The anticipation was palpable, almost unbearable. After months of rumors and leaks of varying credibility, the moment has finally arrived: the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra are facing off. Two giants of the mobile industry, two visions of technological excellence that clash and complement each other. Their promise? To offer the pinnacle of high-end mobile technology, without compromising on power, photography, or ergonomics. But in this showdown, which one truly comes out on top? That's what we set out to determine by putting these two flagship phones through their paces.
Table of Contents
Right out of the box, the contrast is striking. Apple remains true to its choice of aerospace-grade titanium, already introduced on the previous generation. Between its brushed edges, textured matte back, and balance in the hand, the iPhone 16 Pro Max gives off the impression of a product designed down to the smallest detail.
Samsung, for its part, hasn't stopped following suit: the Galaxy S25 Ultra also sports a titanium chassis, but its lines have been subtly revised. Gone are the sharp edges of the S24 Ultra, replaced by softer angles and flat edges, more in line with the rest of the S25 range. A bold decision that modernizes the design, at the risk of unsettling fans of the more angular silhouette of past generations.
In terms of size, Apple is playing the continuity card while gaining a few millimeters, making the 16 Pro Max slightly larger than its predecessor. Samsung, for its part, is refining its Ultra: thinner, better balanced, the Korean smartphone is a little more manageable. But in both cases, these adjustments are not neutral: it's impossible to reuse the cases of previous models. Specialized accessory manufacturers like RhinoShield are rubbing their hands: their new custom-made, robust, and customizable protections are becoming almost indispensable for securing these four-figure jewels.
Then comes ergonomics, where Apple and Samsung choose to clearly differentiate themselves. The iPhone retains the Action button, a legacy of the previous generation. Useful for some, a gimmick for others, its appeal remains dependent on how you use it. But the real novelty is the Camera Control . A hybrid between physical and tactile, equipped with haptic feedback, it changes the game in mobile photography: one click to capture, a long press to film, a double tap to access settings. Integration even with third-party applications like Snapchat has been thought out. However, its position on the edge raises the question of its practicality in real life.
On the other hand, Samsung remains pragmatic. Its Galaxy S25 Ultra relies on a configurable double tap, simple but effective: open the camera, launch a favorite app, quickly access a key function. No wow factor here, but a straightforward efficiency logic that will appeal to users in a hurry.
Detailed Comparison: iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
This table presents the main technical specifications of the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. It allows you to quickly compare the design, materials, features, photo and video capabilities, as well as the performance and security of these two high-end smartphones. Each device offers its own choices in terms of ergonomics, colors, and advanced options, to guide users according to their priorities and preferences within the Apple or Samsung ecosystem.
| Characteristic | iPhone 16 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | Aerospace-grade titanium, textured matte back | Titanium, back with integrated sensors |
| Design | Brushed edges, slightly larger dimensions than the 15 Pro Max | Rounded corners, flat edges, thinner than the S24 Ultra |
| Action Button | Customizable for a shortcut | Quick shortcut via double tap (camera/app) |
| Camera Button | Physical and tactile, different actions depending on the pressure | Not present |
| Colors | Natural titanium, black, white, sand | Titanium blue, black, silver, gray + web exclusives |
| Charging Port | USB-C | USB-C |
| Filming in Log | Yes (on SSD) | Yes (internal storage only) |
| Stylus | Not compatible (requires Apple Pencil and iPad) | Built-in S Pen (limited remote functionality) |
| Waterproofing | IP68 (dust and accidental immersion resistant) | IP68 (dust and accidental immersion resistant) |
| Refresh rate | Adaptive 1-120 Hz | Adaptive 1-120 Hz |
| Screen size | Slightly larger than the 15 Pro Max | 6.9 inches (larger than the S24 Ultra) |
| Max Brightness | 2000 nits (typical) | 2600 nits (typical) |
| Face Security | Face ID (3D) | Facial recognition (2D) |
| Photo Sensors | Wide angle, ultra wide angle, x5 telephoto lens | Wide-angle, ultra-wide-angle, two telephoto lenses (x3 and x5) |
| 8K Video | No | Yes |
| Chip | A18 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 for Galaxy |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB |
| Operating system | iOS | Android |
| Starting price | 1479 € | 1472.05 € |
Screen: A High-Level Visual Experience
Both models excel in terms of display. They offer screens of remarkable quality, with an adaptive refresh rate ranging from 1 to 120 Hz. This fluidity is appreciable for all uses, from browsing social networks to video games and watching multimedia content. It is difficult to find better in terms of visual quality in today's high-end smartphone .
