Spec cross-check · 2026-10-14
iPhone 16 vs Samsung Galaxy S25
iPhone 16 vs Samsung Galaxy S25 lines up the September 2024 iPhone 16 with the January 2025 Samsung Galaxy S25. The spec score is a weighted share of comparable published rows. Manufacturer spec sheets are the source.
Samsung Galaxy S25 leads iPhone 16 vs Samsung Galaxy S25 on the weighted spec sheet, ahead on display, chip, camera hardware, and optical zoom.
Spec sheet
| Spec | iPhone 16 | Samsung Galaxy S25 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2556×1179, 460 ppi, 60Hz, 2,000 nits peak | 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 2340×1080, 416 ppi, 120Hz, 2,600 nits peak, always-onLeads |
| Chip | A18 | Snapdragon 8 Elite for GalaxyLeads |
| Memory | Not published | 12GB |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GBTie | 128GB, 256GB, 512GBTie |
| Camera hardware | 48MP Fusion main, 12MP ultrawide, 2x optical-quality crop | 50MP f/1.8 main, 10MP 3x optical telephoto, 12MP ultrawideLeads |
| Optical zoom | No optical telephoto | 3xLeads |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Battery | up to 22 hours video playback | 4,000 mAh; up to 29 hours video playbackLeads |
| Charging | 50% in about 30 minutes with a 20W or higher adapter. MagSafe up to 25W | 25W wired. Wireless charging, Wireless PowerShareLeads |
| Weight | 170 g | 162 gLeads |
| Water resistance | IP68Tie | IP68Tie |
| Software support | Apple does not publish a fixed OS support window | 7 years of OS and security updates |
| Launch price | $799 launch priceTie | $799 launch priceTie |
| Software | iOS 18 at launch | Android 15, One UI 7 at launch |
| Biometrics | Face ID | Ultrasonic fingerprint |
| Connectivity | USB-C, 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3 | USB-C, 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 |
Who should buy which
Choose the iPhone 16 if you want iOS 18 at launch.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S25 if you want Android 15, One UI 7 at launch. It leads on display, chip, camera hardware, optical zoom, battery, charging, and weight.
Questions
Which is better, iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy S25?
Samsung Galaxy S25 leads iPhone 16 vs Samsung Galaxy S25 on the weighted spec sheet, ahead on display, chip, camera hardware, and optical zoom.
iPhone 16 vs Samsung Galaxy S25: which has the better battery?
Samsung Galaxy S25 leads on battery. iPhone 16: up to 22 hours video playback. Samsung Galaxy S25: 4,000 mAh; up to 29 hours video playback.
iPhone 16 vs Samsung Galaxy S25: which has the better camera?
Samsung Galaxy S25 leads on camera hardware. iPhone 16: 48MP Fusion main, 12MP ultrawide, 2x optical-quality crop. Samsung Galaxy S25: 50MP f/1.8 main, 10MP 3x optical telephoto, 12MP ultrawide. This rank is hardware class, not a photo lab test.
What did iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S25 cost at launch?
iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S25 tie on launch price. iPhone 16: $799 launch price. Samsung Galaxy S25: $799 launch price.
Sources
- Apple iPhone 16 technical specifications
- Samsung Galaxy S25 specifications