Dual: 3x & 10x | 5x optical |
| Video | 8K @30fps | 4K @60fps |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
Verdict: The S25 Ultra dominates in zoom capabilities and raw detail with its 200MP sensor. However, iPhone 16 Pro Max offers more natural color science and better video stabilization, making it a top choice for videographers.
4. Display Quality
| Feature | Galaxy S25 Ultra | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8-inch AMOLED | 6.7-inch OLED |
| Resolution | 3200×1440 (QHD+) | 2796×1290 |
| Refresh Rate | 1-120Hz (LTPO) | 1-120Hz (ProMotion) |
| Brightness | 2,600 nits | 2,500 nits |
Verdict: Both displays are stunning, but S25 Ultra offers a higher resolution and slightly better outdoor visibility.
5. Size & Ergonomics
| Metric | Galaxy S25 Ultra | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm | 160.7 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm |
| Weight | 233g | 225g |
Verdict: The iPhone 16 Pro Max is slightly more compact and easier to handle. The S25 Ultra, though bulkier, integrates an S Pen for added utility.
6. Material & Build Quality
- S25 Ultra: Armor Aluminum frame with Gorilla Glass Armor
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: Titanium frame with Ceramic Shield
Verdict: Apple’s titanium frame feels premium and slightly lighter, while Samsung’s Gorilla Glass Armor offers better scratch resistance. Both are IP68 rated for water and dust resistance.
7. Speaker & Audio Quality
- S25 Ultra: Stereo speakers tuned by AKG, Dolby Atmos
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos
Verdict: Both phones offer loud and rich stereo output. The iPhone provides slightly better spatial depth, while the S25 Ultra offers more customizable audio tuning.
8. Unique Features
| Feature | S25 Ultra | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Stylus (S Pen) | ✅ | ❌ |
| USB-C Port | ✅ | ✅ |
| Face ID | ❌ | ✅ |
| Under-display Fingerprint | ✅ | ❌ |
| Satellite Connectivity | ✅ | ✅ |
| DeX Mode | ✅ | ❌ |
Verdict: S25 Ultra is a productivity beast with DeX, S Pen, and better customization. iPhone 16 Pro Max focuses on simplicity and security with seamless Face ID integration.
9. Battery Life
| Feature | Galaxy S25 Ultra | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5,500 mAh | 4,400 mAh |
| Charging | 65W wired / 15W wireless | 30W wired / 15W MagSafe |
| Endurance | ~1.5 days | ~1.5 days |
Verdict: Battery life is excellent on both. The S25 Ultra charges faster and has a larger battery, but Apple’s optimization makes the iPhone highly efficient.
10. OS & Ecosystem
- S25 Ultra: Android 15 with One UI 7.1, 7 years of updates
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: iOS 18, seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem
Verdict: Choose based on your preferred ecosystem. Samsung has closed the update gap, but Apple still offers the most cohesive and privacy-focused environment.
11. Resale & Used Price
After 1 year:
- S25 Ultra: Retains ~65–70% of its value
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: Retains ~80–85% of its value
Verdict: iPhones consistently hold their value better, making them a smarter long-term investment.
Conclusion: Which One Is Better?
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | iPhone 16 Pro Max (single-core) |
| Camera | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
| Display | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
| Features | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
| Build Quality | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
| Ecosystem | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
| Battery Charging | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
| Resale Value | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
Choose the S25 Ultra if:
- You want ultimate customization, stylus input, and a versatile camera.
- You’re productivity-focused and prefer USB-C freedom.
- You’re invested in Android and Samsung’s DeX or multitasking.
Choose the iPhone 16 Pro Max if:
- You value seamless performance, resale value, and security.
- You’re invested in the Apple ecosystem (Mac, iPad, Apple Watch).
- You shoot a lot of video or want the best app optimization.
Final Verdict: There’s no clear-cut winner — the choice depends on what matters most to you. Power users and creatives will lean toward the Galaxy S25 Ultra, while those who prioritize longevity, simplicity, and resale will favor the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
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