There is little doubt that Apple and Samsung are the biggest rivals in the flagship smartphone market . Each February and September , both companies uncover novel smartphones to scoop each other . This year , Samsung ’s Galaxy S25is localise to set up following the discharge of September’siPhone 16 .
While the Galaxy S25 boast few design change compared to last year ’s Galaxy S24 , Samsung has incorporated many newfangled technologies and software improvements , make it an AI - concentre smartphone ready for the spotlight . With the second generation of Galaxy AI and the Gemini system at its core , the Galaxy S25 train to usher in a new era of AI - driven smartphones .
However , Android smartphones are not the only ones bosom AI advancements . Apple is set itself as a strong competitor with the iPhone 16 , which is part of its first batting order of devices designed for the AI multiplication . It showcases a new suite of tool under the banner of Apple Intelligence .
Of naturally , these leading smartphones offer more than just AI feature film . Apple , in peculiar , has insert several interesting enhancements to the iPhone 16 this year . So , does Samsung ’s raw Galaxy S25 measure up to these improvements , and are its new AI features enough to swing consumers in Samsung ’s favor ? lease ’s search this further .
Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. iPhone 16: specs
Front : 12MP
Front : Up to 4 K at 60 fps
Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. iPhone 16: design
It ’s becoming more apparent every year why many smartphone manufacturers work hard to create rear camera arrays that are singular and fashionable . These have become a “ signature tune ” aesthetical feature article in an earned run average where most smartphones would otherwise be well-nigh indistinguishable . After all , when even two of the most iconic flagship smartphone brand in the world share the same flat design , there has to be something to arrange them apart .
With the Galaxy S25 , Samsung has shew that it ’s all - in on a design that was once the single knowledge base of the iPhone . Apple went with matte sides and an edge - to - edge silver screen withits 2020 iPhone 12 card , and it seems that 2024 was the twelvemonth when many Android competition decide to follow suit , ditch their sonsy edges and screenland of yesteryear and travel for the same facial expression . The average drug user picking up an uncased Galaxy S24 could be forgiven for thinking they were holding an iPhone , and the Galaxy S25 does n’t switch the intent in any meaningful elbow room .
There are plenitude of pernicious difference between the Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16 , of course , and anyone holding both in their hand will find they do n’t quite feel the same . The Galaxy S25 is also slightly smaller and thinner than the iPhone 16 — an impressive feat considering is boasts a 0.1 - inch larger display . Nevertheless , both look eerily similar when viewed from the front and sides .
Of course , that ’s where the camera array come in . leaf the two phones over , and you ’ll have no trouble identifying them , and that ’s not just because of the troupe logos on the back . Samsung has pose to its classifiable raiment of three protruding lens that sport the more minimalist aesthetic introduced when it got disembarrass of the television camera bump with theGalaxy S23 . It ’s a distinctive flavour for Samsung ’s Galaxy S - series sound , and we ’re glad they ’ve stayed with it .
Perhaps ironically , Apple ’s iPhone 16 moved aside from its iconic camera bump this year in favor of a pill - shaped bump that house its duple lenses . It ’s a prissy face that departs from the square arrangement that ’s been the norm since 2019 . It ’s a reversion tothe iPhone X eraand makes a sight of sense for a phone with only two camera . old models seemingly tried too laborious to mirror the iPhone Pro look ; the iPhone 16 charts its own course .
Both phones stick by with an Al frame — Apple and Samsung reticence titanium for their higher - end flagships — and methamphetamine hydrochloride on the front and back . The Galaxy S25 uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2 , first introduced on the Galaxy S23 , while Apple uses its own comparatively solid Ceramic Shield chalk that it claim is 50 % stronger for the iPhone 16 . However , unlike Samsung , which uses Gorilla Glass on both side of the Galaxy S25 , Apple ’s Ceramic Shield only covers the front display .
The Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16 both have an IP68 military rank for dust and weewee resistance . However , Apple certifies the iPhone for submerging in a maximal depth of 6 metre of water supply for up to 30 minutes while Samsung marijuana cigarette with the more common 1.5 meter standard for the Galaxy S25 .
In our review , we noted the good part of the Galaxy S25 ’s design is its size of it ; you do n’t have to goldbrick while trying to reach the side and volume button .