However, the Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts a slightly larger screen than the S24 Ultra, at 6.9 inches. This increase, combined with the reduced bezels and the presence of a simple bubble for the front camera, offers a more immersive viewing experience. The screen occupies a larger portion of the front panel, which is aesthetically pleasing. For its part, the iPhone 16 Pro Max retains the Dynamic Island feature. While the animations are a novel idea, they remain relatively imposing, and their everyday usefulness is questionable for some users.
When it comes to brightness, Samsung takes the lead with a peak reported at 2600 nits compared to 2000 nits for the iPhone. While 2000 nits is already excellent, the Galaxy S25 Ultra's increased brightness translates into better readability outdoors in direct sunlight. So, for the display, the Galaxy S25 Ultra seems to have a slight edge.
| Characteristic | iPhone 16 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Slightly larger | 6.9 inches |
| Technology | OLED Super Retina XDR | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Refreshment | 1-120 Hz adaptive | 1-120 Hz adaptive |
| Max Brightness | 2000 nits (typical) | 2600 nits (typical) |
| Notch | Dynamic Island | Centered bubble |
Battery, Memory and Storage: Endurance and Capacity for the Experience
When it comes to battery life, both the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max meet the demands of heavy usage, but each takes a different approach. The S25 Ultra boasts a generous 5,000mAh coupled with effective software optimization, delivering solid all-day endurance, even when multitasking or capturing 8K video. Fast wired charging and reverse wireless charging add welcome flexibility for mobile users.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max, meanwhile, benefits from energy management optimized by iOS, guaranteeing stable and predictable battery life, particularly useful for long video or work sessions.
In terms of memory and storage, both models meet the needs of demanding users. The Galaxy S25 Ultra offers generous RAM and internal storage variants, allowing for seamless multitasking and the archiving of high-resolution photos and videos without compromise. The iPhone 16 Pro Max plays the software optimization card: while raw RAM is more limited on paper, iOS's intelligent resource management ensures an equally responsive and efficient experience. In both cases, the high storage capacities and modern memory architecture contribute to a smooth, fast, and reliable experience, whether for gaming, video, or content production.
| Characteristic | iPhone 16 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 4687 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB |
| Basic Storage | 256 GB | 256 GB |
| Wired Top-up | 30 W | 45 W |
| Wireless Charging | 25W (MagSafe) | 10 W |
| Reverse Charging | No | Yes |
Processor and Graphics Card: Power for Performance
Under the hood, the iPhone 16 Pro Max features the new A18 Pro chip, an evolution of the A17 Pro. This chip offers increased performance and optimized ray tracing, ideal for demanding games. It is paired with 8 GB of RAM. On Samsung's side, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 for Galaxy, paired with 12 GB of RAM. Ray tracing is also present, improving light and shadow effects for a more realistic rendering. Benchmarks confirm that these two high-end smartphones are true racing beasts, capable of handling all tasks with impressive fluidity.
The iPhone runs iOS, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra runs Android. Choosing between the two operating systems is a matter of personal preference. It's often said that apps are better optimized for iOS, especially social media platforms like Instagram. On Android, quality is often best achieved directly using the camera app for shared photos and videos.
| Characteristic | iPhone 16 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | A18 Pro chip | Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 for Galaxy |
| Graphics Card | Integrated GPU (optimized) | Adreno (optimized) |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB |
| Operating System | iOS | Android |
Which Users Are These High-End Smartphones Designed For?
The iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra clearly aren't playing in the same league as the rest of the market. Both models are aimed at the most demanding users, those who want the best in mobile technology without compromise. Yet, each is forging its own path and targeting a well-defined audience.
At Apple, the iPhone 16 Pro Max remains true to its philosophy: to appeal to those already part of the Apple ecosystem. iPad, MacBook, Apple Watch… everything works seamlessly, and it's precisely this integration that makes it so strong. Added to this is an iOS interface that's still as intuitive as ever, benchmark biometric security with Face ID, and impressive video control. Whether filming in high quality or cropping without loss of detail, the 16 Pro Max stands out as a favorite companion for content creators. Even the photo processing, which is more natural and less "accentuated" than Samsung's, retains fans who appreciate this close-to-life rendering.
