iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Which Is Better? (2026)
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra offers superior specs, display resolution, and RAM at a lower starting price ($965 vs $1,199), making it the better value for power users. However, the iPhone 16 Pro Max delivers exceptional performance with its A18 Pro chip and seamless iOS ecosystem, ideal for those invested in Apple's platform. Choose the S25 Ultra for raw specs and savings, or the iPhone 16 Pro Max for software integration and reliability.
iPhone 16 Pro Max
Premium iOS flagship with advanced A18 Pro processor and computational photography
Apple ecosystem loyalists, professionals using Mac/iPad, those prioritizing software integration and long-term support
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Flagship Android phone with 200MP camera and 10x optical zoom
Android power users, those wanting maximum specs for the price, Galaxy ecosystem members, content creators needing high-resolution display
Quick Answer
AI SummaryThe Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra offers superior specs, display resolution, and RAM at a lower starting price ($965 vs $1,199), making it the better value for power users. However, the iPhone 16 Pro Max delivers exceptional performance with its A18 Pro chip and seamless iOS ecosystem, ideal for those invested in Apple's platform. Choose the S25 Ultra for raw specs and savings, or the iPhone 16 Pro Max for software integration and reliability.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedThe Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the objectively better device on paper with superior specs, higher resolution display, more RAM, and multi-core performance at a $234 lower price point. However, the iPhone 16 Pro Max remains competitive with its powerful A18 Pro chip and unmatched iOS ecosystem integration. Your choice depends on platform preference: choose Samsung for specs and value, or Apple for software cohesion and long-term reliability.
Was this verdict helpful?
Choose iPhone 16 Pro Max if
Apple ecosystem loyalists, professionals using Mac/iPad, those prioritizing software integration and long-term support
Choose Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra if
Best pickAndroid power users, those wanting maximum specs for the price, Galaxy ecosystem members, content creators needing high-resolution display
Track this comparison
Get notified when prices change, new specs ship, or our verdict updates.
Triggers: price change new spec verdict update
No spam. Stop anytime.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Starting Price:✓ Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra wins($965 vs $1,199)
- Display Resolution:✓ Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra wins(1440 x 3120 pixels vs 1320 x 2868 pixels)
- RAM:✓ Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra wins(12 GB vs 8 GB)
Key Facts & Figures
51 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | iPhone 16 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display Size(inches) | 6.9 inches | 6.8 inches | |
| Starting Price(USD) | $1,199 | $1,299 | |
| Weight(grams) | 221g | 218g | |
| Display Size(inches) | 6.9 | — | — |
| Battery Life (Video Playback)(hours) | 33 hrs | — | — |
| Weight(grams) | 227g | — | — |
| Starting Price (USD)(USD) | $1,199 | — | — |
| Peak Brightness(nits) | 2000 nits | 3,000 nits | |
| Maximum Optical Zoom(x magnification) | 3x optical | 10x optical | |
| Wired Charging Speed(W) | 20W | 45W | |
| Battery Capacity(mAh) | 4685 mAh | 5000 mAh | |
| Device Weight(grams) | 221g | 218g | |
| Display Refresh Rate(Hz) | 120Hz Super Retina XDR | 120Hz AMOLED | |
| Processor AnTuTu Score(points) | 3,275,000 | 2,890,000 | |
| Main Camera Resolution(megapixels) | 48MP f/1.78 | 200MP f/1.6 | |
| Optical Zoom Range(x magnification) | 5x optical | 10x optical (periscope) | |
| Charging Speed (Wired)(watts) | 25W | 45W | |
| Base Storage(GB) | 128GB | 256GB | |
