Buy the iPhone 16 Pro Max Now or Wait for the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?

The iPhone 16 Pro Max and the anticipated Galaxy S25 Ultra share some key similarities, sporting sleek, high-end builds with durable titanium frames. Each has the largest display in their series, making them comparable in terms of screen real estate. They are among the most advanced options on the market today. However, each device has distinctive strengths, and choosing between them depends on your priorities.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra will likely appeal to those who prioritize a highly vibrant, sharp display. With its 3120 x 1440 resolution and 501 ppi, Samsung’s display is expected to deliver deep contrast, eye-popping colors, and a high level of brightness. If you spend most of your time outdoors, you may likely appreciate the S25 Ultra.

Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s display is excellent in terms of color accuracy and smooth scrolling. While its resolution is slightly lower than that of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Apple’s display technology has a reputation for delivering lifelike color balance and contrast. We’d say the iPhone 16 Pro Max would be a great device for photography and video playback.

Camera quality is an ultimate dealbreaker when choosing between high-end phones. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to continue Samsung’s legacy of powerful zoom capabilities. This includes support for high-level optical and digital zoom for ultra-detailed shots. This makes it ideal for those who need flexibility in capturing far-away subjects or want higher-res photos.

If there’s one thing Apple excels at, it’s the impressive camera system, even for its earlier models. It doesn’t get a lot of scrutiny compared to Android cameras. This time, Apple leaned toward producing more natural and realistic-looking photos in its iPhone 16 series. Its low-light performance is excellent, making it a solid choice for night photography or dim environments.

Both phones are crafted from titanium, giving them a premium and durable feel. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is slightly thinner at 8.2 mm and lighter at 219 g, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max measures 8.3 mm thick and weighs 227 g. Samsung has also rounded the corners of the S25 Ultra, a noticeable change from the previous models which are a lot more boxy. Leaks of prototypes and Galaxy S25 cases suggest its going to be curvy this time, which had gotten nods and fan approval.

In terms of durability, Samsung uses Corning Gorilla Glass, which is great for outdoor durability. The iPhone 16 Pro Max, on the other hand, features a double-layer ceramic shield, enhancing its drop resistance.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra will run on Samsung’s One UI based on Android. Leaks say the device will debut with One UI 7.1, which allows for extensive customization options that power users will appreciate. Samsung provides regular updates for around 4–5 years, keeping the device secure and up-to-date with new features.

Apple’s iOS on the iPhone 16 Pro Max is known for its simplicity and ease of use. With around 5–6 years of software updates, Apple offers a longer lifespan for its devices. If you prefer a more streamlined experience and want a phone that will stay relevant for longer, the iPhone’s software support is hard to beat.

Rumors are almost certain that the Galaxy S25 Ultra may use the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip powered by Qualcomm, a company renowned for producing high-performance, energy-efficient chips. It’s built to support complex apps, multitasking, and large battery capacity, which translates into a balanced performance overall.

Under the hood, the iPhone 16 Pro Max uses Apple’s A18 Pro chip, which is designed to deliver unmatched speed and efficiency. It performs well in all conditions, from handling intensive apps to managing battery life, making it one of the fastest processors on the market.

Samsung’s ecosystem works well with other Samsung products, including Galaxy Watches, Galaxy Buds, and the broader Windows ecosystem. If you’re already invested in Samsung or Windows devices, the Galaxy S25 Ultra will fit seamlessly into your tech lineup.

As for the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple’s ecosystem remains a major selling point. Features like MagSafe, a magnetic system for attaching accessories and wireless charging, add extra convenience to the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Additionally, if you own other Apple products (such as a Mac, iPad, or Apple Watch), the iPhone will integrate effortlessly.

You can actually add the MagSafe ecosystem to the S25 Ultra using a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra case. We recommend our aramid fiber MagSafe case for the protection and full functionality of Apple's MagSafe.

While both devices offer solid battery life, Samsung typically incorporates slightly larger batteries. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is likely to have an edge in overall battery longevity. It supports fast wired and wireless charging, and Samsung’s power management system is optimized for power-heavy apps like games.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max also has good battery life and features MagSafe, which allows for fast, easy wireless charging and attachment of compatible accessories. If battery longevity is your top priority, Samsung might be the winner, but the iPhone provides a refined charging experience with MagSafe and optimized power usage.

Sometimes, it’s simpler to start by choosing between Android or iPhone. The iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra have their unique strengths, so it ultimately depends on what you prioritize most in a smartphone. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

✔️ Unparalleled zoom capabilities

✔️ Highly customizable experience

✔️ Color-rich display

✔️ Vibrant and user-friendly interface

✔️ Larger battery

iPhone 16 Pro Max

✔️ Reliable long-term software support

✔️ Straightforward, user-friendly experience

✔️ Smooth integration with other Apple products—like the Mac, Apple Watch, and iPad

✔️ MagSafe ecosystem

✔️ Device that “just works” and offers simplicity

Both options offer a premium experience, but your lifestyle and tech preferences will determine the best fit.