Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Plus
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S25 Ultra
Starting at
£678.00£1,229.24 new
iPhone 16 Plus
Starting at
£588.00£799.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Plus?
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 16 Plus starts at £588, £90 less than the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Apple A18 on the iPhone 16 Plus.
- The Galaxy S25 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4674 mAh.
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Plus specs
The Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Plus differ across several key areas, making each better suited for different users. The Galaxy S25 Ultra offers a larger and higher resolution screen with a smoother 120 Hz refresh rate, which appeals to those who prioritise a visually immersive experience. It also has more RAM and a bigger battery capacity, useful for heavy multitasking and longer use between charges. The iPhone 16 Plus features iOS 18 and a 60 Hz screen, which fits buyers who prefer Apple's ecosystem and straightforward performance. In cameras, the Galaxy has a more complex setup with multiple lenses and higher megapixels, while the iPhone has a solid 48 megapixel main camera. Both phones support 5G and come unlocked but differ in size, weight, and connector details, which may influence personal preference.
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Plus price
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Plus battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and the operating system. These factors shape daily reliability and how long the phones stay current.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a 5000 mAh battery, offering a larger capacity than the iPhone 16 Plus with 4674 mAh. This means the Galaxy S25 Ultra can support longer usage between charges, which suits users who need extended battery life for heavy or all-day use. The iPhone 16 Plus still offers a solid battery capacity that fits well with typical daily needs.
Operating System and Updates
This difference in operating systems affects app ecosystems, user interface, and device experience. Choose the Galaxy for Android preferences or the iPhone for iOS.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Plus performance
Performance includes chipset power, memory, and storage options. These influence speed, multitasking, and how much data you can keep on your device.
Chipset and RAM
The Galaxy S25 Ultra features a Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset with 12 GB of RAM, while the iPhone 16 Plus has an Apple A18 chipset paired with 8 GB of RAM. More RAM in the Galaxy helps keep multiple apps active smoothly, which benefits heavy multitaskers or users who switch between demanding apps. The iPhone's RAM suits everyday use and typical app performance within iOS.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage sizes, offering more room for large files and apps. The iPhone 16 Plus comes in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, providing enough storage for many users but with fewer high-capacity options. Choose the Galaxy if you want more storage choices.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Plus screen
Screen quality affects viewing comfort and visual clarity. Differences in size, resolution, and refresh rate change how you experience media and daily use.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a 6.9 inch screen with a resolution of 1440x3120, while the iPhone 16 Plus has a slightly smaller 6.7 inch screen at 1290x2796 resolution. The larger and sharper Galaxy screen gives more room and detail for watching videos, gaming, or reading, which benefits users who want a spacious display.
Refresh Rate and Screen Type
The Galaxy S25 Ultra uses a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate, offering smoother scrolling and animations. The iPhone 16 Plus has a Super Retina XDR OLED screen at 60 Hz, suitable for everyday use and standard visual performance. The higher refresh rate on the Galaxy appeals to those who notice and appreciate smoother motion.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Plus camera
Camera and front-facing camera quality are key for photos, video calls, and self-portraits. Differences here affect photography versatility and detail.
Main Camera Setup
The Galaxy S25 Ultra offers a complex main camera array including a 200 MP wide lens, a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 50 MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. This variety supports detailed photos, zoom options, and flexibility in different lighting and distances. The iPhone 16 Plus has a 48 MP main camera, which delivers solid high-resolution photos suitable for everyday photography.
Front Camera
Both phones have a 12 MP front camera, ensuring similar quality for selfies and video calls. This makes either device a good choice for clear front-facing photos.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Plus size and design
Other features like size, weight, connectors, and network compatibility affect daily handling and connectivity.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy S25 Ultra measures 162 mm by 77 mm and weighs 218 g, making it larger and heavier. The iPhone 16 Plus is slightly smaller at 160.9 mm by 77.8 mm and lighter at 199 g. The iPhone suits those who prefer a lighter, more compact device, while the Galaxy suits users comfortable with a larger phone.
Connector Type
The Galaxy S25 Ultra simply lists USB-C, which may imply a different or faster standard. This can affect data transfer speeds or charging accessories.
SIM and Network
Both phones support 5G and accept a physical SIM plus eSIM, ensuring flexible network options and compatibility with latest mobile networks.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S25 Ultra or iPhone 16 Plus: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S25 Ultra if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4674 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.7 inch)
Buy the iPhone 16 Plus if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £588, £90 less than the Galaxy S25 Ultra
- you want a lighter build (199 g vs 218 g)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy S25 Ultra frequently mention it looks almost brand new with no scratches and excellent battery health. They appreciate the strong performance, all-day battery life, and high-quality display. The camera quality is praised for capturing great photos without complex settings. Customers also highlight the solid build and ease of use despite many features. Some mention the Galaxy S25 Ultra's size and weight, and a few note colour discrepancies but remain satisfied with the phone's condition and capabilities.
Buyers of the iPhone 16 Plus highlight its like-new appearance and excellent battery condition, often describing it as feeling like a new device from the Apple Store. The phone's quality and performance receive positive remarks, with appreciation for iOS 18 and the device's reliability. Some customers note occasional minor issues such as glitching or the need for an Apple Store visit for updates, but many are happy with the phone's look and feel. There are also comments about specific cosmetic or usage problems in fewer cases.
Overall, the Galaxy S25 Ultra suits users wanting a larger, feature-rich device with strong multitasking and photography options, while the iPhone 16 Plus fits those preferring a lighter, compact phone with solid everyday performance and iOS. Both receive praise for their like-new condition and dependable use.
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Plus FAQs
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Apple A18 on the iPhone 16 Plus. The Galaxy S25 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
The iPhone 16 Plus is cheaper refurbished, from £588 compared with £678 for the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4674 mAh.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a higher-resolution main camera: 200 megapixels vs 48 megapixels.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra gets updates until Feb 2032. The iPhone 16 Plus is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S25 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone 16 Plus in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
