Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Smartphones comparison: specs, VersusAnything Score, key differences and a clear recommendation.
If you are torn between Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, this page lays out every specification that separates them and what each one means in use. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the largest 2024 iPhone, pairing a 6.9-inch display with the biggest battery Apple had shipped at the time. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is Samsung's do-everything flagship with a 200 MP camera, built-in S Pen, titanium frame and a 6.9-inch display.
Quick verdict
Galaxy S25 Ultra scores 58 to iPhone 16 Pro Max's 35 on our category weighting, making it the stronger overall pick for power users who want the most complete Android phone regardless of size. iPhone 16 Pro Max remains the right call for anyone who prioritises battery life and screen size over pocketability.
VersusAnything Score
Scores are calculated from measurable specifications normalised within the smartphones category and weighted by the factors above. Text-only rows (such as chipset or operating system) are explained but not scored. How the score works.
Side-by-side overview
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the largest 2024 iPhone, pairing a 6.9-inch display with the biggest battery Apple had shipped at the time.
Best for anyone who prioritises battery life and screen size over pocketability
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is Samsung's do-everything flagship with a 200 MP camera, built-in S Pen, titanium frame and a 6.9-inch display.
Best for power users who want the most complete Android phone regardless of size
Key differences
- Display type: iPhone 16 Pro Max OLED (ProMotion LTPO) vs Galaxy S25 Ultra Dynamic AMOLED 2X — a preference, not a scored win
- Chipset: iPhone 16 Pro Max Apple A18 Pro vs Galaxy S25 Ultra Snapdragon 8 Elite — a preference, not a scored win
- Rear cameras: iPhone 16 Pro Max Triple (wide + ultrawide + 5x telephoto) vs Galaxy S25 Ultra Quad (wide + ultrawide + 3x + 5x telephoto) — a preference, not a scored win
- Operating system: iPhone 16 Pro Max iOS vs Galaxy S25 Ultra Android (One UI) — a preference, not a scored win
- Promised OS updates: iPhone 16 Pro Max 6 years vs Galaxy S25 Ultra 7 years — Galaxy S25 Ultra is better here
Specification comparison table
| Specification | iPhone 16 Pro Max | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display type | OLED (ProMotion LTPO) | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Screen size | 6.9" | 6.9" |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Chipset | Apple A18 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB |
| Base storage | 256 GB | 256 GB |
| Main camera | 48 MP | 200 MP |
| Rear cameras | Triple (wide + ultrawide + 5x telephoto) | Quad (wide + ultrawide + 3x + 5x telephoto) |
| Battery | 4,685 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Wired charging | 20 W | 45 W |
| Weight | 227 g | 218 g |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Operating system | iOS | Android (One UI) |
| Promised OS updates | 6 years | 7 years |
| Launch price (USD) | $1,199 | $1,299 |
Display: iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Galaxy S25 Ultra Score: iPhone 16 Pro Max 52 · Galaxy S25 Ultra 52
For display type, iPhone 16 Pro Max uses OLED (ProMotion LTPO) whereas Galaxy S25 Ultra goes with Dynamic AMOLED 2X. This is a preference rather than a scored win: panel technology affects contrast, outdoor visibility and power draw. Both list 6.9" for screen size, so nothing separates them here.
On refresh rate the two match exactly (120 Hz).
Performance: iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Galaxy S25 Ultra Score: iPhone 16 Pro Max 33 · Galaxy S25 Ultra 60
The two differ on chipset (Apple A18 Pro against Snapdragon 8 Elite), and the chipset sets the ceiling for gaming, AI features and long-term speed. Galaxy S25 Ultra offers 12 GB of RAM while iPhone 16 Pro Max stops at 8 GB; the 4 GB gap matters because more RAM keeps more apps alive in the background.
Both list 256 GB for base storage, so nothing separates them here.
Camera: iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Galaxy S25 Ultra Score: iPhone 16 Pro Max 54 · Galaxy S25 Ultra 82
The main camera row goes to Galaxy S25 Ultra: 200 MP against 48 MP. Megapixels matter less than sensor size, but a higher count allows more cropping and detail in daylight.
The two differ on rear cameras (Triple (wide + ultrawide + 5x telephoto) against Quad (wide + ultrawide + 3x + 5x telephoto)), and extra lenses add telephoto reach or ultrawide flexibility.
