TL;DR
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is better for photography and AI – It has a 200MP camera with better zoom and manual controls, plus more advanced AI features available now.
- iPhone 16 Pro Max offers better performance and resale value – Apps run smoother on iOS, and iPhones hold their value longer for resale.
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is lighter and more compact – It’s slightly thinner and weighs less, making it easier to handle.
- iPhone 16 Pro Max is the best for video recording – While Samsung has improved, Apple’s video processing, stabilization, and ProRes recording give it the edge.
Samsung and Apple compete fiercely with each new flagship release. Now that the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is here, you might be wondering whether to get it or the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which launched a few months ago.
Both phones are packed with premium features and high-end specs. They also integrate AI extensively. If you’re already tied to a specific ecosystem, your choice is simple.
But if you’re open to switching, here’s what you need to know.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: Specs
You Should Buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra If…
1) You Want a More Versatile Camera System
Samsung consistently delivers some of the best phone cameras, and the S25 Ultra continues that trend. It retains the 200MP main sensor from the S24 Ultra, which easily outperforms the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s 48MP main sensor, especially in zoom capabilities.
Samsung’s additional lens setup gives it an extra edge. The S25 Ultra also offers more manual controls, closer to a DSLR experience, while Apple prioritizes ease of use.
Also Read: Which iPhone 16 model should you buy?
Larger sensors help in low-light photography, and AI-powered tools like Generative Edit enhance images further. The iPhone 16 Pro Max still takes excellent photos, but if photography is your priority, the S25 Ultra is the better choice.
2) You Want a Lighter, More Compact Phone
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is slightly thinner, narrower, and lighter than the iPhone 16 Pro Max. While both phones are large and heavy, the S25 Ultra weighs 218g compared to the iPhone’s 227g.
That may not seem like much, but if you use your phone extensively, every gram matters.
3) You Want the Best AI Features Now
Apple Intelligence promises major AI improvements, but many features aren’t available yet. Meanwhile, Samsung’s Galaxy AI already includes advanced tools, with more coming through One UI 7.
A standout feature is the Personal Data Engine, a large language model that learns from your usage and acts as a proactive assistant. Multi-app commands also add convenience. For example, you can say, “Find nearby vegetarian, pet-friendly restaurants and text them to Allison.”
Apple will likely introduce similar features, but for now, Samsung leads in AI.
You Should Buy the iPhone 16 Pro Max If…
1) You Want the Smoothest Performance
Both phones have top-tier processors—the Galaxy S25 Ultra runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max uses the A18 Pro.
Both deliver excellent performance, and while the S25 Ultra has 12GB of RAM compared to the iPhone’s 8GB, iOS is highly optimized.
Apple wins in app performance because developers build specifically for its platform. The result is smoother performance and better longevity for apps.
2) You Want a More Affordable Option
Buying an iPhone to save money sounds unusual, but in Kenya, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is currently cheaper.
At the time of writing, the 8GB/256GB variant costs around KES 160,000, while the 12GB/256GB S25 Ultra is priced at KES 174,000. That’s a KES 15,000 difference, give or take.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s price will drop over time, but right now, the iPhone is the more affordable flagship.
3) You Plan to Keep Your Phone for Years and Resell It
iPhones retain their value better than Android phones. If you upgrade yearly, this may not matter. But if you keep your phone for longer and want to resell it, the iPhone 16 Pro Max will likely hold a higher resale value.
Data from a major phone trade-in site showed that flagship Android phones depreciate twice as fast as iPhones over three years.
4) You Take a Lot of Videos
If video recording is a priority, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the better choice. While Samsung has made improvements in this area, including the ability to shoot log video with the Galaxy S25 Ultra, the iPhone still has an edge.
Both phones shoot high-quality 4K video, but Apple’s advanced video processing, superior stabilization, and ProRes recording make it the go-to device for videographers. The iPhone also performs better in dynamic range and low-light video recording.
Samsung has made strides in video quality, and the S25 Ultra’s log video support gives professionals more flexibility in post-production. However, the iPhone 16 Pro Max remains the better choice for those who rely heavily on their phone for video work.
Final Thoughts
If you want the best camera, AI features, and a lighter phone, go with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
If you prioritize performance, resale value, a lower price, or superior video recording, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the better option. Both phones are excellent—your decision comes down to what matters most to you.
