iPhone 16 Pro vs Galaxy S25 Ultra: 2026 Flagship Showdown | aVersusB
The iPhone 16 Pro Refurb at $759 is the better value in 2026; the Galaxy S25 Ultra at $999 sale is the better hardware. If you have other Apple devices, iPhone wins regardless of specs.
iPhone 16 Pro
Apple's premium flagship smartphone with A18 Pro chip and advanced computational photography
iOS users upgrading from iPhone 13/14, Apple ecosystem households, video creators
Galaxy S25 Ultra
Samsung's top-tier Android flagship with 200MP camera, 6.9-inch display, and advanced AI features
Photographers, S Pen power users, battery-conscious travelers, Samsung ecosystem households
Quick Answer
AI SummaryThe iPhone 16 Pro Refurb at $759 is the better value in 2026; the Galaxy S25 Ultra at $999 sale is the better hardware. If you have other Apple devices, iPhone wins regardless of specs.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedGalaxy S25 Ultra wins on hardware (larger battery, 200MP camera, S Pen, bigger screen); iPhone 16 Pro wins on value ($240 cheaper refurb), ecosystem integration, and video quality.
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Choose iPhone 16 Pro if
iOS users upgrading from iPhone 13/14, Apple ecosystem households, video creators
Choose Galaxy S25 Ultra if
Best pickPhotographers, S Pen power users, battery-conscious travelers, Samsung ecosystem households
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Battery life:✓ Galaxy S25 Ultra wins(5,000 mAh — ~8-9 hrs screen-on, 45W wired vs 3,582 mAh — ~6-7 hrs screen-on, 27W wired)
- Street price (May 2026):✓ iPhone 16 Pro wins($759 (Apple Certified Refurb) vs $999 (samsung.com sale) / $1,299 MSRP)
- Camera versatility:✓ Galaxy S25 Ultra wins(200MP main + 50MP 5x periscope + 10MP 3x telephoto vs 48MP main + 12MP 5x periscope telephoto)
Key Facts & Figures
52 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | iPhone 16 Pro | Galaxy S25 Ultra | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity(mAh) | 3,200 mAh | 5,000 mAh | |
| Weight(lbs) | 199 g | 218 g | |
| Display Size(inches) | 6.3 | — | — |
| Battery Life (Video Playback)(hours) | 27 hrs | — | — |
| Weight(grams) | 187g | — | — |
| Starting Price (USD)(USD) | $999 | — | — |
| Charging Speed(minutes) | 27W peak | 45W | |
| Main Camera(MP) | 48 MP f/1.78 | 200 MP f/1.7 | |
| Street Price (May 2026)(USD) | $759 (Certified Refurb) | $999 (sale) | |
| Refresh Rate(Hz) | 120Hz ProMotion | — | — |
| Main Camera(MP) | 48MP with f/1.8 aperture | — | — |
| Optical Zoom(times) | 3x optical | — | — |
| Video Recording(fps at 4K) | 4K at 120fps | — | — |
| Base Price(USD) | $999 | — | — |
| Display Diagonal Size(inches) | 6.3 inches | — | — |
| Main Camera Resolution(megapixels) | 48MP | 200MP | |
| Optical Zoom Magnification(x) | 5x optical | — | — |
| Wired Charging Speed(W) | 25W | — | — |
| Major OS Update Support(years) | 7 years | — | — |
| Base Model Price (USD)(USD) | $999 | — | — |
| Display Brightness (Peak)(nits) | 3,000 nits | — | — |
| Main Camera Megapixels(MP) | 48MP (quad-pixel 12MP effective) | — | — |
| Wired Charging Speed (Full Charge)(minutes) | ~45 minutes (45W) | — | — |
