The iPhone 16 and Galaxy S25 Ultra take different paths through price, hardware, camera priorities, and ecosystem extras.
This comparison breaks down price, design, display, performance, camera, battery, software, storage, transfer, and final buyer value so you can see where each phone actually leads.
TL;DR: This is a close matchup. Pick the iPhone 16 if you want the iPhone route, or the Galaxy S25 Ultra if the Galaxy route fits your priorities better.
iPhone 16 vs Galaxy S25 Ultra Specs Table
The specs table below highlights the exact launch-price, size, display, chip, camera, battery, USB, and connectivity differences between iPhone 16 and Galaxy S25 Ultra before the section-by-section breakdown.
| Specifications | iPhone 16 | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $799 | $1,299.99 |
| Dimensions | 5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 in | 6.41 x 3.06 x 0.32 in |
| Weight | 170 g | 218 g |
| Processor | A18 | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB |
| Display | 6.1 in (Super Retina XDR OLED) | 6.9 in (Dynamic AMOLED 2X) |
| Resolution | 2556 x 1179 | 3120 x 1440 |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, Thread, NFC, Ultra Wideband | 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, UWB |
| Rear Cameras | 48MP main + 12MP ultrawide | Quad rear camera |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 12MP |
| Battery | Up to 22 hours video playback | Up to 31 hours video playback |
| USB | USB 2 | USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1 |
| Colors | Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, Black | Titanium Silver Blue, Titanium Black, Titanium White Silver, Titanium Gray, Titanium Jade Green, Jet Black, Pink Gold |
iPhone 16 vs Galaxy S25 Ultra: Price
The iPhone 16 starts at $799, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra starts at $1,299.99. That creates a launch-price gap of $500.99.
The premium only makes sense if you specifically want telephoto flexibility, stronger Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy performance, up to 31 hours of video playback, and larger display from the Galaxy S25 Ultra. If not, the iPhone 16 keeps the cleaner value case.
Winner: iPhone 16iPhone 16 vs Galaxy S25 Ultra: Design
The iPhone 16 measures 5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 in and weighs 170 g, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra comes in at 6.41 x 3.06 x 0.32 in and 218 g.
iPhone 16 wins on design because it gives you smaller footprint.
Winner: iPhone 16iPhone 16 vs Galaxy S25 Ultra: Display
The iPhone 16 offers 6.1 in, 2556 x 1179, and 60Hz, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra counters with 6.9 in, 3120 x 1440, and 1-120Hz adaptive.
Galaxy S25 Ultra takes the display section because it delivers a larger 6.9 in screen, higher pixel density, and a smoother 120Hz-class panel.
Winner: Galaxy S25 UltraiPhone 16 vs Galaxy S25 Ultra: Performance
On paper, the iPhone 16 runs A18, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra runs Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy. Transfer support also matters: iPhone 16 uses USB 2, and Galaxy S25 Ultra uses USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1.
Galaxy S25 Ultra wins performance because it gives you stronger Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy performance, USB 3 transfer speeds, and storage up to 1TB.
Winner: Galaxy S25 UltraiPhone 16 vs Galaxy S25 Ultra: Camera
The iPhone 16 uses 48MP main + 12MP ultrawide on the back plus a 12MP TrueDepth front camera. The Galaxy S25 Ultra counters with Quad rear camera and a 12MP selfie camera.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra has the stronger rear camera setup because of its telephoto lens and broader focal-length flexibility. The iPhone 16 has the upgraded 12MP TrueDepth front camera. The Galaxy S25 Ultra also has the better video-workflow angle because it offers USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1. That creates a real tradeoff rather than a total camera sweep from one side. Overall, the Galaxy S25 Ultra takes the camera section once rear-camera flexibility, front-camera hardware, and video-workflow practicality are weighed together.
Winner: Galaxy S25 UltraiPhone 16 vs Galaxy S25 Ultra: Battery
Apple lists the iPhone 16 at Up to 22 hours video playback. Samsung lists the Galaxy S25 Ultra at Up to 31 hours video playback.
Galaxy S25 Ultra gets the battery win because its quoted video-playback figure is higher, giving it the stronger paper endurance claim.
Winner: Galaxy S25 UltraiPhone 16 vs Galaxy S25 Ultra: Software, Storage, and Features
The iPhone 16 offers storage up to 512GB, plus 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, Thread, NFC, Ultra Wideband. The Galaxy S25 Ultra reaches up to 1TB, plus 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, UWB.
Galaxy S25 Ultra wins this section because it gives you storage up to 1TB, USB 3, Wireless PowerShare, and S Pen.
Winner: Galaxy S25 UltraSwitching to a New Phone? Use MobileTrans to Transfer Your Data
If you are moving between the iPhone 16 and Galaxy S25 Ultra , the practical challenge is not just choosing a winner. It is also making sure your photos, videos, messages, contacts, and app data move over cleanly without wasting time.
That is where MobileTrans - Phone Transfer can help. It is useful whether you are jumping from iPhone to Samsung, Samsung to iPhone, or just setting up a second device while keeping your files organized.
How to transfer data using MobileTrans
If you decide to upgrade to either model, moving your data can be quick and simple with MobileTrans.
Step 01
Connect Your Phones
Install MobileTrans on your computer, then click the Phone to Phone tab and connect both Phones via USB.
Step 02
Choose What to Transfer
Select the data you want to move, such as contacts, photos, messages, videos, and other important files.
Step 03
Start the Transfer
Click the transfer button and wait for the process to finish. Once done, check your new phone to make sure everything has been copied successfully.
iPhone 16 vs Galaxy S25 Ultra: Which One Should You Buy?
The iPhone 16 and Galaxy S25 Ultra are both defensible buys. Choose the iPhone 16 if you specifically want lower starting price of $799, 12MP TrueDepth front camera, smaller footprint, and MagSafe/Qi2. Choose the Galaxy S25 Ultra if you specifically want telephoto flexibility, stronger Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy performance, up to 31 hours of video playback, and larger display.
This matchup is better decided by feature fit than by forcing one overall winner.
Winner: TieFinal Verdict
Final verdict: the iPhone 16 and Galaxy S25 Ultra stay close enough that neither one earns a clean value win on paper.
The safer call is to buy based on whether the specific Apple-side or Samsung-side advantages matter more to you.
