For the second year running, the smartphone world is witnessing a face-off between two giants: Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Both phones symbolize the best of innovation, bringing together the latest technology and great design. In this article, we will delve deep into the specifications, camera capabilities, price, and battery performance of these two flagships to help you decide which one deserves to be in your pocket.
S25 Ultra or iPhone 16 pro max
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Specs
Here is a chart that compares the specs of these two phones:
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Comparison Chart
Feature | iPhone 16 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
| Display | 6.7-inch OLED, ProMotion (120Hz) | 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED, QHD+, 120Hz |
Processor | A18 Bionic | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 / Exynos 2400 |
| RAM | 8GB | Up to 18GB |
Storage Options | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB + microSD support |
Operating System | iOS 18 | Android 15 with One UI 7.0 |
| Rear Cameras | 48MP (Main) + 12MP (Ultra-Wide) + 12MP (Telephoto) | 200MP (Main) + 12MP (Ultra-Wide) + Improved Telephoto with 20x optical zoom |
Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 40MP |
Video Recording | 4K at 60fps, ProRes, Dolby Vision | 8K at 30fps, 4K at 60fps, Super Steady |
| Battery Capacity | 4,500mAh | 5,500mAh |
Charging | 30W wired, 15W MagSafe wireless | 65W wired, 25W wireless, reverse wireless |
| Biometric Security | Face ID | In-display fingerprint, facial recognition |
| Software Updates | Up to 6 years | Up to 4 years (Android) + 5 years (security) |
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra camera
Rear Cameras
Apple has consistently delivered great cameras with its Pro handsets, and that continues with the iPhone 16 Pro Max. It has a triple-camera configuration with a 48 MP primary camera shooter, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 12MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. No matter the light condition, computational photography features in the iPhone offer euphoric picture quality, from Smart HDR 5 to Night mode. The new Photonic Engine further enhances the image quality by handling images pixel by pixel.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra takes it up a notch with its quad-camera setup: a breakthrough 200MP primary sensor, 12MP ultra-wide, and an improved telephoto lens offering up to 20x optical zoom and 100x Space Zoom. Major steps taken by Samsung in enhancing camera functionalities for zooming make the S25 Ultra click highly detailed shots even from very far. But the S25 Ultra outperforms in low-light photography, thanks to its advanced Nightography mode.
Front Cameras
The iPhone 16 Pro Max brings a 12MP True Depth front camera with 4K video recording, Smart HDR, and Night mode for selfies and video calls. Face ID technology by Apple-using front camera systems still holds the leading position among one of the most secure biometric authentication methods.
In contrast, the front cameras on the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra number only one 40MP shooter, which may be expected to deliver class-leading selfie quality. It also offers 4K video recording and many AI-powered enhancements for clearer and more vivid selfies.
Video Recording
When it comes to video, Apple is still the gold standard. The iPhone 16 Pro Max further supports ProRes video recording, which professional videographers prefer for offering the best quality. It shoots 4K at 60fps and has advanced stabilization, thus making it perfect both for casual and professional usage.
Not to be outdone, Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra records 8K video at 30fps and does 4K at 60fps. For smooth video even in the most action-packed scenes, Samsung’s Super Steady mode nails it, while the Director’s View mode gives you creative control over the cameras, allowing the choice of lenses during recording.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Price
Pricing is always one of the major deciding factors when it comes to choosing between two flagship smartphones, and Apple and Samsung have traditionally been associated with premium pricing, so let’s dive into the details.
iPhone 16 Pro Max Price
The iPhone 16 Pro Max retains a premium price befitting its status, with the base model featuring 256GB starting at $1,299. The 512GB version goes for $1,499, while the 1TB model clocks in at $1,699. Apple has confidence in its pricing since quality, longevity, and ecosystem integration are aspects that come along with using an iPhone.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Price
The basic model of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra starts at a somewhat higher price: $1,399 for 256GB. The 512GB model costs $1,599, while the 1TB variant comes in at $1,799. Samsung has also provided a 2TB model that will cost $1,999. Its higher prices are justifiable by Samsung, considering the exquisite technologies being dealt with, especially the display and camera capabilities.
Admittedly, both gadgets are very expensive, but their features and performances are top-notch, which justifies the costs. It could also boil down to your preference for iOS over Android or vice versa, or probably because of Apple’s ecosystem over Samsung’s innovation in hardware.
Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Battery
Of course, battery life is critical for most smartphone users, and here both Apple and Samsung have made big jumps forward. There is a 4500mAh battery in the iPhone 16 Pro Max. When supported by efficiency from the A18 Bionic chip, an optimized iOS is ready to deliver outstanding battery life. According to Apple, the iPhone 16 Pro Max can last well through a whole day even with heavy usage like gaming, streaming videos, and taking pictures.
On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is packing a larger 5,500mAh battery. This is highly needed because of its more power-hungry hardware, such as the high-resolution display and powerful processor. One UI optimizations from Samsung play a great role in boosting battery life, along with adaptive refresh rate technology; hence, the S25 Ultra can keep up with a whole day of heavy work on a single charge.
Charging
The iPhone 16 Pro Max continues to stick with Apple’s support for 30W wired charging, which can give the device a 50% charge in about 30 minutes. The iPhone also supports MagSafe wireless charging up to 15W and gives the added advantage of magnetic alignment for easy charging.
However, Samsung pushes it up a notch with the Galaxy S25 Ultra. It has 65W wired charging, which can fill it up from zero to full in just under an hour. The S25 Ultra also wirelessly charges at 25W and supports reverse wireless charging, letting you directly charge small external accessories such as earbuds or smartwatches using your phone.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Video
The Fone Side: Phone Store in London
After choosing the final winner in the iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra contest, The most important thing to keep in mind when buying a phone is to choose a reliable mobile store to buy.
The Fone Side is an impressive, convenient place to buy a mobile phone, with many options. Their service rivals other companies in larger stores in the area because you get personal attention. You know that the phone will be ready when you’re ready.
The Fone Side has a big brand, new mobile phones for sale, plus other mobile phones from previous years so you can make the best choice for what you need. Their price is as good or better than the other larger companies and the telephone management team will be able to find the right phone for you quickly if you wait.