Spec cross-check · 2026-10-14
Samsung Galaxy S25 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max
Samsung Galaxy S25 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max lines up the January 2025 Samsung Galaxy S25 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.
Samsung Galaxy S25 leads Samsung Galaxy S25 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max on the weighted spec sheet, ahead on display, chip, charging, and weight.
Spec sheet
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy S25 | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 2340×1080, 416 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 | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TBLeads |
| Camera hardware | 50MP f/1.8 main, 10MP 3x optical telephoto, 12MP ultrawide | 48MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 12MP 5x tetraprism telephotoLeads |
| Optical zoom | 3x | 5xLeads |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Battery | 4,000 mAh; up to 29 hours video playback | up to 33 hours video playbackLeads |
| Charging | 25W wired. Wireless charging, Wireless PowerShareLeads | 50% in about 30 minutes with a 20W or higher adapter. MagSafe up to 25W |
| Weight | 162 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 | $799 launch priceLeads | $1,199 launch price |
| 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 if you want Android 15, One UI 7 at launch. It leads on display, chip, charging, weight, and launch price.
Choose the iPhone 16 Pro Max if you want iOS 18 at launch. It leads on storage, camera hardware, optical zoom, and battery.
Questions
Which is better, Samsung Galaxy S25 or iPhone 16 Pro Max?
Samsung Galaxy S25 leads Samsung Galaxy S25 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max on the weighted spec sheet, ahead on display, chip, charging, and weight.
Samsung Galaxy S25 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: which has the better battery?
iPhone 16 Pro Max leads on battery. Samsung Galaxy S25: 4,000 mAh; up to 29 hours video playback. iPhone 16 Pro Max: up to 33 hours video playback.
Samsung Galaxy S25 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: which has the better camera?
iPhone 16 Pro Max leads on camera hardware. Samsung Galaxy S25: 50MP f/1.8 main, 10MP 3x optical telephoto, 12MP ultrawide. iPhone 16 Pro Max: 48MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 12MP 5x tetraprism telephoto. This rank is hardware class, not a photo lab test.
What did Samsung Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16 Pro Max cost at launch?
Samsung Galaxy S25 leads on launch price. Samsung Galaxy S25: $799 launch price. iPhone 16 Pro Max: $1,199 launch price.
Sources
- Samsung Galaxy S25 specifications
- Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max technical specifications