| Starting Price (USD)(dollars) | $1199 | $1299 | |
| 4K Video Recording(fps) | 4K at 120fps (ProRes) | 4K at 60fps | |
| Software Update Support(years) | 7+ years (iOS 18+) | 7 years (Android 15+) | |
| Display Pixel Density(PPI) | 498 ppi | 498 ppi | |
| Display Diagonal Size(inches) | 6.8 inches | 6.8 inches | |
| RAM (base configuration)(GB) | 12 GB | 12 GB | |
| Optical Zoom (Telephoto)(x magnification) | 10x optical | 10x optical | |
| Processor Performance (AnTuTu Benchmark)(score) | Snapdragon 8 Elite: ~2,100,000 | Snapdragon 8 Elite: ~2,100,000 | |
| Display Peak Brightness(nits) | 3,000 nits | 3,000 nits | |
| Maximum Storage Capacity(GB) | 1,024GB (1TB) | 1,024GB (1TB) | |
| Optical Zoom Magnification(x) | 5x optical | 5x optical | |
| Major OS Update Support(years) | 4 years | 4 years | |
| Base Model Price (USD)(USD) | $1,299 | $1,299 | |
| Display Brightness (Peak)(nits) | 3,000 nits | 3,000 nits | |
| Optical Zoom(x magnification) | 10x optical | 10x optical | |
| Main Camera Megapixels(MP) | 200 MP | 200 MP | |
| Wired Charging Speed (Full Charge)(minutes) | ~30 minutes (120W) | ~30 minutes (120W) | |
| Software Support (OS Updates)(years) | 4 years guaranteed | 4 years guaranteed | |
| Processor Single-Core Performance(Geekbench 6 score) | Snapdragon 8 Elite - 2,650+ | Snapdragon 8 Elite - 2,650+ | |
| Refresh Rate(Hz) | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Telephoto Sensor Resolution(MP) | 200 MP | 200 MP | |
| RAM Standard(GB) | 12GB | 12GB | |
| Battery Life (Typical)(hours) | 24 hours | 24 hours | |
| Optical Zoom Capability(x magnification) | 5x optical zoom | 5x optical zoom | |
| OS Update Guarantee(years) | 4 years | 4 years | |
| RAM(GB) | 12 GB | 12 GB | |
| Peak Display Brightness(nits) | 3,000 nits | 3,000 nits | |
| Telephoto Optical Zoom(x zoom) | 10x optical | 10x optical | |
| Estimated Battery Life(hours) | ~27 hours typical | ~27 hours typical | |
| Body Weight(grams) | 218g | 218g | |
| Starting Price (256GB)(USD) | $1,399 | $1,399 | |
| Peak Display Brightness (HDR)(nits) | 3,000 nits | 3,000 nits | |
| Telephoto Camera Resolution(MP) | 200 MP with 10x optical zoom | 200 MP with 10x optical zoom |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
8 attributes compared head-to-head
- $1,199Starting Price$965(winner)
- 1320 x 2868 pixelsDisplay Resolution1440 x 3120 pixels(winner)
- 8 GBRAM12 GB(winner)
- 3331(winner)Geekbench 6 Single-Core3137
- 8106Geekbench 6 Multi-Core9769(winner)
- Advanced computational photographyMain Camera200 MP sensor(winner)
- iOS 18 (proprietary)Operating SystemAndroid 15 with Galaxy AI
- Premium titanium, minimalistDesign PhilosophyNature-inspired colors, angular
- Starting Price
iPhone 16 Pro Max
$1,199
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
$965(winner)
- Display Resolution
iPhone 16 Pro Max
1320 x 2868 pixels
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
1440 x 3120 pixels(winner)
- RAM
iPhone 16 Pro Max
8 GB
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
12 GB(winner)
- Geekbench 6 Single-Core
iPhone 16 Pro Max
3331(winner)
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
3137
- Geekbench 6 Multi-Core
iPhone 16 Pro Max
8106
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
9769(winner)
- Main Camera
iPhone 16 Pro Max
Advanced computational photography
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
200 MP sensor(winner)
- Operating System
iPhone 16 Pro Max
iOS 18 (proprietary)
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Android 15 with Galaxy AI
- Design Philosophy
iPhone 16 Pro Max
Premium titanium, minimalist
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Nature-inspired colors, angular
Full Comparison
| Attribute | iPhone 16 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size(inches) | 6.9 inches(winner) | 6.8 inches |
| Display Size(inches) | 6.9 | — |
| Display Technology | OLED Super Retina XDR, ProMotion 120Hz, Always-On | — |
| Peak Brightness(nits) | 2000 nits | 3,000 nits(winner) |
