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The Galaxy S25 Ultra is extremely powerful and long-lasting, with some of the most advanced AI applications yet.
It also houses Apple’s first tentative stab at AI.
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
However, in terms of widespread reach and sheer year-on-year consistency, it’s difficult to look pastAppleandSamsung.
These guys know how to make great phones on a scale that no one else can compete with.
Let’s take it point by point, starting with a straightforward rundown of the key specifications.
Strap in tight, this one’s going to be a closely run thing.
Pricing is pretty similar between these two phones.
Samsung’s phone also looks way more iPhone-like than ever, with its dead-flat frame.
However, it’s not an identical look.
On the positive side, these are two premium, beautifully built super-sized phones.
There are also the differing biometric authentication systems to consider.
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
We should issue a quick shout-out to the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s integrated S Pen stylus, too.
It continues to be the only mainstream phone that features such a thing.
On the other hand, if you’re a committed note-taker or scribbler, there’s only one choice.
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
Both take brilliant photos in all conditions, but their fields of expertise differ somewhat.
Indeed, the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s strength is in the quality of the point-and-shoot experience.
you could’t beat the iPhone for video capture, either.
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
Its multi-core CPU scores beat the iPhone, though Apple’s single-core performance continues to hold sway.
None of the stragglers can get close.
Talking of software, comparing iOS and Android is like comparing apples and oranges.
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
You typically prefer one or the other.
To this end, iOS typically feels a little more cohesive than One UI.
As we’ve already mentioned, iOS famously uses its resources a little more efficiently than Android.
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
In our Future Labs tests, both phones hit north of 17 hours, which is similarly impressive.
There really is very little between the two when it comes to raw stamina.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max supports up to 25W, which gets you to 50% in 30 minutes.
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
It’s a clear win for Samsung.
Both phones are powerful, long-lasting, beautifully built, and pack brilliant camera systems.
Camera set-ups aside, it might just come down to your current platform preference.
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
It’s got the benefits of the best apps, a more cohesive OS, and peerless after-sales support.
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
