Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S25
Our verdict: Budget-conscious buyers should note the Samsung Galaxy S25 is £448.16 cheaper on contract than the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max. Visuals favour the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max — it's both bigger at 6.9" and sharper at 458 PPI. If the camera matters most, the Samsung Galaxy S25 has the edge at 50MP. Portability goes to the Samsung Galaxy S25 at 162g.
11 reviews 4.1
11 reviews
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
|
Samsung Galaxy S25
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.4 11 reviews |
4.1 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.9" | 6.2" |
| Display | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1320 x 2868 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 458 | 416 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A18 Pro | Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| OS | Apple iOS | Android 15 |
| SIM Type | nano-SIM and e-SIM | nano-SIM and e-SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm | 146.9 x 70.4 x 7.2 mm |
| Weight | 227 grams | 162 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts |
£43.79/mo
£29.00 upfront |
£11.95/mo
£375.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £618.00 | £489.99 |
| Deals | Deals |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S25 cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S25 is cheaper on contract at £631.80 over the life of the deal from £11.95 per month with £375.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S25?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S25's 6.2", the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max has the sharper display at 458 pixels per inch versus 416, and the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S25 has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S25?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 has a 50 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S25?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £489.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 use?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A18 Pro, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 uses the Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S25?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 is the more portable of the two — it's 65g lighter at 162 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.9 x 70.4 x 7.2 mm, and is slimmer at 7.2mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S25?
Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 run?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max runs Apple iOS and the Samsung Galaxy S25 runs Android 15. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.