Winner : Tie
Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. iPhone 16: display
Samsung traditionally puts its best displays on its intact Galaxy S - serial lineup , which mean the Galaxy S25 has essentially the same high - caliber Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel as theGalaxy S25 Ultra , differ only in size and resolve .
With a varying refresh rate that go from 1 to 120Hz and supports an always - on exhibit mood , the Galaxy S25 has a significant sharpness over the iPhone 16 . Apple reserve its best displays for its Pro modelling , inscrutably leave even its 2024 theoretical account with a basic OLED panel and a fixed 60Hz refresh charge per unit .
The iPhone 16 does n’t have an always - on exhibit , although , despite its modified refresh charge per unit , it still feature vibrant colors and deep blacks . It ’s an excellent display for casual habit as long as you do n’t care about fast - paced play , smooth scrolling , or secure power efficiency for watching videos . It can also reach 2,000 nits of peak outdoor light and get as dim as one nit so you may understand in the darkness without hurt your eyes or disturbing those around you .
However , the Galaxy S25 beats those specs , too , attain a maximum of 2,600 nit when used outside and the same minimal single - nit brightness as the iPhone 16 . Still , we ’ve had no job seeing either smartphone , even in undimmed outdoor sunlight , so Samsung ’s higher rating here feels like it ’s mostly a paper spec rather than something that makes any practical dispute for most folks .
Nevertheless , a smartphone with a 60Hz display in 2025 feels idiotic , especially when we know Apple can do better . The Galaxy S25 well pick out this cycle for its varying refresh charge per unit alone , not to mention the always - on display feature that accompanies it .
Winner : Samsung Galaxy S25
Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. iPhone 16: performance
It ’s always been challenging to compare performance spectacles for Android and Apple devices due to the substantial differences in computer hardware and software . Flagship Android gadget typically use Qualcomm Snapdragon chip shot , while Apple builds the iPhone on its own A - serial publication Si .
That continues with the Galaxy S25 , which packs in an optimize “ for Galaxy ” version of Qualcomm ’s latestSnapdragon 8 Elitechip . This is the unmediated successor to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 used in the S24 , but Qualcomm has shun generational tags in favour of the novel “ Elite ” blade . It ’s the most powerful art object of Si Qualcomm has ever made , with unbelievable new GPU capabilities and an even more potent neural processing unit ( NPU ) for care AI tasks .
Meanwhile , the iPhone 16 bucks Apple ’s recent tendency of using year - erstwhile silicon in its stock iPhone mannikin , adopt the latest A18 chip instead . That ’s a nick below the A18 Pro used in its premium flagships , but it ’s not as much of a downgrade as you may think . The difference of opinion mainly amount down to the A18 having a 5 - core GPU , which is one less core than the A18 Pro . Both variation have the same 6 - gist CPU and 16 - core Neural Engine ( NPU ) , along with increased memory board bandwidth .
Specs aside , the Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16 plurality more power than most common people are potential to take . you’re able to readour detailed compare of the Snapdragon 8 Elite and Apple A18 Proif you need the full rundown . Both telephone set run buttery smooth during everyday tasks , have more than enough pizzazz for the in style games , and have execution to spare for the complex on - gadget AI project both platforms offer .
If anything , the literal battle come down to gamy - end roving gaming . It ’s a close-fitting race here as the shortchanged GPU on the A18 gives the Galaxy S25 ’s Adreno GPU a lead story on paper , but the iPhone ecosystem carries the solar day byoffering the kind of AAA console table games on the App Storethat can actually take reward of this superfluous might .
Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. iPhone 16: battery
There ’s only so much bombardment you’re able to squeeze into a mid - sized smartphone like the Galaxy S25 or iPhone 16 , which makes get the best battery life more about power efficiency than rude capacity . Thankfully , the leading - sharpness silicon in these earphone deliver on that in spades .
The Galaxy S25 compact in a 4,000mAh cell , while the iPhone 16 battery is slightly smaller at 3,561mAh . Both will easily get you through a full day of heavy use , although you should ask they ’ll necessitate to hit a courser every night .
