Apple iPhone 15 vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Our verdict: On contract, the Apple iPhone 15 works out £264.00 cheaper overall than the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra wins on display with a bigger 6.8" screen and a sharper 505 PPI. If you'd rather buy outright, the Apple iPhone 15 starts at £324.00 SIM-free.
Apple iPhone 15
|
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.8" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1179 x 2556 | 1440 x 3120 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 461 | 505 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) |
| 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/6 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 with 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 | 171 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 |
£20.99/mo
£9.00 upfront |
£28.99/mo
£89.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £324.00 | £709.00 |
| Deals | Deals |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 15 or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 15 is cheaper on contract at £532.93 over the life of the deal from £20.99 per month with £9.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 15 or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Apple iPhone 15's 6.1", the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has the sharper display at 505 pixels per inch versus 461, and the Apple iPhone 15 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 15 or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 15 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 15 or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 15 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £324.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 15 and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 15 is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 15 and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra use?
The Apple iPhone 15 is powered by the Apple A16 Bionic (4 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 15 or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 15 is the more portable of the two — it's 48g lighter at 171 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 15 or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 15 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 15 and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra run?
The Apple iPhone 15 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.