Galaxy S25 VS iPhone 16 Pro Max

87

Galaxy S25

6.2-inch AMOLED 120Hz · Snapdragon 8 Elite · 4000mAh · 50MP · IP68

$799

MSRP

88

iPhone 16 Pro Max

6.9-inch OLED 120Hz · A18 Pro · 4685mAh · 48MP · IP68

$1199

MSRP

$749.97

Amazon.com

Buy Galaxy S25

$1199

MSRP

Check price

Our verdict

The iPhone 16 Pro Max takes the performance lead, 1% ahead overall, driven by its A18 Pro and an AnTuTu score of 1,750,331.

On value the Galaxy S25 stands out at $799, pairing a 50MP main camera with a 4000mAh battery.

For most buyers the Galaxy S25 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

iPhone 16 Pro Max

1% faster overall

Best value for money

Galaxy S25

21% better value per dollar

Galaxy S25 best for

Value for money

21% better value per dollar

Overview

The iPhone 16 Pro Max comes out ahead overall, scoring 88 to the Galaxy S25's 87. Priced at $1199 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 takes the lead, with an AnTuTu score of 2,920,032 against 1,750,331, 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 pairs a 50MP main camera with 3x optical zoom and a 12MP front sensor. The iPhone 16 Pro Max answers with 48MP, 5x zoom and a 12MP selfie camera. The iPhone 16 Pro Max reaches further with its longer optical zoom, which helps for portraits and distant subjects.

Battery and charging

Battery favours the iPhone 16 Pro Max, with a 4685mAh cell against 4000mAh. For refills the Galaxy S25 is quickest at , spending less time tied to a charger.

Display

Both use high refresh rate OLED screens. The Galaxy S25 measures 6.2" and peaks at 2600 nits, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max is 6.9" and reaches 2000 nits. Screen size and outright brightness are where they separate most.

Which should you buy

Overall the Galaxy S25 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 iPhone 16 Pro Max instead if longer battery life matters more to you.

battery

Battery
4000mAh
4685mAh
Wireless charging
15W
25W

camera

Main camera
50MP
48MP
Optical zoom
3x
5x
Ultrawide
12MP
48MP
Front camera
12MP
12MP
Max video
8K30
4K120

display

Display size
6.2"
6.9"
Display type
Dynamic AMOLED 2X
OLED
Refresh rate
120Hz
120Hz
Peak brightness
2600 nits
2000 nits
Resolution
2340x1080
2868x1320

Performance

Chipset
Snapdragon 8 Elite
A18 Pro
RAM
12GB
8GB
Storage
128GB
256GB

Physical

Weight
162g
227g
Thickness
7.2mm
8.25mm
Water resistance
IP68
IP68

Synthetic & compute benchmarks

Geekbench 6 (Multi-Core)
9,494 pts
8,789 pts
Geekbench 6 (Single-Core)
3,041 pts
3,285 pts
AnTuTu v11
2,920,032 pts
1,750,331 pts

Frequently asked questions

Is the Galaxy S25 better than the iPhone 16 Pro Max?

Overall the iPhone 16 Pro Max scores 88 out of 100 against the Galaxy S25's 87, 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 or the iPhone 16 Pro Max?

The Galaxy S25 has the stronger camera on paper, leading with a 50MP main sensor and 3x optical zoom. Both take excellent photos, but the Galaxy S25 offers more reach and flexibility.

Which has better battery life, the Galaxy S25 or the iPhone 16 Pro Max?

The iPhone 16 Pro Max carries the larger 4685mAh battery against 4000mAh, and the Galaxy S25 charges fastest at . For heavy all-day use the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the safer bet.

Which is faster, the Galaxy S25 or the iPhone 16 Pro Max?

In benchmarks the Galaxy S25 is quicker, posting an AnTuTu score of 2,920,032 against 1,750,331 thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Elite. Both handle everyday tasks smoothly, but the Galaxy S25 pulls ahead in demanding games.

Should I buy the Galaxy S25 or the iPhone 16 Pro Max?

For most buyers the Galaxy S25 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 iPhone 16 Pro Max if longer battery life is your priority.

Related comparisons