| Software Support (OS Updates)(years) | 7 years guaranteed | — | — |
| Processor Single-Core Performance(Geekbench 6 Points) | ~3,100 | — | — |
| Multi-Core Performance Gain(%) | Baseline | — | — |
| Display Refresh Rate(Hz) | 120Hz | — | — |
| Display Size(inches) | 6.3-inch | 6.9-inch | |
| Battery Life(hours) | 27 | — | — |
| RAM(GB) | 12GB | 12 GB | |
| Starting Storage(GB) | 128 | — | — |
| Starting Price(USD) | $999 | $1,299 | |
| Telephoto Resolution(MP) | 12MP | — | — |
| 4K Video Capability(fps) | 4K 60fps | — | — |
| CPU Performance (Single-core)(Geekbench 6 points) | 2,580 | — | — |
| GPU Performance(TFLOPS) | Baseline A18 Pro | — | — |
| Telephoto Zoom(x optical) | 12x dual telephoto system | — | — |
| CPU Performance Improvement(%) | 30% faster | — | — |
| Ultra-Wide Camera Aperture(f-stop) | ƒ/1.2 | — | — |
| Video Playback Battery Life(hours) | Up to 27 hours | — | — |
| Starting Storage Capacity(GB) | 256GB | — | — |
| Telephoto Zoom Capability(x optical zoom) | 3x (with improved processing) | — | — |
| Battery Life (Typical)(hours) | 27 hours | — | — |
| Optical Zoom Capability(x magnification) | 3x optical zoom | — | — |
| Starting Price (USD)(USD) | $999 | — | — |
| Base Storage(GB) | 128GB | — | — |
| OS Update Guarantee(years) | 7 years | — | — |
| Peak Brightness(nits) | 2000 nits | 3000 nits | |
| Ultra-Wide Camera(megapixels) | 12MP (120°) | 50MP (120°) | |
| RAM Memory(GB) | 6GB | 12GB | |
| Battery Life (Typical Use)(hours) | ~33 hours | ~36+ hours | |
| Software Update Guarantee(years) | 7 years | 7 years |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
8 attributes compared head-to-head
- 3,582 mAh — ~6-7 hrs screen-on, 27W wiredBattery life5,000 mAh — ~8-9 hrs screen-on, 45W wired(winner)
- $759 (Apple Certified Refurb)(winner)Street price (May 2026)$999 (samsung.com sale) / $1,299 MSRP
- 48MP main + 12MP 5x periscope telephotoCamera versatility200MP main + 50MP 5x periscope + 10MP 3x telephoto(winner)
- 4K 120fps Dolby Vision + Log — best for creators(winner)Video quality8K 30fps — impressive but harder to edit
- Apple A18 Pro — leads single-coreChipsetSnapdragon 8 Elite — leads multi-core (~9,400 vs ~8,400 Geekbench multi)
- 6.3" LTPO OLED, 460 ppi, 2,000 nits HBMDisplay size6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 505 ppi, 2,600 nits peak(winner)
- NoneStylusS Pen (built-in)(winner)
- Apple: iMessage, Watch, AirPods, AirDrop, ContinuityEcosystem integrationSamsung: DeX, Galaxy Watch, Quick Share, Android openness
- Battery life
iPhone 16 Pro
3,582 mAh — ~6-7 hrs screen-on, 27W wired
Galaxy S25 Ultra
5,000 mAh — ~8-9 hrs screen-on, 45W wired(winner)
- Street price (May 2026)
iPhone 16 Pro
$759 (Apple Certified Refurb)(winner)
Galaxy S25 Ultra
$999 (samsung.com sale) / $1,299 MSRP
- Camera versatility
iPhone 16 Pro
48MP main + 12MP 5x periscope telephoto
Galaxy S25 Ultra
200MP main + 50MP 5x periscope + 10MP 3x telephoto(winner)
- Video quality
iPhone 16 Pro
4K 120fps Dolby Vision + Log — best for creators(winner)
Galaxy S25 Ultra
8K 30fps — impressive but harder to edit
- Chipset
iPhone 16 Pro
Apple A18 Pro — leads single-core
Galaxy S25 Ultra
Snapdragon 8 Elite — leads multi-core (~9,400 vs ~8,400 Geekbench multi)
