Galaxy S25 Ultra VS iPhone 16
Galaxy S25 Ultra
6.9-inch AMOLED 120Hz · Snapdragon 8 Elite · 5000mAh · 200MP · IP68
MSRP
iPhone 16
6.1-inch OLED 60Hz · A18 · 3561mAh · 48MP · IP68
MSRP
Our verdict
The Galaxy S25 Ultra takes the performance lead, 12% ahead overall, driven by its Snapdragon 8 Elite and an AnTuTu score of 3,122,734.
On value the iPhone 16 stands out at $799, pairing a 48MP main camera with a 3561mAh battery.
For most buyers the iPhone 16 is the smarter choice. One runs iOS and the other Android, so your existing apps, watch and ecosystem may matter more than the spec differences.
Performance winner
Galaxy S25 Ultra
12% faster overall
Best value for money
iPhone 16
3% better value per dollar
Galaxy S25 Ultra best for
Power efficiency
12% faster overall
Overview
The Galaxy S25 Ultra comes out ahead overall, scoring 94 to the iPhone 16's 84. Priced at $1299 against $799, the choice between them is as much about budget as specs, and each phone leans toward a slightly different buyer.
Performance
For raw speed the Galaxy S25 Ultra takes the lead, with an AnTuTu score of 3,122,734 against 1,500,000, driven by its Snapdragon 8 Elite. Both feel quick in everyday use, but the gap shows up in demanding games and heavy multitasking where the faster chip pulls ahead.
Cameras
The Galaxy S25 Ultra pairs a 200MP main camera with optical zoom and a 12MP front sensor. The iPhone 16 answers with 48MP, zoom and a 12MP selfie camera.
Battery and charging
Battery favours the Galaxy S25 Ultra, with a 5000mAh cell against 3561mAh. For refills the Galaxy S25 Ultra is quickest at 45W, spending less time tied to a charger.
Display
Both use high refresh rate OLED screens. The Galaxy S25 Ultra measures 6.9" and peaks at 2600 nits, while the iPhone 16 is 6.1" and reaches 2000 nits. Screen size and outright brightness are where they separate most.
Which should you buy
Overall the iPhone 16 is the one we would steer most buyers toward. One runs iOS and the other Android, so your existing apps, watch and ecosystem may matter more than the spec differences. Consider the Galaxy S25 Ultra instead if longer battery life matters more to you.
battery
camera
display
Performance
Physical
Synthetic & compute benchmarks
Frequently asked questions
Is the Galaxy S25 Ultra better than the iPhone 16?
Overall the Galaxy S25 Ultra scores 94 out of 100 against the iPhone 16's 84, so it edges ahead on our combined rating. Even so, the two are close enough that price, size and your preferred ecosystem should also guide the decision.
Which has the better camera, the Galaxy S25 Ultra or the iPhone 16?
The Galaxy S25 Ultra has the stronger camera on paper, leading with a 200MP main sensor and optical zoom. Both take excellent photos, but the Galaxy S25 Ultra offers more reach and flexibility.
Which has better battery life, the Galaxy S25 Ultra or the iPhone 16?
The Galaxy S25 Ultra carries the larger 5000mAh battery against 3561mAh, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra charges fastest at 45W. For heavy all-day use the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the safer bet.
Which is faster, the Galaxy S25 Ultra or the iPhone 16?
In benchmarks the Galaxy S25 Ultra is quicker, posting an AnTuTu score of 3,122,734 against 1,500,000 thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Elite. Both handle everyday tasks smoothly, but the Galaxy S25 Ultra pulls ahead in demanding games.
Should I buy the Galaxy S25 Ultra or the iPhone 16?
For most buyers the iPhone 16 is the smarter pick, balancing performance, features and price. One runs iOS and the other Android, so your existing apps, watch and ecosystem may matter more than the spec differences. Choose the Galaxy S25 Ultra if longer battery life is your priority.
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