Apple iPhone 16 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Side-by-side specifications, scores and verdict.
Quick Verdict
Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra dominates with superior specifications across nearly every dimension. Its 200MP main camera with periscope telephoto, 8K video recording, and advanced computational photography vastly outclass the iPhone 16 Plus's 48MP setup. Display quality favors Samsung too—3120x1440 resolution at 120Hz refresh rate versus Apple's 1290p at 60Hz, though both reach excellent brightness levels. Performance remains competitive with Apple's A18 and Snapdragon 8 Elite trading blows, but Samsung edges ahead with 12GB RAM and faster USB-C 3.2. Battery capacity (5000mAh vs 4674mAh) and faster 45W charging give Samsung meaningful advantages. However, iPhone 16 Plus delivers exceptional value at $899, superior computational photography reliability, and iOS's polished ecosystem. Samsung's $1299 price premium demands justification for camera enthusiasts and power users. For general consumers prioritizing value and simplicity, Apple remains compelling; for specification-driven buyers wanting maximum capability, Galaxy S25 Ultra stands superior.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Apple iPhone 16 Plus | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 18 | Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 199 g | 218 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Titanium frame, Gorilla Glass Armor 2 |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm | 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 48 MP | 200 MP, f/1.7, OIS |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps Dolby Vision | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 50 MP, f/1.9 |
| Telephoto | — | 50 MP 5x periscope + 10 MP 3x |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4674 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 45W wired |
| Wireless charging | 25W MagSafe | 15W Qi2 |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.7 inches | 6.9 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X LTPO |
| Resolution | 2796 x 1290 | 3120 x 1440 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2000 | 2600 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Octa-core (2x4.47 GHz + 6x3.53 GHz) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (5-core) | Adreno 830 |
| Chipset | Apple A18 | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.4 |
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone 16 Plus
Pros
- Excellent battery life from large 4674 mAh cell
- A18 chip supports Apple Intelligence
- New Camera Control button
- Bright 2000-nit display
- More affordable than Pro Max
Cons
- Still locked to 60Hz refresh rate
- No telephoto camera
- USB-C limited to USB 2.0 speeds
- No always-on display
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Pros
- Class-leading 200 MP main camera with 5x periscope zoom
- Built-in S Pen for note-taking and productivity
- Bright 2600-nit display with Gorilla Glass Armor 2
- Snapdragon 8 Elite delivers top-tier performance
- 7 years of OS and security updates
Cons
- Very expensive at $1299 starting price
- S Pen lost Bluetooth remote features
- Charging speed still capped at 45W
- Large and heavy for one-handed use
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