- Display size
iPhone 16 Pro
6.3" LTPO OLED, 460 ppi, 2,000 nits HBM
Galaxy S25 Ultra
6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 505 ppi, 2,600 nits peak(winner)
- Stylus
iPhone 16 Pro
None
Galaxy S25 Ultra
S Pen (built-in)(winner)
- Ecosystem integration
iPhone 16 Pro
Apple: iMessage, Watch, AirPods, AirDrop, Continuity
Galaxy S25 Ultra
Samsung: DeX, Galaxy Watch, Quick Share, Android openness
Full Comparison
| Attribute | iPhone 16 Pro | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity(mAh) | 3,200 mAh | 5,000 mAh(winner) |
| Battery Life (Video Playback)(hours) | 27 hrs | — |
| Charging Speed(minutes) | 27W peak(winner) | 45W |
| Wired Charging Speed(W) | 25W | — |
| Wired Charging Speed (Full Charge)(minutes) | ~45 minutes (45W) | — |
Show 3 more attributesVideo Playback Battery Life(hours) Up to 27 hours — Battery Life (Typical)(hours) 27 hours — Battery Life (Typical Use)(hours) ~33 hours ~36+ hours | ||
| Weight(lbs) | 199 g(winner) | 218 g |
| Display Size(inches) | 6.3 | — |
| Display Technology | OLED Super Retina XDR, ProMotion 120Hz, Always-On | — |
| Display Resolution(ppi) | 2622×1206 (460 ppi) | 3120×1440 (505 ppi)(winner) |
| Refresh Rate(Hz) | 120Hz ProMotion | — |
| Display Diagonal Size(inches) | 6.3 inches | — |
Show 4 more attributesDisplay Brightness (Peak)(nits) 3,000 nits — Display Refresh Rate(Hz) 120Hz — Display Size(inches) 6.3-inch 6.9-inch Peak Brightness(nits) 2000 nits 3000 nits | ||
| Chipset | Apple A18 Pro (3nm) | — |
| Processor Single-Core Performance(Geekbench 6 Points) | ~3,100 | — |
| Processor | Apple A18 Pro (8-core, 5nm) | Snapdragon 8 Elite (8-core, 3nm) |
| Multi-Core Performance Gain(%) | Baseline | — |
| Battery Life(hours) | 27 | — |
Show 4 more attributesCPU Performance (Single-core)(Geekbench 6 points) 2,580 — Main Processor Apple A18 Pro — CPU Performance Improvement(%) 30% faster — RAM Memory(GB) 6GB 12GB | ||
| Main Camera(MP) | 48 MP, f/1.78, OIS, sensor-shift | — |
| Telephoto Zoom | 5× optical (12 MP, 120mm eq.) | — |
| Main Camera(MP) | 48MP with f/1.8 aperture | — |
| Optical Zoom(times) | 3x optical | — |
| Video Recording(fps at 4K) | 4K at 120fps | — |
Show 13 more attributesMain Camera Resolution(megapixels) 48MP 200MP Optical Zoom Magnification(x) 5x optical — Main Camera Megapixels(MP) 48MP (quad-pixel 12MP effective) — Main Camera Aperture(f-stop) f/1.78 — Telephoto Resolution(MP) 12MP — 4K Video Capability(fps) 4K 60fps — Video Recording Maximum 4K at 120fps, ProRes 8K at 30fps, 4K at 120fps Telephoto Zoom(x optical) 12x dual telephoto system — Ultra-Wide Camera Aperture(f-stop) ƒ/1.2 — Telephoto Zoom Capability(x optical zoom) 3x (with improved processing) — Optical Zoom Capability(x magnification) 3x optical zoom — Ultra-Wide Camera(megapixels) 12MP (120°) 50MP (120°) Telephoto Zoom Range(optical x) 5x + 12x (dual periscope) 5x + 10x (dual periscope) | ||
| Weight(grams) | 187g | — |
| Dimensions(mm) | 149.6 × 71.5 × 8.25 mm | — |
| Build Material | Titanium frame, textured matte glass back, Ceramic Shield front | — |
| Frame Material | Grade 5 titanium | — |
| Build Material(Type) | Grade 5 Titanium | — |