Battery: iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Galaxy S25 Ultra Score: iPhone 16 Pro Max 28 · Galaxy S25 Ultra 78
The battery row goes to Galaxy S25 Ultra: 5,000 mAh against 4,685 mAh. More capacity generally means more screen-on time between charges.
The wired charging row goes to Galaxy S25 Ultra: 45 W against 20 W. Faster wired charging shortens top-up time when you are in a hurry.
Design: iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Galaxy S25 Ultra Score: iPhone 16 Pro Max 11 · Galaxy S25 Ultra 19
On weight, Galaxy S25 Ultra keeps it to 218 g while iPhone 16 Pro Max lists 227 g. That 9 g edge counts since a lighter phone is more comfortable for long sessions and in a pocket.
On water resistance the two match exactly (IP68).
Software: iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Galaxy S25 Ultra Score: iPhone 16 Pro Max 24 · Galaxy S25 Ultra 72
iPhone 16 Pro Max: iOS. Galaxy S25 Ultra: Android (One UI). Neither is scored, but the OS decides your app ecosystem and how the phone fits with your other devices.
The promised OS updates row goes to Galaxy S25 Ultra: 7 years against 6 years. Longer update support keeps the phone secure and resale value higher.
Value: iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Galaxy S25 Ultra Score: iPhone 16 Pro Max 24 · Galaxy S25 Ultra 9
On launch price (USD), iPhone 16 Pro Max keeps it to $1,199 while Galaxy S25 Ultra lists $1,299. That $100 edge counts since the launch price is the fairest baseline because street prices vary by region.
Pros and cons
iPhone 16 Pro Max
Pros
- 6.9-inch ProMotion display
- Longest iPhone 16 battery life
- 256 GB base storage
- Better launch price (USD) ($1,199)
Cons
- Weaker RAM (8 GB)
- Weaker main camera (48 MP)
- Weaker battery (4,685 mAh)
- Weaker wired charging (20 W)
Galaxy S25 Ultra
Pros
- 200 MP main camera
- Built-in S Pen
- Dual telephoto lenses
- Better launch price (USD) ($1,299)
Cons
- Weaker RAM (12 GB)
- Weaker main camera (200 MP)
- Weaker battery (5,000 mAh)
- Weaker wired charging (45 W)
Which one should you buy?
Choose Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max for…
Anyone who prioritises battery life and screen size over pocketability. It stands out for 6.9-inch promotion display, longest iphone 16 battery life, 256 gb base storage.
Choose Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra for…
Power users who want the most complete Android phone regardless of size. It stands out for 200 mp main camera, built-in s pen, dual telephoto lenses.
Final verdict
Galaxy S25 Ultra scores 58 to iPhone 16 Pro Max's 35 on our category weighting, making it the stronger overall pick for power users who want the most complete Android phone regardless of size. iPhone 16 Pro Max remains the right call for anyone who prioritises battery life and screen size over pocketability. The VersusAnything Score is a transparent starting point, not a command; weight the rows you care about and the right answer for you may differ.
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Frequently asked questions
Is iPhone 16 Pro Max better than Galaxy S25 Ultra?
On the VersusAnything Score, Galaxy S25 Ultra finishes ahead 58 to 35. That makes Galaxy S25 Ultra the better overall pick for power users who want the most complete Android phone regardless of size, while iPhone 16 Pro Max is still the right choice for anyone who prioritises battery life and screen size over pocketability.
What is the biggest difference between iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S25 Ultra?
The largest gap is display type: iPhone 16 Pro Max lists OLED (ProMotion LTPO) while Galaxy S25 Ultra lists Dynamic AMOLED 2X. Panel technology affects contrast, outdoor visibility and power draw.
Which is cheaper, iPhone 16 Pro Max or Galaxy S25 Ultra?
iPhone 16 Pro Max is cheaper on launch price (USD): $1,199 against $1,299 for Galaxy S25 Ultra. Street prices vary by country and retailer, so check current offers.
Who should choose Galaxy S25 Ultra over iPhone 16 Pro Max?
Galaxy S25 Ultra is the better fit for power users who want the most complete Android phone regardless of size. Its strongest points are 200 mp main camera, built-in s pen, dual telephoto lenses.
Sources
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: Apple product page (manufacturer)
- Galaxy S25 Ultra: Samsung product page (manufacturer)
Specifications last verified: 2026-10-01. Prices are launch or official list prices in US dollars unless stated. See our sources and data policy.