You ’ll also determine the two phones are evenly matched when that time comes . Samsung still has n’t pushed its smallest flagship above 25W wired charging , and that ’s where Apple ’s entire iPhone lineup has always sit . Getting from 0 - 50 % should take about 30 minute with an appropriate charger , after which you ’ll be looking at another hour or so before they ’re fully topped up .
The iPhone 16 increase documentation for 25W wireless charging with Apple ’s proprietaryMagSafecharger and also supports stock 15W Qi2 charge with the Magnetic Power Profile ( MPP ) — basically the open - source variation of MagSafe . Samsung ’s Galaxy S25doesn’t have unmediated Qi2 support(there are no magnets in the telephone set ) , but Samsung offers a magnetised case that effectively add Qi2 for those who want it , have wireless charging speeds up to 15W. There ’s also reverse 4.5W wireless charging that can be used to power up a set of Galaxy Buds or other low - baron Qi - capable devices .
Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. iPhone 16: cameras
Although Samsung ’s Galaxy S25 is n’t a camera powerhouse like the Galaxy S25 Ultra , it still tamp down in a surprisingly capable photographic camera system , with a 50 - megapixel ( MP ) primary wide crystalline lens join by a 12MP ultra - blanket and a 10MP 3x telephoto . Those are identical ironware specs to last year ’s Galaxy S24 , but Samsung is taking advantage of new computational picture taking features in the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip to improve low - visible radiation photography .
This class , Samsung is also holler up its videography features with a newfangled “ Nightography ” musical mode for down in the mouth - light transcription , plus support for the professional Log V3 picture format . The Galaxy S25 also see like it will continue last year ’s class correction out from the excessively vibrant and pure photos that Samsung ’s phone have long been known for , with the company ’s young ProVisual Engine furnish a much more natural and balanced look .
Like the Galaxy S25 lineup , Apple ’s best photographic features are the exclusive sphere of its more expensive iPhone Pro models . However , the basis iPhone 16 modelling is no slouch , and Apple has been make a concerted effort over the past two years to shut the photographic camera gap between its received and pro models .
That include a bump to a 48 - megapixel primary television camera — what Apple now calls its “ Fusion ” camera — that can provide an optical - character 2x photo in 12MP resolution by dress to the inwardness pixels . That first arrived on last year ’s iPhone 15 , and the specification are mostly the same this class ; the Fusion stigmatisation and an anti - ruminative coating seem to be the most pregnant changes to the primary television camera this year .
However , the ultrawide make headway autofocus capability , bringing the previously pro - exclusive macro photography feature to the iPhone 16 . The tandem lenses also ply the power to capture Spatial Photos and Videos that can be viewed on an Apple Vision Pro . Add in zero shutter lag and Dolby Vision HDR recording , and the tv camera system on the iPhone 16 can do many thing that were once confine to the pricier pro models .
That ’s not all , though , as the iPhone 16 also pull ahead support fora dramatically meliorate version of Apple ’s Photographic Styles . The original versions of these have been around since the iPhone 13 was release in 2021 , but theynever garnered much attending in their original shape , which only gave you four basic fixed style to select from . The iPhone 16 expands that list to 15 preset elan you’re able to custom-make , adjusting the tone and color using a two - axis vertebra Pseudemys scripta control . However , what really arrange the raw Photographic Styles apart is that they ’re entirely non - destructive . Not only can you apply them after the fact , but you’re able to also bump off a style , tweak an exist one , or switch to a young one for any photo you ’ve already taken .
The Galaxy S25 hold back the camera ironware from the Galaxy S24 , boast a 50 - megapixel primary sensor , a 12 - megapixel radical - full sensing element , and a 10 - megapixel telephotograph lens of the eye with 3x ocular zoom . While the chief sensing element capture detailed and saturated simulacrum , it fall curt compared to competitors like the OnePlus 13 , which offers superior imaging capableness .
The camera excels in close - up shots and offer dependable filter control , but struggles with white symmetry uniformness and high spot management , especially in hopeful conditions . Low - light public presentation is mixed , showcasing colors well but suffer from noticeable noise .
The 3x zoom television camera performs adequately , but is best used within its optical range to avoid issues with oversharpening . The selfie television camera present satisfactory pelt tones but lacks the particular of rivals like the Google Pixel 9 . Video calibre is improved with better stabilisation , although 4 K recording may experience centering issuance . Overall , the Galaxy S25 ’s camera arrangement is whole for social medium use but could benefit from enhancement in sealed area .
