Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro Max
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S25 Ultra
Starting at
£678.00£1,229.24 new
iPhone 16 Pro Max
Starting at
£840.13£1,399.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max?
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S25 Ultra starts at £678, £162.13 less than the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen type
Main camera
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Apple A18 Pro on the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
- The Galaxy S25 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4685 mAh.
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro Max specs
The Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max offer high-end features suited to different users. The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a larger battery and more RAM, which helps with longer use and multitasking. It also has a higher-resolution screen and a more complex camera setup that suits photography lovers who want variety and detail. The iPhone 16 Pro Max runs iOS 18 and features Apple's A18 Pro chip, which performs well with everyday tasks and apps. Both have large 6.9-inch screens with 120 Hz refresh rates for smooth visuals. The choice depends on whether you prefer Android with extensive camera options and memory or iOS with a premium feel and refined performance.
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro Max price
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, operating system, and physical design aspects.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a 5000 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone 16 Pro Max's 4685 mAh. This means the Galaxy S25 Ultra can offer longer usage between charges, which suits users who often use their phone heavily throughout the day. The iPhone 16 Pro Max's battery still supports all-day use but with a slightly smaller capacity.
Operating System
The Galaxy S25 Ultra runs on Android, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max uses iOS 18. Your choice here depends on which ecosystem you prefer. Android offers more customisation and app options, whereas iOS provides a smooth and integrated experience with Apple services.
Software Updates
This ensures they stay current with new features and security improvements for a good period, regardless of whether you choose Android or iOS.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro Max performance
Performance depends on the chipset and memory, which influence speed, multitasking, and app handling. Both devices offer strong performance suited to demanding use, with some differences in memory and chip design.
Chipset Power
The Galaxy S25 Ultra features the Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset built on a 3 nm process. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is equipped with the Apple A18 Pro chip. Both are designed for high performance in gaming, productivity, and daily tasks. Your decision may rest on which operating system you prefer rather than raw chipset specs alone.
Memory Capacity
The Galaxy S25 Ultra offers 12 GB of RAM, providing more memory to keep multiple apps and processes open simultaneously. This suits users who multitask or use memory-heavy apps frequently. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has 8 GB of RAM, which is sufficient for smooth everyday use and most demanding apps on iOS.
Storage Options
Both models come in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options. These provide ample space for apps, media, and files regardless of which device you choose.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro Max screen
Screen quality affects how content looks and feels to use daily. Both phones share key traits but differ in resolution and screen technology.
Screen Size
Both the Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max have a 6.9-inch screen, offering a large display ideal for watching videos, gaming, and browsing. The size suits users who want an immersive visual experience.
Resolution
The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a resolution of 1440 x 3120 pixels, which is higher than the iPhone 16 Pro Max's 1320 x 2868 pixels. This means the Samsung phone can deliver sharper images and more detail, especially noticeable when viewing high-resolution photos or text.
Screen Technology
The Galaxy S25 Ultra uses a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X screen, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max features an LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display. Both support a 120 Hz refresh rate, producing smooth motion for scrolling and animations. The difference in screen type may influence colour rendering and contrast, appealing to users with specific viewing preferences.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro Max camera
Audiovisual features focus on camera setups and front camera quality. Each device offers a different approach that suits particular photography and video needs.
Main Camera Setup
The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a quadruple camera system with a 200 MP main sensor, plus additional telephoto and periscope telephoto lenses with 3x and 5x optical zoom. This setup suits photography enthusiasts who want flexibility for close-ups, detailed shots, and long-range zoom. The iPhone 16 Pro Max uses a triple camera system with a 48 MP main sensor, providing excellent quality for everyday photography with a focus on colour accuracy and ease of use.
Front Camera
Both phones have a 12 MP front camera, which is suitable for selfies and video calls. This ensures clear and detailed images for social media and communication.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro Max size and design
Other features such as physical dimensions, connectors, and network compatibility can affect daily use and convenience.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy S25 Ultra measures 162 mm in height, 77 mm in width, and 8 mm in depth, weighing 218 g. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is slightly taller at 163 mm, wider at 77.6 mm, and thinner at 8.3 mm, weighing 227 g. These subtle differences may influence how the phones feel in hand or pocket.
Connector Type
Both phones use USB-C connectors. This suits users who frequently move large files between phone and computer.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy S25 Ultra supports both a physical SIM card and eSIM, offering flexibility for users who want to switch carriers or use multiple numbers. The iPhone 16 Pro Max supports eSIM only, which may appeal to those comfortable with digital SIM setups.
Carrier and Network Compatibility
Both phones are unlocked and support 5G networks, ensuring wide compatibility with UK carriers and access to fast mobile data where available.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S25 Ultra or iPhone 16 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S25 Ultra if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £678, £162.13 less than the iPhone 16 Pro Max
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4685 mAh)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy S25 Ultra often mention how the phone looks almost brand new with no scratches and a battery health close to 100%. They appreciate the long battery life, excellent display, and solid build quality. The camera receives praise for capturing great photos in various lighting conditions without complex adjustments. Users also highlight the smooth performance and the convenience of the S Pen. Many say the phone works exactly as it should and is a great value for a refurbished device.
Those who purchased the iPhone 16 Pro Max report that the device looks and feels like new with very good battery health, sometimes at 100%. The touchscreen is described as responsive and smooth, making daily use enjoyable. Owners find the phone performs perfectly, with the display offering great visuals and the overall feel being premium. Many mention the phone's condition exceeding expectations and express satisfaction with its reliability and ease of use.
Both phones attract buyers who want a high-quality refurbished device that performs well and looks close to new. The Galaxy S25 Ultra suits users wanting a larger battery, more RAM, and versatile camera options. The iPhone 16 Pro Max appeals to those who prefer iOS and a premium feel with strong performance for everyday tasks.
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro Max FAQs
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Apple A18 Pro on the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The Galaxy S25 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is cheaper refurbished, from £678 compared with £840.13 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4685 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 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Both come in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB refurbished.
