Apple iPhone 16 vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
The iPhone 16 is the cheaper one to own: around £693 over a typical contract, £147 less than the S25 Ultra.
12 reviews 4.4
12 reviews
Prices updated 13 August 2026
Apple iPhone 16
|
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 12 reviews |
4.4 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.8" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2556 x 1179 | 1440 x 3120 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 461 | 505 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A18 (3 nm) | Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) |
| Battery | 3,561 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 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 | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm | 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm |
| Weight | 170 grams | 219 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts |
£26.99/mo
£19.00 upfront |
£33.79/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £474.99 | £569.99 |
| Prices updated 13 August 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
Cheapest Deals
Related Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 16 is cheaper on contract at £692.76 over the life of the deal from £26.99 per month with £19.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Apple iPhone 16's 6.1", the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has the sharper display at 505 pixels per inch versus 461, and the Apple iPhone 16 uses a 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 or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 16 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 or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 16 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £474.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 16 is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra use?
The Apple iPhone 16 is powered by the Apple A18 (3 nm), 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 or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 16 is the more portable of the two: it's 49g lighter at 170 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm, and is slimmer at 7.8mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 16 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra run?
The Apple iPhone 16 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.