iPhone 16 Pro vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra: Best in 2025?

The smartphone rivalry between Apple and Samsung continues in 2025 with the launch of the iPhone 16 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Both devices push the boundaries of performance, AI integration, and camera technology, but which one is the best for you?

This year, both brands are leaning heavily into AI-powered features, improved battery life, and next-gen materials that enhance durability and usability. Apple continues refining its Titanium build and A18 Pro chip, while Samsung steps up with Graphene battery technology and an advanced periscope zoom camera.
Let’s break down their key features, pricing, and overall performance to see which flagship device reigns supreme in 2025 and determine which of these best 2025 smartphones fits your needs.

What’s new in 2025’s flagship phones?

• AI-powered advancements: Apple Intelligence and Samsung Galaxy AI bring next-level smart features.
• Enhanced battery life: Samsung introduces graphene battery tech, while Apple optimizes efficiency.
• Next-gen materials: Apple refines its Titanium build, and Samsung improves durability with Armor Aluminum 3.
• Camera upgrades: improved periscope zoom and AI-enhanced photography.
• Higher refresh rates: Samsung pushes to 144Hz, while Apple enhances display efficiency.

iPhone 16 Pro  vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra: Feature Breakdown

Key Feature Comparisons

Check out our previous comparison of the iPhone 15 Pro  vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra or browse our ultimate smartphone buying guide for more insights on choosing the best phone for your needs.

1. Design & Build Quality

Both phones look stunning, but Apple continues its Titanium approach, making the iPhone 16 Pro  incredibly premium and lighter than previous models. Samsung, on the other hand, sticks with Armor Aluminum 3 and Gorilla Glass Victus 3, which improves durability while keeping its S Pen slot intact.

✅ Winner: iPhone 16 Pro  for premium materials, but Samsung has better durability.

2. Display & Refresh Rate

The iPhone 16 Pro  sticks with its 6.9-inch LTPO OLED panel, offering fantastic color accuracy and Dynamic Island enhancements. However, Samsung wins here with its 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED at 144Hz refresh rate, providing smoother scrolling and a brighter peak brightness of 3000 nits.

✅ Winner: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra for its higher refresh rate and brighter display.

3. Performance & AI Capabilities

• iPhone 16 Pro  features the A18 Pro chip, built on a 3nm process, promising faster speeds and unparalleled efficiency in handling AI tasks, gaming, and video rendering.
• Galaxy S25 Ultra is powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 (in the US) or Exynos 2500 (in other markets), optimized for Samsung’s new AI-driven software improvements.
• Apple Intelligence gives iOS 18 a huge AI boost, including AI-powered Siri improvements, email summaries, and real-time voice transcription. Samsung Galaxy AI focuses on live translation, AI Zoom, and intelligent S Pen features, making multitasking easier.

✅ Winner: Tie: Apple for better raw performance, Samsung for AI and customization.

4. Camera Performance

• iPhone 16 Pro  sticks with 48MP triple sensors, but improves zoom to 5x periscope zoom. The biggest upgrade is AI-powered photo and video editing and ProRes capabilities for videographers.
• Galaxy S25 Ultra brings its 200MP sensor, 10x periscope zoom, and AI Zoom enhancements, making it a beast for photography. The Ultra Night Mode and Astro Zoom further give it an edge in low-light and long-range shots.

✅ Winner: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – better zoom, AI enhancements, and superior night photography.

5. Battery Life & Charging

Samsung leaps ahead with Graphene battery technology, offering a 5,500mAh capacity, 65W fast charging, and 25W wireless charging. The iPhone 16 Pro , while still efficient with its 4,852mAh battery, lags behind in both charging speed and longevity.

✅ Winner: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra—superior battery size and faster charging speeds.

6. Software & Ecosystem

• iOS 18 finally embraces RCS messaging, improves home screen customization, and enhances Apple Intelligence for better AI integration. The Apple ecosystem remains seamless, perfect for users with MacBooks, iPads, and AirPods.
• One UI 7.0 introduces deeper AI-driven customization, allowing you to remap buttons, change UI themes, and create AI-powered automation. Samsung’s DeX mode also transforms your phone into a desktop replacement.

✅ Winner: iPhone 16 Pro if you're in the Apple ecosystem, but Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra if you prefer customization and flexibility.

Which Phone Is Best for You?

✅ Buy the iPhone 16 Pro if you

• Want seamless integration with Apple devices
• Prefer a more premium Titanium build
• Love iOS simplicity and Apple Intelligence AI features
• Need a powerful chip for gaming and video editing

✅ Buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra if you

• Want the best zoom and camera features
• Need a longer battery life with ultra-fast charging
• Prefer a higher refresh rate and more customizable UI
• Use the S Pen for productivity and note-taking

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Which phone has the better camera, the iPhone 16 Pro or the Galaxy S25 Ultra?
A1: The Galaxy S25 Ultra takes the lead with its 200MP main sensor and 10x periscope zoom, making it superior for zoomed-in shots and low-light photography.

Q2: Which phone offers longer battery life?
A2: The Galaxy S25 Ultra wins with its 5,500mAh graphene battery, which lasts longer and charges faster than the iPhone 16 Pro .

Q3: Is the iPhone 16 Pro  worth upgrading to?
A3: If you’re already in the Apple ecosystem and want better AI features, performance, and seamless integration, upgrading to the iPhone 16 Pro is a great choice.

Final Verdict: Which One Wins?

• 📸 Camera: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
• ⚡ Battery & Charging: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
• 🎮 Performance: iPhone 16 Pro 
• 🖥️ Display: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
• 📱 Ecosystem & Software: iPhone 16 Pro 

🏆 Winner: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (by a narrow margin!)

While Apple perfects its ecosystem and AI features, Samsung leads in battery, display, and camera innovations. If you want the best overall package with more flexibility, the S25 Ultra is your best bet. But if you're an Apple user looking for the ultimate iPhone experience, the iPhone 16 Pro won’t disappoint.

Which one are you picking? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Share your experiences and tell us which flagship phone you think is the best in 2025. 🚀