Spec cross-check · 2026-10-14

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro Max

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro Max lines up the January 2025 Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra with the September 2024 iPhone 16 Pro Max. The spec score is a weighted share of comparable published rows. Manufacturer spec sheets are the source.

Spec lead

7.4 / 10

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra specs

Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy

Spec score

2.6 / 10

iPhone 16 Pro Max specs

A18 Pro

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra leads Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro Max on the weighted spec sheet, ahead on display, chip, camera hardware, and charging.

Spec sheet

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro Max published specs. Display lead uses refresh rate, pixel density, peak brightness, and always-on when both phones publish them. Camera lead is a hardware class, not a photo test. Battery is scored only when both phones publish the same kind of figure.
Spec	Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra	iPhone 16 Pro Max
Display	6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 3120×1440, 498 ppi, 120Hz, 2,600 nits peak, always-onLeads	6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2868×1320, 460 ppi, 120Hz, 2,000 nits peak, always-on
Chip	Snapdragon 8 Elite for GalaxyLeads	A18 Pro
Memory	12GB	Not published
Storage	256GB, 512GB, 1TBTie	256GB, 512GB, 1TBTie
Camera hardware	200MP f/1.7 main, 50MP 5x optical, 10MP 3x optical, 50MP ultrawideLeads	48MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 12MP 5x tetraprism telephoto
Optical zoom	5xTie	5xTie
Front camera	12MP	12MP
Battery	5,000 mAh; up to 31 hours video playback	up to 33 hours video playbackLeads
Charging	45W wired. Wireless charging, Wireless PowerShareLeads	50% in about 30 minutes with a 20W or higher adapter. MagSafe up to 25W
Weight	218 gLeads	227 g
Water resistance	IP68Tie	IP68Tie
Software support	7 years of OS and security updates	Apple does not publish a fixed OS support window
Launch price	$1,299 launch price	$1,199 launch priceLeads
Software	Android 15, One UI 7 at launch	iOS 18 at launch
Biometrics	Ultrasonic fingerprint	Face ID
Connectivity	USB-C, 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4	USB-C (USB 3), 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3

Who should buy which

Choose the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra if you want Android 15, One UI 7 at launch. It leads on display, chip, camera hardware, charging, and weight.

Choose the iPhone 16 Pro Max if you want iOS 18 at launch. It leads on battery and launch price.

Questions

Which is better, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra or iPhone 16 Pro Max?

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra leads Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro Max on the weighted spec sheet, ahead on display, chip, camera hardware, and charging.