Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S25
Side-by-side specifications, scores and verdict.
Quick Verdict
Apple's iPhone 16 Pro Max dominates with a larger 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display (2000 nits), superior 4K@120fps Dolby Vision video, and the powerful A18 Pro chip. Samsung's Galaxy S25 counters with a more compact 6.2-inch design, lighter weight (162g vs 227g), faster Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, and brighter 2600-nit display. Battery capacity favors Apple (4685 mAh), though Samsung charges faster and offers more RAM (12GB). Camera versatility goes to the Pro Max with its 5x telephoto versus S25's 3x optical zoom. Samsung excels in brightness and overall Android performance, while Apple delivers premium video capabilities and ecosystem integration. For professionals valuing video and larger screens, the iPhone 16 Pro Max justifies its $400 premium. For those prioritizing everyday performance, compact size, and value, the Galaxy S25 is the smarter choice.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S25 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 18 | Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 227 g | 162 g |
| Material | Titanium frame | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 163 x 77.6 x 8.25 mm | 146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 48 MP | 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@120fps Dolby Vision | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | 12 MP 5x | 10 MP 3x optical |
| Ultrawide | 48 MP | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage options | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4685 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Charging | 27W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 25W MagSafe | 15W Qi2 |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.9 inches | 6.2 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED, LTPO | Dynamic AMOLED 2X LTPO |
| Resolution | 2868 x 1320 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2000 | 2600 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Octa-core (2x4.47 GHz + 6x3.53 GHz) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (6-core) | Adreno 830 |
| Chipset | Apple A18 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.4 |
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Pros
- Class-leading A18 Pro performance
- Versatile camera system with 5x tetraprism telephoto
- Premium titanium build
- Bright 2000-nit ProMotion display
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- Very expensive starting price
- Heavy at 227 g
- Slow charging vs Android flagships
- Apple Intelligence features rolling out gradually
Samsung Galaxy S25
Pros
- Compact and pocketable flagship
- Same Snapdragon 8 Elite as the Ultra model
- 12 GB RAM upgraded from prior generation
- Excellent 120Hz AMOLED display
- Long 7-year software support promise
Cons
- Small 4000 mAh battery limits endurance
- Slow 25W charging
- 1080p resolution instead of QHD
- No major camera hardware upgrades
Related Comparisons
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