Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: A Comparison You Asked For

Apple has released new iPhones annually since its first iPhone was announced in 2007, and Samsung has released new Galaxy S-series phones in January or February since at least 2019. Since then, these two have been big players in the smartphone industry and created the most anticipated events in the tech world.

The latest counterparts, the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the iPhone 16 Pro Max have fans of both brands discussing nonstop. These comprehensive comparisons that happen even between their consumers delve into what these flagship devices could offer better, often providing insights for buyers to navigate the Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max debate.

In this guide, we’ll compare each phone’s design, performance, and cameras and explore how the Samsung Galaxy and Apple ecosystems shape the user experience.

The Apple and Samsung ecosystems are undeniably their best-selling points. However, reports show that Apple may have a more tightly-knit ecosystem than that of Androids. Nonetheless, these ecosystems are designed to offer seamless integration across devices, especially since everyone is now using more and more different electronic devices, switching between them to get through their day.

Let’s look closely at how the ecosystem works for Samsung Galaxy and Apple.

Understanding these ecosystems provides context for evaluating the Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max, as the value of each device is amplified by the ecosystem in which it resides.

When evaluating the Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max, it's essential to consider various aspects contributing to their overall performance and user satisfaction. Both devices are designed to meet the demands of modern users, offering cutting-edge technology and features.

In the following sections, we will delve into specific areas such as design and build, display quality, performance metrics, camera capabilities, battery life, software features, and pricing to provide a comprehensive comparison.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has made a good first impression for us, specifically its design and build. The weight distribution is impeccable, and the thinner bezels are aesthetically pleasing, making the 218-gram device feel even lighter. The placement of the volume keys and side buttons is intuitive, focusing on the kind of experience a user would have while holding the device.

On the other hand, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, weighing 227 grams, is Apple’s largest iPhone to date. Despite its size, it offers the longest battery life ever seen in an iPhone, a significant rise and advantage for power users.

Both devices have IP68 water resistance, but there’s a notable difference in their capabilities. The iPhone can withstand submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes, whereas the Galaxy is rated for 1.5 meters for the same duration. This distinction could be crucial for users who frequently find themselves around water or in challenging environments.

Samsung has long been lauded for its display technology, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra continues this tradition. Its 6.9-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display delivers crisp details and vibrant colors. The display’s brightness and color accuracy are impressive, making it a pleasure to use in various lighting conditions.

Apple's iPhone 16 Pro Max is not to be outdone. With its new 6.9-inch display, it offers impressively high brightness and class-leading color accuracy. This ensures that visuals are rendered beautifully, whether you’re watching videos or browsing photos.

Both displays support 120Hz refresh rates, ensuring smooth scrolling and responsiveness. This feature enhances the user experience, making interactions feel more fluid and natural.

Under the hood, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor paired with 12GB of RAM. This combination provides robust multitasking capabilities, allowing users to run multiple applications seamlessly. Performance gains from this processor over the previous generation are significant, with single-core benchmark results about three times higher than usual year-over-year improvements.

In contrast, the iPhone 16 Pro Max utilizes Apple's A18 Pro chipset with 8GB of RAM. Despite the difference in RAM, Apple's optimization ensures seamless application performance. The device handles tasks efficiently, providing a smooth user experience. 

The Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts a versatile camera setup:

Rear Cameras:

• 200MP main sensor

• 10MP telephoto lens

• 50MP ultrawide lens

• 50MP periscope sensor

Front Camera:

• 12MP sensor

This configuration allows for detailed imaging and advanced zoom capabilities. The camera delivers crisp and vibrant photos, catering to casual and professional photographers.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers:

Rear Cameras:

• 48MP main sensor

• 12MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom

• 48MP ultrawide lens

Front Camera:

• 12MP sensor

Apple emphasizes computational photography, delivering consistent and natural-looking photos. The device excels in capturing true-to-life images, making it a favorite among photography enthusiasts.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is built with a 5000mAh battery, supports 45W wired charging, and has incorporated the Qi2 charging protocol. It also offers users super fast charging, so users can quickly recharge their phones and stay connected throughout the day.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max houses a 4685mAh battery with an estimated battery life of eight hours and thirty minutes. Apple also said that their fast charging capabilities will allow the device to reach 50% in 30 minutes and 25W wireless charging via MagSafe. Despite its slightly smaller battery, the iPhone 16 Pro Max offers impressive battery life, catering to users who are always on the go.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra runs on Android 15 with Samsung’s One UI 7. While the hardware is top-notch, some users feel that One UI 7 feels unpolished and disrupts core functionalities. If Samsung doesn't refine the software soon, this may be a dealbreaker for many users.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max operates on iOS 18, featuring Apple’s Visual Intelligence that helps quickly pull up information and a new Camera Control button for intuitive photography. The device offers a seamless and intuitive user experience, making it a pleasure to use daily. 

The Galaxy S25 Ultra starts at $1,299.99, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max begins at $1,199. Both devices offer storage options of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, providing flexibility for users with varying storage needs.

After a detailed comparison, it’s clear that both the Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max represent the pinnacle of modern smartphone technology. Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra impresses with its high-resolution 200MP camera, larger battery, and brighter display, making it a powerhouse for photography enthusiasts and multimedia users. Meanwhile, Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max delivers seamless performance, unmatched software optimization, and deep ecosystem integration, ensuring a smooth and efficient user experience.

In the end, it all comes down to what fits your needs. Samsung or Apple, the choice is yours. Both smartphones still guarantee an exceptional user experience in 2025 and beyond.