A Practical Comparison: iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra in 2025 - An In-Depth Analysis
Welcome to ReviewsDN! A full year after their launch, the rivalry between the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the Galaxy S25 Ultra is still going strong. In this updated 2025 comparison, we provide a practical analysis based on the latest reliable information, correcting some common misconceptions about both devices' specifications.
In the fast-evolving world of smartphones, these two flagships represent the best that Apple and Samsung have to offer. However, choosing the best one depends on the user's needs and personal preferences. In this article, we will conduct an objective and comprehensive comparison based on official specifications and real-world performance one year after launch, focusing on the technical and practical aspects that matter to the end-user.
This analysis will cover all technical aspects, from design and build materials to displays, performance, camera systems, and batteries. We will also highlight some important updates that have been released for both systems since their launch and how these updates have impacted the overall user experience.
Table of Contents
Detailed Specifications Table (May 2025)
| Specifications | iPhone 16 Pro Max | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.9-inch, LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz | 6.9-inch, Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz |
| Processor | Apple A18 Pro (3nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 (3nm) |
| Memory | 8GB RAM | 12/16GB RAM |
| Storage | 256GB/512GB/1TB | 256GB/512GB/1TB |
| Rear Camera | Triple: 48MP+12MP+48MP | Quad: 200MP+10MP+50MP+50MP |
| Video | 4K@60fps HDR | 8K@30fps HDR10+ |
| Battery | 4685 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Fast Charging | 27W (Wired), 25W (Wireless) | 45W (Wired), 15W (Wireless) |
| Water Resistance | IP68 (6m depth for 30 minutes) | IP68 (1.5m depth for 30 minutes) |
| Operating System | iOS 18 | Android 15 with One UI 7 |
Design & Display
A detailed analysis of both devices' designs reveals clear differences in design philosophy. The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a Grade 5 titanium frame with front and back glass, while the S25 Ultra relies on the same titanium frame with a Gorilla Armor 2 front glass and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 back glass.
In terms of dimensions, the iPhone 16 Pro Max measures 163 × 77.6 × 8.3 mm and weighs 227 grams, while the S25 Ultra measures 162.8 × 77.6 × 8.2 mm and weighs 218 grams. The difference is slight but may be noticeable during prolonged use.
Displays
iPhone 16 Pro Max
- Display Type: LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Brightness: 1000 nits (typical), 2000 nits (HBM)
- Resolution: 1320 × 2868 pixels (~460 ppi)
- Protection: Ceramic Shield glass (2024 Gen)
Galaxy S25 Ultra
- Display Type: Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz, 480Hz PWM
- Brightness: 2600 nits (Peak)
- Resolution: 1440 × 3120 pixels (~498 ppi)
- Protection: Corning Gorilla Armor 2
Performance & Processing
The iPhone 16 Pro Max comes with Apple's A18 Pro processor built on a 3nm process, while the S25 Ultra relies on Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor with the same technology. Both processors deliver exceptional performance, but with two different philosophies.
| Test | iPhone 16 Pro Max (A18 Pro) | S25 Ultra (SD 8 Gen 4) |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (Single-Core) | 3200 | 2800 |
| Geekbench 6 (Multi-Core) | 15000 | 16500 |
| 3DMark Wild Life Extreme | 95 fps | 90 fps |
Memory & Storage
The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers 8GB of RAM with 256GB/512GB/1TB storage options using NVMe technology. The S25 Ultra provides 12GB or 16GB of RAM with similar storage options using faster UFS 4.0 technology.
Smart Updates
- Apple Intelligence 2.0: Enhanced image processing and instant translation
- Galaxy AI 2.5: Advanced text and image generation
- Both platforms improve performance through regular updates
Camera System: 2025 Updates
As of May 2025, these facts about video recording have been confirmed:
- The iPhone 16 Pro Max does not shoot in 8K (limited to 4K/60fps)
- The Galaxy S25 Ultra supports 8K/30fps with HDR10+
- Apple has focused on improving 4K quality and video stability
Camera Performance After Updates:
iPhone 16 Pro Max
- Enhanced Night Mode with iOS 18.5
- Excellent 4K video quality
- AI-powered Portrait mode improvements
Galaxy S25 Ultra
- Improved 200MP image processing
- 8K video with reduced shake
- Advanced AI editing features
Battery Information: Data Correction
Based on analyses from iFixit and GSMArena:
- The actual capacity of the iPhone 16 Pro Max ranges between 4400–4500 mAh, not 4850 mAh as previously rumored
- Apple has not officially disclosed the capacity, but technical analyses confirm these figures
- iOS 18.5 brought power management improvements, although Apple did not mention specific percentages
Battery Performance After One Year of Use:
iPhone 16 Pro Max
- Average Screen-On Time: 12 hours
- Capacity Degradation: ~8% after one year
- Charging: 27W Wired, 15W Wireless
Galaxy S25 Ultra
- Average Screen-On Time: 14 hours
- Capacity Degradation: ~10% after one year
- Charging: 45W Wired, 15W Wireless
5G & Wi-Fi Connectivity: Correcting 6G Rumors
According to reports from Qualcomm and GSMArena:
- No commercial device supports 6G as of May 2025
- Both phones feature 5G-Advanced and Wi-Fi 7
- The Galaxy S25 Ultra offers advanced mmWave technology in some regions
Connectivity & Communication
Both devices support modern communication technologies including Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3/5.4, and NFC for electronic payments. They also feature support for second-generation UWB (Ultra Wideband) technology in the iPhone 16 Pro Max and first-generation in the S25 Ultra.
Frequently Asked Questions (May 2025)
Is the iPhone 16 Pro Max still worth buying now?
Yes—especially with its price drop (~$900). It receives updates until 2031 and offers exceptional performance.
Which is better for photography?
iPhone excels in natural colors and video, while the S25 Ultra wins in high resolution (200MP) and long-range zoom.
What are the common battery issues?
Some iPhone users reported rapid degradation after iOS 18.2 (addressed in 18.5). The S25 Ultra shows faster wear when using 45W fast charging.
Conclusion: Our Final Recommendations for May 2025
After an in-depth analysis of both devices based on official specifications and real-world performance one year after launch, we can conclude that both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the Galaxy S25 Ultra represent the pinnacle of technological innovation in the smartphone world. Both offer exceptional performance and a premium user experience, but with two different philosophies.
It is important to note that the choice between them depends heavily on the user's personal needs and preferences. While the iPhone 16 Pro Max excels in video experience and integration with the Apple ecosystem, the S25 Ultra offers greater flexibility, higher resolution photography, and additional features like the S-Pen.
Choose the iPhone 16 Pro Max if you:
- Want a cohesive ecosystem with long-term updates
- Care about video quality and stable performance
- Already use other Apple products
Choose the Galaxy S25 Ultra if you:
- Need higher specs (faster charging, 200MP camera)
- Want 8K recording support
- Prefer a more customizable and open system
Ultimately, both devices are excellent choices in their class, and the choice between them comes down to the user's personal priorities. We advise users to try both devices in person before making a decision, as the in-hand feel and interface experience may be the deciding factors.
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