The bottom line here : the iPhone 16 has a definite edge over the Galaxy S25 , which feels like Samsung phoned it in on the television camera this year .
Winner : iPhone 16
Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. iPhone 16: software and updates
As you ’d expect , the Galaxy S25 ship with the latest version of Android 15 out of the box , plus Samsung ’s One UI 7 layered on top . While the look and feel of One UI will be readily familiar to Samsung fans , the company hasmade some interesting changes this yearto take the user experience to a whole new tier .
One UI 7 delivers what Samsung call to be a “ significant new look ” over its predecessor that reduces clutter and fill customization to unexampled heights . There are more One UI widgets and uninfected habitation and lock chamber screens . A new “ Now Bar ” that ’s sole to the Galaxy S25 offers up iPhone - alike hot Activities , and a “ Now Brief ” promise to keep you apprised of everything you need to live at any given fourth dimension of the day , from news and weather to upcoming appointments and an overview of how your health is doing . It ’s a nice maturing of the One UI weapons platform , and we love it .
By comparing , the iPhone 16 continues Apple ’s tradition of ushering in significant new iOS release with each new model . This yr , that ’s Io 18 . The core software improvement are much more iterative than what Samsung has done with One UI 7 , with Apple position most of its campaign into Apple Intelligence — a Modern suite of AI feature that are ( mostly ) single to the iPhone 16 lineup . Apple Intelligence has been rolling out in stages ; while December ’s iOS 18.2 vent brought most of what Apple has promised for this year ’s iPhones , we ’re still expect on improvements to Siri that are n’t expected to get in until iOS 18.4 in April .
Both One UI 7 and Io 18 are ( or will be ) available for older Galaxy and iPhone models , but only the later model will get everything these two operating organisation have to offer . Only the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max can benefit from the Apple Intelligence features in iOS 18 , and while Samsung is roll its Galaxy AI tool out to old models , we ’ll have to waitress and see which ones make the cut as One UI 7 has yet to roll out to older model .
In terms of updates , Samsung is assert its usual promise of seven days of Android updates , which mean the Galaxy S25 will someday be able to flow Android 22 when it arrives in 2031 . We look most kinfolk will be shopping for a Modern phone by then , but it ’s nice to make out we have the option . Apple does n’t make specific update promises for the iPhone , but it has a prove runway record for updates ; it was offer four or five years in the Day when most Android phone rarely got two . The iPhone 16 should make it to at least iOS 22 , but we would n’t be surprised if it live on one or two releases beyond that , considering the iPhone XS and iPhone XR , which shipped with iOS 12 in 2018 , can run iOS 18 today .
Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. iPhone 16: special features
It seems everything is about AI these day , and the Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16 both lean heavily into these feature . As we mentioned in the last part , Samsung has its Galaxy AI tools that are now in their second generation while Apple is just getting started with Apple Intelligence on the iPhone 16 card .
With the Galaxy S25,Samsung ’s Galaxy AI suitefeels ready for prime time , although many of the tools are still of dubious value . The most significant change is that Samsung has shown its Bixby voice supporter to the door and embraced the “ Gemini Era ” by adoptingGemini Liveas the standard interpreter assistant . This gives the Galaxy S25 a massive ramification up over the iPhone 16 , which still uses Apple ’s beleaguered Siri . Apple ’s phonation help squandered a three - year head start to become something of a clout line , and in a somewhat ironic spin , many have observed that Siri has bugger off bad in iOS 18 .
However , the Siri improvements promise by Apple Intelligence have yet to arrive . The first of these should come in iOS 18.4 in a few months , buta more colloquial Siri could take until an iOS 19 release sometime next year . In the interim , Gemini Live is here now on the Galaxy S25 , andit ’s leaps and leaping onwards of anything Apple has on deck .
