A Practical Comparison Between the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the Galaxy S25 Ultra in 2025: The Perfect Choice
Welcome, ReviewsDN visitors! A full year after their release, the rivalry between the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the Galaxy S25 Ultra is still going strong. In this updated 2025 comparison, we deliver a hands-on analysis based on the latest reliable information and correct some common misconceptions about both devices’ specs.
Table of Contents
Accurate Specs Table (May 2025)
| Specification | iPhone 16 Pro Max | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (actual capacity) | ~4450 mAh (per iFixit tests) | 5500 mAh |
| Video Recording | 4K/60 fps HDR | 8K/30 fps HDR10+ |
| Connectivity | 5G-Advanced + Wi-Fi 7 | 5G-Advanced + Wi-Fi 7 |
| Fast Charging | 27 W (software-limited) | 45 W |
| Camera System | Triple: 48 MP + 12 MP + 12 MP (5× optical zoom) | Quad: 200 MP + 50 MP + 12 MP + 50 MP (10× optical zoom) |
Battery Info Correction
Based on analyses by iFixit and GSMArena:
- The iPhone 16 Pro Max’s real capacity ranges between 4400–4500 mAh—not 4850 mAh as once rumored
- Apple never officially disclosed capacity, but technical teardowns confirm these figures
- iOS 18.5 brought power-management tweaks, though Apple gave no exact percentages
Battery performance after one year of use:
iPhone 16 Pro Max
- Average screen-on time: 12 h
- Capacity drop: ~8 % after a year
- Charging: 27 W wired, 15 W wireless
Galaxy S25 Ultra
- Average screen-on time: 14 h
- Capacity drop: ~10 % after a year
- Charging: 45 W wired, 15 W wireless
Camera System Updates in 2025
As of May 2025, these facts about video recording are confirmed:
- iPhone 16 Pro Max does not shoot 8K (capped at 4K/60 fps)
- Galaxy S25 Ultra supports 8K/30 fps with HDR10+
- Apple focused on improving 4K quality and video stabilization
Camera performance after updates:
iPhone 16 Pro Max
- Enhanced Night mode with iOS 18.5
- Superb 4K video quality
- AI-powered Portrait Mode improvements
Galaxy S25 Ultra
- Improved 200 MP image processing
- 8K video with reduced shake
- Advanced AI editing features
Performance in 2025: Recent Benchmarks
| Test | iPhone 16 Pro Max (A18 Pro) | S25 Ultra (SD 8 Gen 4) |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (Single) | 3200 | 2800 |
| Geekbench 6 (Multi) | 15000 | 16500 |
| 3DMark Wild Life Extreme | 95 fps | 90 fps |
AI updates:
- Apple Intelligence 2.0: better image processing & real-time translation
- Galaxy AI 2.5: advanced text & image generation
- Both platforms refine performance via regular updates
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 in certain regions
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 delivers outstanding performance.
Which is better for photography?
The iPhone excels in natural colors & video, while the S25 Ultra wins for high resolution (200 MP) and long-range zoom.
What are 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 45 W fast charging.
Our Final Recommendations for May 2025
Choose the iPhone 16 Pro Max if you:
- Want an 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, 200 MP camera)
- Want 8K recording support
- Prefer a more customizable, open system
What phone do you use? Considering buying one of these two? Got more questions? Share your thoughts in the comments or visit our website for more reviews. Spread the word to friends and loved ones so they stay updated—be a knowledge ambassador!