| Display Refresh Rate(Hz) | 120Hz Super Retina XDR | 120Hz AMOLED |
Show 5 more attributesDisplay Diagonal Size(inches) 6.8 inches — Display Resolution(pixels) 486 PPI — Display Peak Brightness(nits) 3,000 nits — Display Brightness (Peak)(nits) 3,000 nits — Peak Display Brightness(nits) 3,000 nits — | ||
| Starting Price(USD) | $1,199(winner) | $1,299 |
| Weight(grams) | 221g | 218g(winner) |
| Weight(grams) | 227g | — |
| Dimensions(mm) | 163.0 × 77.6 × 8.25 mm | — |
| Build Material | Titanium frame, textured matte glass back, Ceramic Shield front | — |
| Device Weight(grams) | 221g | 218g(winner) |
Show 1 more attributeBody Weight(grams) 218g — | ||
| Battery Life (Video Playback)(hours) | 33 hrs | — |
| Battery Capacity(mAh) | 4685 mAh | 5000 mAh(winner) |
| Charging Speed (Wired)(watts) | 25W | 45W(winner) |
| Wired Charging Speed (Full Charge)(minutes) | ~30 minutes (120W) | — |
| Battery Life (Typical)(hours) | 24 hours | — |
Show 1 more attributeEstimated Battery Life(hours) ~27 hours typical — | ||
| Chipset | Apple A18 Pro (3nm) | — |
| Processor AnTuTu Score(points) | 3,275,000(winner) | 2,890,000 |
| Processor Performance (Single-Core)(Geekbench 6 score) | Snapdragon Elite for Galaxy | — |
| Processor Performance (AnTuTu Benchmark)(score) | Snapdragon 8 Elite: ~2,100,000 | — |
| Processor Single-Core Performance(Geekbench 6 score) | Snapdragon 8 Elite - 2,650+ | — |
| Main Camera(MP) | 48 MP, f/1.78, OIS, sensor-shift | — |
| Telephoto Zoom | 5× optical (12 MP, 120mm eq.) | — |
| Maximum Optical Zoom(x magnification) | 3x optical | 10x optical(winner) |
| Video Recording Max Specification(resolution and fps) | ProRes MAX at 4K 120fps | 8K at 30fps |
| Main Camera Resolution(megapixels) | 48MP f/1.78 | 200MP f/1.6(winner) |
Show 12 more attributesOptical Zoom Range(x magnification) 5x optical 10x optical (periscope) Optical Zoom (Telephoto)(x magnification) 10x optical — Optical Zoom Magnification(x) 5x optical — Optical Zoom(x magnification) 10x optical — Main Camera Megapixels(MP) 200 MP — Telephoto Sensor Resolution(MP) 200 MP — Main Camera Aperture(f-stop) f/1.7 — Optical Zoom Capability(x magnification) 5x optical zoom — Telephoto Zoom Range(x optical) 5x optical + 10x periscope — Main Camera Sensor Size(inch) 1/1.3" — Telephoto Optical Zoom(x zoom) 10x optical — Telephoto Camera Resolution(MP) 200 MP with 10x optical zoom — | ||
| Starting Price (USD)(USD) | $1,199 | — |
| Starting Price (USD)(dollars) | $1199(winner) | $1299 |
| Base Model Price (USD)(USD) | $1,299 | — |
| Starting Price (256GB)(USD) | $1,399 | — |
| Storage Options | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB | — |
| Base Storage(GB) | 128GB | 256GB(winner) |
| Maximum Storage Capacity(GB) | 1,024GB (1TB) | — |
| Charging & Connectivity | USB-C (USB 3), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, Thread, UWB, MagSafe | — |
| Wired Charging Speed(W) | 20W | 45W(winner) |
| 4K Video Recording(fps) | 4K at 120fps (ProRes)(winner) | 4K at 60fps |
| Software Update Support(years) | 7+ years (iOS 18+) | 7 years (Android 15+) |
| Major OS Update Support(years) | 4 years | — |
| Software Support (OS Updates)(years) | 4 years guaranteed | — |
| OS Update Guarantee(years) | 4 years | — |
| Display Pixel Density(PPI) | 498 ppi | — |
| Peak Display Brightness (HDR)(nits) | 3,000 nits | — |
| RAM (base configuration)(GB) | 12 GB | — |
| RAM Standard(GB) | 12GB | — |
| RAM(GB) | 12 GB | — |
| Integrated Stylus Support | S Pen (Wired) | — |
| S Pen Stylus Included | Yes | — |
| Refresh Rate(Hz) | 120 Hz | — |
iPhone 16 Pro MaxSamsung Galaxy S25 UltraShow 5 more attributes
Show 1 more attribute
Show 1 more attribute
Show 12 more attributes
Pros & Cons
13 pros·10 cons across both
iPhone 16 Pro Max
Pros
- Industry-leading single-core performance (Geekbench 3331)
- Exceptional software optimization and reliability
- Seamless integration with Mac, iPad, Apple Watch ecosystem
- Premium build quality with titanium frame
- Consistent long-term software support (5+ years)
Cons