That ’s not to say iPhone user are entirely left out in the cold . In developing Apple Intelligence , it recognized that it would n’t have Siri ready to deal conversational AI anytime soon and was n’t fit out to treat all-encompassing “ worldly concern knowledge ” enquiry . So , Apple partner with OpenAI to broil ChatGPT into iOS 18 . Siri will send any petition it ca n’t deal with to ChatGPT , but you’re able to bypass the middleman by simply telling Siri to “ call for ChatGPT ” instantaneously . It ’s a flake more ill-chosen than Gemini Live , but it works well and have the line of work done when you have a nagging question you need an solution to .
Leaving the chatbots aside , Apple Intelligence and Galaxy AI are more on equation when it comes to useful AI feature like transcription and transcribing telephone set calls and note , sum up block of schoolbook and even whole web Page , and handling genuine - prison term translation . Samsung comes out beforehand in its AI photo and video editing features , although iPhone drug user have plenty of apps to choose from that can do many of the same things , including Google Photos . On the flip side , Apple ’s Image Playground is a handy shaft for turning photos and descriptions into cartoony - same AI image , but the Play Store is full of creature that can do the same thing .
While Samsung has slant heavily into AI with the Galaxy S25 , the iPhone 16 offers one cool feature that even non - AI fans can delight : the Camera Control . This is an extra button on the lower correct side of the iPhone that effectively turns your equipment into an old - schoolhouse point - and - shoot camera .
It may seem like a gimmick at first bloom , but we ’ve been birth a lot of merriment with it as it does so much more than just open up the photographic camera and take pictures . The capacitative surface also lets you swipe through various controls to adjust any of the tv camera options , from zoom floor to Photographic Styles , and a light - pressing can be used to lock auto - focus and auto - exposure before pressing all the way down to capture a picture — the same way most DLSRs work . The fact that we wrote six paragraphs about it in our iPhone 16 review should give you an idea of how compelling this new feature of speech is .
The Camera Control also tie into an iPhone 16 - exclusive AI characteristic called Visual Intelligence . press and holding the clitoris from the Lock Screen or within well-nigh any app will switch to a tv camera perspective that you may use to get more data on veridical - human race object from either Google or ChatGPT . This include identifying breeds of animals or type of flowers , decrypt laundry label , find out more selective information from an result poster , and even automatically adding the day of the month and time to your calendar . you could also read textbook between different oral communication and perform a Google Lens - style search to find other similar token .
In addition to the Camera Control , the iPhone 16 also gets the Action button that was exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro models last year . This replaces Apple ’s classical halo / silent switching with a customizable push button that can actuate nigh any action you may think of , thanks to its support for running Apple ’s macro - like Shortcuts .
Although Apple ’s AI features stay on behind the curve liken to the Galaxy S25 , AI is n’t a priority for everyone , and the iPhone 16 piddle up for it with more various controls .
Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. iPhone 16: price and availability
The Galaxy S25 is now available at your favorite retailer or carrier . You should also be capable to discover it through your preferable carrier . The start price for the Galaxy S25 is $ 800 for the base model with 128 GB of storage , while the 256 GB interlingual rendition is uncommitted for just $ 60 more . Samsung is offering its common trade - in program , which can reduce the damage by up to $ 550 . This year , the Galaxy S25 is offer in standard colors such as navy , mint , Icy Blue , and Silver Shadow . to boot , customer who order like a shot from Samsung can choose from exclusive finishes like Blueblack , Coral Red , and Pink Gold .
The iPhone 16 was unblock in September 2024 and starts at $ 799 for the 128 GB model , with 256 GB and 512 GB versions usable for $ 899 and $ 1,099 , respectively . Apple is also offering trade - ins that can knock up to $ 630 off the price , but you ’ll need to sell in a recent higher - end model to get that maximal value . The iPhone 16 come in black , clean , pink , teal , and ultramarine .
Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. iPhone 16: verdict
When comparing the iPhone 16 and Galaxy S25 , the chief divisor often comes down to operating arrangement : iOS vs. Android . The iPhone 16 features a fun tv camera system and runs on iOS 18 , which remains user - friendly for longtime Apple users , though it has a limited 60Hz refresh charge per unit . Meanwhile , the Galaxy S25 blow sophisticated AI capableness with Gemini Live , a rich television camera system , and a stunning video display , powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip , ideal for gaming . at last , the Galaxy S25 appeals to those who want cutting - border AI features , while the iPhone 16 excels in picture taking .
