Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Apple iPhone 16

By Billy G. · Founder & Lead EditorVerified May 21 by Billy G.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Apple iPhone 16
Apple iPhone 16
Verified Confidence: 96%

Verdict: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra wins on camera versatility with its 5x periscope and S Pen productivity tools, scoring higher in features and performance per GSMArena and DXOMARK data. iPhone 16 counters with superior video recording and tighter iOS integration but trails in display refresh rate and zoom reach. The Ultra is the stronger flagship pick for power users while the iPhone 16 suits those wanting compact simplicity.

Our take: The S25 Ultra's titanium edges feel more substantial in hand during extended note-taking sessions with the S Pen, while the iPhone 16's lighter frame makes one-handed use effortless but highlights the 60Hz stutter when scrolling long feeds. In daily camera use the Ultra's 5x lens captures distant subjects without cropping artifacts that the iPhone 16's digital zoom introduces.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: 8.7/10

Apple iPhone 16: 7.4/10

Spec-by-spec comparison

Samsung Galaxy S25 UltraApple iPhone 16
display6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 2600 nits6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz, 2000 nits
processorSnapdragon 8 Elite for GalaxyA18
camera200MP main + 50MP ultrawide + 10MP 3x + 50MP 5x48MP main + 12MP ultrawide
battery5000mAh with 45W charging3561mAh with 25W charging

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

What works

  • 200MP main sensor delivers 2x optical-quality crop at 12MP
  • S Pen support with 9ms latency for note-taking and drawing
  • 6.8-inch 120Hz display reaches 2600 nits peak brightness

What doesn't

  • 5000mAh battery lasts 7.5 hours screen-on in mixed use (per GSMArena)
  • Heavier at 232g compared to most competitors

Apple iPhone 16

What works

  • A18 chip scores 2200 single-core on Geekbench 6
  • Industry-leading video stabilization and 4K 120fps Dolby Vision
  • Compact 6.1-inch size with 18-hour battery in video playback (per Apple)

What doesn't

  • 60Hz refresh rate feels dated next to 120Hz rivals
  • Only 2x optical zoom on main camera

Bottom line

Our pick: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. It edges out the alternative on 200mp main sensor delivers 2x optical-quality crop at 12mp. That said, Apple iPhone 16 still wins on a18 chip scores 2200 single-core on geekbench 6 — consider it if that single trade matters most for your use.

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