Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Our verdict: On contract, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra works out £190.16 cheaper overall than the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max. Screen size goes to the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max at 6.9", while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra wins on sharpness with 505 PPI. Snap-happy users may prefer the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and its 200MP rear camera. Day-to-day comfort favours the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra at 219g.
11 reviews 4.4
12 reviews
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
|
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.4 11 reviews |
4.4 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.9" | 6.8" |
| Display | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1320 x 2868 | 1440 x 3120 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 458 | 505 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A18 Pro | Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| 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/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm | 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm |
| Weight | 227 grams | 219 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 |
£41.79/mo
£29.00 upfront |
£11.95/mo
£585.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £669.00 | £579.99 |
| Deals | Deals |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is cheaper on contract at £841.80 over the life of the deal from £11.95 per month with £585.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra's 6.8", the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has the sharper display at 505 pixels per inch versus 458, and the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has a 200 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 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £579.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra use?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A18 Pro, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 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 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the more portable of the two — it's 8g lighter at 219 grams, both are similar in overall footprint.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
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 Ultra run?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max runs Apple iOS and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 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.