In 2025, the premium smartphone market is dominated by two titans: the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Both devices boast cutting-edge technology, but which one is right for you? Let's delve into their features to help you decide.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra pack top-tier hardware tailored for power users. Here's a side-by-side look at their essential specifications:
Feature |
iPhone 16 Pro Max |
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
---|---|---|
Display |
6.9" Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, 2000 nits peak brightness |
6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 2600 nits peak brightness |
Processor |
Apple A18 Pro (3nm) |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm) |
RAM |
8GB LPDDR5 |
12GB LPDDR5 (16GB in select regions) |
Storage Options |
256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
Battery |
4,685mAh |
5,000mAh |
Charging |
Up to 27W wired, 25W MagSafe wireless |
45W wired, 15W wireless |
Operating System |
iOS 18 |
Android 15 with One UI 7 |
Disclaimer: Specifications are based on official sources and may vary by region.
Both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra showcase premium craftsmanship, utilising durable materials and offering a range of colour options. Their designs reflect the brands' commitment to combining aesthetics with functionality.
Feature |
iPhone 16 Pro Max |
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
---|---|---|
Frame Material |
Titanium |
Titanium |
Front/Back |
Ceramic Shield front, textured matte glass back |
Corning Gorilla Armor 2 front and back |
Dimensions |
163.0 x 77.6 x 8.25 mm |
162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm |
Weight |
227g |
218g |
Water Resistance |
IP68 (up to 6 meters for 30 minutes) |
IP68 (up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes) |
Colours |
Desert Titanium, Natural Titanium, White Titanium, Black Titanium |
Titanium Silver Blue, Titanium Black, Titanium White Silver, Titanium Gray, Titanium Jade Green, Titanium Jet Black, Titanium Pink Gold |
Disclaimer: Specifications are based on official sources and may vary by region.
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the advanced camera systems on both devices.
Camera Feature |
iPhone 16 Pro Max |
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
---|---|---|
Main Camera |
48MP wide, 48MP ultra-wide, 12MP telephoto (5x optical zoom), LiDAR scanner |
200MP wide, 50MP ultra-wide, 50MP periscope (5x), 10MP telephoto (3x) |
Front Camera |
12MP |
12MP |
Video Recording |
Up to 4K at 120fps |
Up to 8K at 60fps |
The Galaxy S25 Ultra excels in zoom capabilities and low-light performance, thanks to its higher megapixel sensors and AI-driven ProVisual Engine. The iPhone offers superior colour accuracy and dynamic range, with its LiDAR scanner enhancing depth perception.
Performance and battery life are critical factors for users. Both devices are equipped with powerful processors and substantial battery capacities, ensuring smooth operation and longevity. Let’s explore how their core performance and battery features compare in the table below:
Feature |
iPhone 16 Pro Max |
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
---|---|---|
Processor |
Apple A18 Pro (3nm) |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm) |
RAM |
8GB LPDDR5 |
12GB LPDDR5 (16GB in select regions) |
Storage Options |
256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
Battery Capacity |
4,685mAh |
5,000mAh |
Charging |
Up to 27W wired, 25W MagSafe wireless |
45W wired, 15W wireless |
Battery Life |
Up to 33 hours video playback |
Up to 31 hours video playback |
Disclaimer: Battery life may vary based on usage and settings.
The software experience defines user interaction with the device. Both smartphones offer unique features and long-term software support, enhancing usability and personalisation. Have a look:
Feature |
iPhone 16 Pro Max |
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
---|---|---|
Operating System |
iOS 18 |
Android 15 with One UI 7 |
AI Features |
Apple Intelligence (enhanced Siri, Visual Intelligence) |
Galaxy AI (Now Brief, ProVisual Engine) |
Software Support |
Up to 7 years of updates |
Up to 7 years of updates |
Unique Features |
Camera Control button, Visual Intelligence |
S Pen support, Now Bar, Quick Share improvements |
Disclaimer: Software features may vary based on region and carrier.
Pricing often plays a decisive role when choosing a flagship smartphone. While both devices offer premium features, there’s a noticeable difference in their price tags. Here’s a quick comparison of their prices in the Indian market:
Model |
Price (India) |
---|---|
iPhone 16 Pro Max |
₹1,59,900 |
Samsung S25 Ultra |
₹1,24,999 |
Disclaimer: Prices are approximate and may vary based on location and retailer.
Choosing between the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra depends on your priorities:
If you value a cohesive ecosystem, superior single-core performance, and advanced AR capabilities.
If you prefer enhanced camera versatility, faster charging, and a more customisable user interface.
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The primary differences lie in their operating systems, camera configurations, and ecosystem integrations. The iPhone offers a seamless iOS experience, while the Samsung provides more hardware versatility.
While the iPhone is priced higher, it offers a tightly integrated ecosystem and premium build quality. Samsung offers similar features at a more competitive price point.
The iPhone has a slight edge in battery life, offering about 30 minutes more screen-on time. However, the Samsung charges faster, which may offset this difference for some users.
Both displays are exceptional, but the Samsung's higher peak brightness and resolution may offer better visibility in bright conditions and sharper visuals.
Yes, the iPhone introduces the Camera Control button and enhanced Apple Intelligence features, offering unique functionalities not present in the Samsung device.