Apple iPhone 16 vs Samsung Galaxy S25

Our verdict: On contract, the Samsung Galaxy S25 works out £47.13 cheaper overall than the Apple iPhone 16. The Samsung Galaxy S25 has a bigger 6.2" screen, but the Apple iPhone 16 is sharper at 461 PPI. If you'd rather buy outright, the Samsung Galaxy S25 starts at £449.99 SIM-free.

Screen
6.1" 6.2"
Display
Super Retina XDR OLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
2556 x 1179 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
461 416
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A18 (3 nm) Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB 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
147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm 146.9 x 70.4 x 7.2 mm
Weight
170 grams 162 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) £11.95/mo (£375.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£481.00 £449.99
Apple iPhone 16 Apple iPhone 16 Samsung Galaxy S25 Samsung Galaxy S25
Screen 6.1" 6.2"
Display Super Retina XDR OLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 2556 x 1179 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 461 416
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A18 (3 nm) Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 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 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm 146.9 x 70.4 x 7.2 mm
Weight 170 grams 162 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
£11.95/mo
£375.00 upfront
SIM-free £481.00 £449.99
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 16 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 or Samsung Galaxy S25?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 has the bigger screen at 6.2" compared to the Apple iPhone 16's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 16 has the sharper display at 461 pixels per inch versus 416, and the Apple iPhone 16 uses a 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 or Samsung Galaxy S25?

The Apple iPhone 16 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 or Samsung Galaxy S25?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £449.99.

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

The Apple iPhone 16 is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.

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

The Apple iPhone 16 is powered by the Apple A18 (3 nm), 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 or Samsung Galaxy S25?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is the more portable of the two — it's 8g 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 or Samsung Galaxy S25?

The Apple iPhone 16 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy S25 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 run?

The Apple iPhone 16 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.