- By Prateek Levi
- Thu, 23 Jan 2025 07:14 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: Samsung has just unveiled its next-in-line flagship smartphone the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and there is a lot that comes with it. Now in my personal opinion, there could have been a few more upgrades to the device as it needs to usher in the next era of smartphone devices, but it still brings a lot to the table, to say the least.
With that said I think it is time we compare Galaxy S25 Ultra with its longest-standing rival in the market Apple, and its iPhone 16 Pro Max. Each of these devices is designed to push boundaries in terms of performance, design, and functionality. With the Galaxy S25 Ultra now officially launched, it enters a competitive space already dominated by the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Let’s take a closer look at how these two flagship models compare across different aspects.
Pricing Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra comes in three variants:
12GB RAM / 256GB Storage: ₹1,29,999
12GB RAM / 512GB Storage: ₹1,41,999
12GB RAM / 1TB Storage: ₹1,65,999
In contrast, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is priced as follows on Amazon:
256GB: ₹1,37,900
512GB: ₹1,57,900
1TB: ₹1,77,900
Design & Build
Both flagship devices come with a sturdy and premium titanium frame and also flaunt a glass build, with Samsung using Corning Gorilla Armor 2 and Apple opting for Ceramic Shield glass. This makes them highly durable against everyday accidents. While the dimensions are almost identical, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is slightly lighter, weighing 218 grams compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s 227 grams.
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In terms of water resistance, both phones are IP68-rated, but the iPhone can survive submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra can handle 1.5 meters for the same period.
Display
In terms of display big screens have become the new norm and fully capitalizing on the opportunity both devices come with a stunning 6.9-inch display, but Samsung takes the lead in brightness. The Galaxy S25 Ultra reaches an impressive 2600 nits, compared to the iPhone’s 2000 nits. This makes the Galaxy S25 Ultra a winner when it comes to outdoor visibility. On top of that, the S25 Ultra also packs a few more pixels with it, and boasts a sharper resolution of 1440 x 3120 pixels, while Apple’s resolution stands at 1320 x 2868 pixels. However, Apple’s Dolby Vision technology ensures more accurate colors, making it ideal for media consumption.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is powered by the formidable Snapdragon 8 Elite "For Galaxy" which is customized accordingly to cater to the next-gen AI features that the phone carries, paired with 12GB of RAM across all variants. It is tailored to deliver high-octane performance to demanding users, be it gaming or multitasking.
On the other hand, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is powered by Apple’s A18 Pro processor, which comes with a hexa-core CPU and 8GB of RAM. While the numbers tell us that Samsung has more to offer when it comes to efficiency and functioning, it is important to note that Appl's optimization is still unbeatable which offers seamless and smooth performance even after being a little shy on some figures.
Camera
Now this is a tricky one, on one side there is Samsung which definitely offers a superior camera setup, but we all are not unaware of how the iPhone 16 Pro Max's camera performs. Samsung comes with a 200MP quad-camera setup, including two telephoto lenses for 3x and 5x optical zoom and a 50MP ultrawide lens. It also supports 8K video recording, which is ideal for content creators.
On the other hand, the iPhone 16 Pro Max sports a 48MP triple-camera setup, which is equipped with a periscope lens with 5x optical zoom. The iPhone puts more focus on advanced computational photography and comes loaded with features like ProRes video and spatial video, which makes it a good deal for content creators, and this is something we all have witnessed.
Battery & Charging
The Galaxy S25 Ultra features a 5000mAh battery and supports 45W wired charging, capable of charging up to 65% in just 30 minutes. It also supports wireless charging up to 25W and reverse wireless charging for accessories. The iPhone 16 Pro Max, with a slightly smaller 4685mAh battery, supports 25W wired charging and wireless charging. Both devices offer similar battery life, but Samsung’s faster-charging speed stands out.
Software
The Galaxy S25 Ultra runs Android 7 with Samsung’s One UI 15, packed with AI-driven features such as Circle to Search for context-based tasks and Writing Assist for enhanced content creation. On the other hand, the iPhone 16 Pro Max comes with iOS 18, offering a seamless, intuitive experience with features like Find My and Emergency SOS via satellite. While Samsung’s software is customizable, Apple’s focus is on simplicity and deep integration with its ecosystem.
What's best for you?
The battle between the titans has been going on for a long time now, with both the devices offering off-the-charts performance that sets the benchmark for performance, cutting-edge features and innovation for this generation's upcoming devices. The Galaxy S25 definitely steals the show when it comes to the camera and for the photographer in you that might be the better option to choose from, it also has a brighter and better screen when it comes to its resolution.
But if you are someone who enjoys seamless and smooth performance, and an efficient and streamlined experience throughout then Apple would be the deal to take. But eventually, it all boils down to what you want and whether you are an Android or an iOS fan.