- Higher starting price at $1,199
- Lower display resolution (1320 x 2868)
- Only 8GB RAM (less than competitors)
- Limited customization compared to Android
- Proprietary charging and accessories
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Pros
- Superior multi-core performance (Geekbench 9769)
- Higher display resolution (1440 x 3120 pixels)
- 12GB RAM for demanding multitasking
- 200MP main camera sensor with versatile imaging
- Lower starting price at $965
Cons
- Slightly lower single-core performance vs iPhone
- Android fragmentation and slower update rollout
- Heavier reliance on third-party software optimization
- Nature-inspired design may lack distinctiveness
- More complex UI learning curve for iOS switchers
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questions
Yes, the Galaxy S25 Ultra offers exceptional value at $965 compared to the iPhone's $1,199—a $234 savings. You get higher resolution display (1440 x 3120), more RAM (12GB vs 8GB), and superior multi-core performance. However, if you're heavily invested in Apple's ecosystem (Mac, iPad, Apple Watch), the iPhone may be worth the premium for integration benefits.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Where to Buy
As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Learn more about our affiliate disclosure
Wikipedia
Related Comparisons
12 more to explore
Samsung Galaxy S25 vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
productsiPhone 16 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
technologySamsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Galaxy S25+
technologyiPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Max
technologySamsung Galaxy S25 vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
productsGoogle Pixel 9 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
technologySamsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Galaxy S25 Plus
automotiveSamsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro
technologyiPhone 17 vs Samsung Galaxy S26
technologyMac vs Windows
technologyAndroid vs iOS
technologyNVIDIA vs AMD
technology
Related Articles
5 articles
- technology2 min read
Best Streaming Services in 2026: Top Picks for Every Budget & Interest
Navigating the crowded streaming landscape in 2026 can be overwhelming. We've tested and ranked the best streaming services that offer the most value, from Netflix's massive library to budget-friendly options like Tubi, helping you cut cable and find your perfect entertainment solution.
Read article - technology2 min read
Best Live TV Streaming Services & Plans for Spring 2026: Complete Buyer's Guide
Tired of overpaying for cable? Discover the best live TV streaming services and plans for Spring 2026, including YouTube TV's new genre-based packages starting at $55/month. Our comprehensive guide breaks down pricing, channels, and features to help you cut the cord.
Read article - technology2 min read
Philo in 2026: Streaming TV Service Review, Pricing & Reddit Community Insights
Explore Philo's evolution heading into 2026, including pricing tiers, channel lineup, and how it compares to competitors like Sling TV. Discover what the r/PhiloTV Reddit community thinks about the service's current offerings and future prospects.
Read article - technology2 min read
Best US Fighter Jets 2026: Top American Combat Aircraft Ranked
Discover the most advanced US fighter jets dominating the skies in 2026. From the legendary F-22 Raptor to the versatile F-35 Lightning II, we rank America's best combat aircraft based on performance, stealth, and air superiority capabilities.
Read article - technology2 min read
Philo in 2026: Pricing, Lineup & How It Compares to Sling TV
As we head into 2026, Philo continues to position itself as an affordable streaming alternative for cable TV lovers. Discover what Philo offers, how its pricing stacks up against competitors like Sling TV, and what the Reddit community thinks about its future.
Read article
Explore More
Related comparisons and categories