Galaxy S25 Ultra
Snapdragon 8 Elite · 6.9″ · 200 MP
iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB (Unlocked)
A18 Pro · iOS · 256GB · Unlocked
iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB (Unlocked) takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Galaxy S25 Ultra lands at 93 and iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB (Unlocked) at 96. That puts iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB (Unlocked) ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Galaxy S25 Ultra if…
- ✓Huge anti-reflective 6.9″ display
- ✓200 MP sensor with 5× tele
- ✓S-Pen productivity
Pick iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB (Unlocked) if…
- ✓iOS ecosystem
- ✓Long update support
- ✓Polished hardware
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testPhotography
TieStills and video quality across lenses
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Battery life
TieScreen-on time and charging
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Performance
TieChipset speed for gaming and heavy apps
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Display
Galaxy S25 UltraPanel quality, brightness, refresh rate
Galaxy S25 Ultra leads on display (96 vs 93).
Value for money
TieSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Galaxy S25 Ultra | iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB (Unlocked) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.9″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 3120×1440 | — |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | A18 Pro |
| RAM | 12 GB | — |
| Storage | 256 / 512 GB / 1 TB | 256GB |
| Rear camera | 200 MP + 50 MP 5× + 10 MP 3× + 50 MP UW | — |
| Front camera | 12 MP | — |
| Battery | 5000 mAh | — |
| Charging | 45W wired, 15W wireless | — |
| OS | Android 15, One UI 7 | iOS 18 |
| Weight | 218 g | — |
| IP rating | IP68 | — |
| Release year | — | 2024 |
Galaxy S25 Ultra
- +Huge anti-reflective 6.9″ display
- +200 MP sensor with 5× tele
- +S-Pen productivity
- −Pricey storage tiers
- −AI features still maturing
- −Heavier in hand
iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB (Unlocked)
- +iOS ecosystem
- +Long update support
- +Polished hardware
- −Premium pricing
- −Limited customization
- −Lightning/USB-C split across generations
FAQ: Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB (Unlocked)
Which is better, Galaxy S25 Ultra or iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB (Unlocked)? +
iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB (Unlocked) scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Galaxy S25 Ultra worth the price? +
At $1,299, Galaxy S25 Ultra delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in gpu.
Is iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB (Unlocked) worth the price? +
At $1,299, iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB (Unlocked) delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in cpu.
Does Galaxy S25 Ultra or iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB (Unlocked) last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for display, Galaxy S25 Ultra or iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB (Unlocked)? +
Galaxy S25 Ultra — leads on display (96 vs 93). Panel quality, brightness, refresh rate.