| Starting Price (USD)(USD) | $999 | — |
| Starting Price(USD) | $999(winner) | $1,299 |
| Storage Options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB | — |
| Starting Storage(GB) | 128 | — |
| Starting Storage Capacity(GB) | 256GB | — |
| Base Storage(GB) | 128GB | — |
| Charging & Connectivity | USB-C (USB 3), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, Thread, UWB, MagSafe | — |
| Main Camera(MP) | 48 MP f/1.78 | 200 MP f/1.7(winner) |
| Street Price (May 2026)(USD) | $759 (Certified Refurb)(winner) | $999 (sale) |
| Stylus | None | S Pen (built-in) |
| IP Rating(rating) | IP68 (6 m, 30 min) | IP68 (1.5 m, 30 min) |
| Water Resistance Rating(meters) | IP69 (6m for 30 mins) | IP68 (1.5m for 30 mins) |
| Operating System | iOS 18 | One UI 7 / Android 15 |
| Chipset | Apple A18 Pro (3 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) |
| Base Price(USD) | $999 | — |
| Starting Price (USD)(USD) | $999 | — |
| Major OS Update Support(years) | 7 years | — |
| Software Support (OS Updates)(years) | 7 years guaranteed | — |
| OS Update Guarantee(years) | 7 years | — |
| Base Model Price (USD)(USD) | $999 | — |
| RAM(GB) | 12GB | 12 GB |
| GPU Performance(TFLOPS) | Baseline A18 Pro | — |
| Software Update Guarantee(years) | 7 years | 7 years |
iPhone 16 ProGalaxy S25 UltraShow 3 more attributes
Show 4 more attributes
Show 4 more attributes
Show 13 more attributes
Pros & Cons
12 pros·12 cons across both
iPhone 16 Pro
Pros
- Apple Certified Refurb from $759 — $240 cheaper than on-sale S25 Ultra
- Best-in-class video: 4K 120fps Dolby Vision + Log capture
- Seamless Apple ecosystem (Watch, AirPods, iCloud, Continuity)
- A18 Pro top-tier single-core performance
- MagSafe 25W wireless with in-phone magnets (no case needed)
- Lighter at 199g vs 218g — more one-hand-friendly
Cons
- No longer sold new at apple.com — refurb channel only
- Smaller battery: 3,582 mAh vs 5,000 mAh
- Single 5x telephoto (no 3x secondary lens)
- No S Pen stylus
- Slower wired charging: 27W vs 45W
- Less multitasking RAM (8 GB vs 12 GB)
Galaxy S25 Ultra
Pros
- 5,000 mAh battery — roughly 30-40% more screen-on time than iPhone 16 Pro
- 200MP main + dual telephoto (3x + 5x) for unmatched photo versatility
- S Pen built-in for notes and precision tasks
- 6.9" QHD+ display (505 ppi, 2,600 nits peak) — best screen in class
- 45W wired charging and 12 GB RAM
- Galaxy AI mature feature set: Live Translate, Circle to Search, generative photo edit
Cons
- $999 on sale (vs $759 refurb iPhone) — $240 premium
- Heavier at 218g — less comfortable one-handed
- 8K video impractical to edit on consumer hardware
- Galaxy AI selectively offloads to cloud (vs Apple's on-device tilt)
- Qi2 wireless charging requires a magnetic case (no in-phone magnets)
- Android switching cost from iOS is real and often underestimated
Frequently Asked Questions
7 questions
It depends on your ecosystem and use case. The iPhone 16 Pro Refurb at $759 is the better value in 2026; the Galaxy S25 Ultra at $999 sale is the better hardware. If you have other Apple devices, iPhone wins regardless of specs.
Resources & Learn More
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