Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S25 FE

Our Verdict: iPhone 16 Pro Max stands out for a sharper display at about 458ppi. Against that, Galaxy S25 FE brings a lighter 190g body. If budget is part of the decision, Galaxy S25 FE is the lower-cost option at about £350 versus £685. There is a wider current deal choice around Galaxy S25 FE, which helps if you want to compare tariffs. In short, iPhone 16 Pro Max is for a better viewing experience; Galaxy S25 FE is for keeping the total cost down.

Over a full contract, the S25 FE works out around £574 all-in, about £317 less than the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Expert Rating
4.4
11 reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Screen
6.9" 6.7"
Display
LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1320 x 2868 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
458 385
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A18 Pro Exynos 2400 (4 nm)
Battery
4,685 mAh 4,900 mAh
Storage
256GB, 512GB, 1TB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
OS
Apple iOS Android 16
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 161.3 x 76.6 x 7.4 mm
Weight
227 grams 190 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
£34.42/mo (£20.00 upfront) £23.54/mo (£9.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£649.99 £399.99

Prices updated 26 July 2026

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Samsung Galaxy S25 FE Samsung Galaxy S25 FE
Expert Rating 4.4
11 reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Screen 6.9" 6.7"
Display LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1320 x 2868 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 458 385
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A18 Pro Exynos 2400 (4 nm)
Battery 4,685 mAh 4,900 mAh
Storage 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
OS Apple iOS Android 16
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 161.3 x 76.6 x 7.4 mm
Weight 227 grams 190 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 £34.42/mo
£20.00 upfront
£23.54/mo
£9.00 upfront
SIM-free £649.99 £399.99
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

24 Months

256GB

Natural Titanium

Refurbished

1GB

Data

£34.42 per month, £20 upfront.

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE

24 Months

128GB

White

10GB

Data

£23.54 per month, £9 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S25 FE cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is cheaper on contract at £573.96 over the life of the deal from £23.54 per month with £9.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S25 FE?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE's 6.7", the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max has the sharper display at 458 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S25 FE?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE 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 FE?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £399.99.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 FE?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 FE use?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A18 Pro, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE uses the Exynos 2400 (4 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S25 FE?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is the more portable of the two: it's 37g lighter at 190 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 161.3 x 76.6 x 7.4 mm, and is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S25 FE?

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 FE run?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max runs Apple iOS and the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE runs Android 16. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.