Opposite, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is all about versatility. Samsung didn't hesitate to equip its flagship with two separate telephoto lenses, a considerable asset for mobile photography enthusiasts. Add to that 8K video capture, an even brighter and more immersive screen, as well as almost limitless Android customization, and you have a formula calibrated for those who like to push their smartphone to its limits. The S Pen, even without certain remote control functions, remains a unique selling point in this segment and opens up uses that the iPhone doesn't offer. Finally, the promise of more robust battery life and a revised design, available in a wider range of colors, reinforce its appeal to an audience looking for both performance and visual identity.
Ultimately, the choice between these two excellent high-end smartphones will depend on each user's priorities and preferences.
Positive and Negative Points
To better understand what sets the iPhone 16 Pro Max apart from the Galaxy S25 Ultra, it's helpful to highlight their strengths and limitations. While both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra are excellent, they're not without their trade-offs. Their respective strengths will appeal to some users, while their limitations may deter others. Here's a clear overview of the pros and cons of each model.
For the iPhone 16 pro max
- Premium manufacturing quality and noble materials (titanium).
- Excellent video quality and stabilization.
- Face ID facial security, the benchmark on the market.
- Seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem.
- More natural photo processing (according to preferences).
- Camera Control Button considered a gimmick by some.
- Dynamic Island still imposing.
- Wireless charging slower than the competition.
- No reverse wireless charging.
- Less versatility in optical zoom than the Samsung.
For the Samsung S25 ultra
- Bigger, brighter screen.
- Great photographic versatility with two telephoto lenses and 8K video.
- Fast wired charging.
- Reverse wireless charging.
- More color choices.
- Loss of some S Pen remote functionality.
- Photo processing sometimes more saturated (depending on preferences).
- 2D facial security less secure than Face ID.
- Application optimization is sometimes less advanced than on iOS.
Comparison with other high-end smartphones of the same price
In this same price range, the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the Galaxy S25 Ultra aren't the only ones vying for the favor of demanding users. Competition is fierce, and several challengers deserve mention. The Google Pixel 9 Pro, for example, is shaping up to be a formidable rival, building on its reputation for computational photography and advanced integration of artificial intelligence. Its sleek design and "pure" Android interface also appeal to those who appreciate simplicity without overlays.
For its part, Xiaomi continues its offensive strategy with the 15 Ultra , a model that is often very competitive in terms of price but also rich in innovations. The brand relies on prestigious partnerships in the field of photo optics and continues to dominate in the field of fast charging, an argument that few competitors can match.
Finally, Oppo refines its premium image with the Find X8 Pro . Here, the focus is on aesthetics with bold and sleek designs, but also on ultra-fast charging technologies that truly change everyday life. Its camera module, renowned for its quality and consistency, makes it a key player in the flagship category.
Conclusion of the duel between the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
This high-end smartphone comparison highlights an exceptional face-off between two market leaders. The iPhone 16 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra stand out thanks to their remarkable overall performance, ultra-high-quality displays, and advanced photography capabilities, each embodying a different approach to mobile excellence.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max impresses with the consistency of its integrated ecosystem, the reliability of its Face ID biometric security, and the quality of its videos, offering natural and faithful color rendering. Its photo processing philosophy favors a realistic, less saturated result, which will please users attached to the precision and fidelity of images. Certain innovations, such as the Camera Control , demonstrate a desire to innovate, even if their actual usefulness remains to be confirmed in everyday use. We also note that wireless charging and the versatility of the optical zoom remain slightly behind compared to the direct competition.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, for its part, boasts a brighter and more immersive display, enhanced photographic flexibility thanks to its two telephoto lenses, and 8K video capture capability. Fast wired charging performance and reverse wireless charging functionality further enhance its appeal for users seeking both efficiency and battery life. However, some S Pen features have been limited, and the more saturated photo processing may not be suitable for all profiles.
Ultimately, neither model can be singled out as an absolute "best." The iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S25 Ultra each represent a different interpretation of mobile excellence, focused respectively on ecosystem integration and technical versatility. The final choice will depend on the user's priorities: ecosystem and intuitive experience on the one hand, versatility, screen, and camera performance on the other.
Your decision should be made based on your uses and expectations, and each of these smartphones remains an essential reference in the premium segment.
FAQ: iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
The iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra represent the current top-of-the-line smartphones. This FAQ answers the most common questions users have about their battery life, performance, features, and compatibility.
Q: How long does the iPhone 16 Pro Max last?
A: The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 4685mAh battery , providing up to 33 hours of video playback and 105 hours of audio playback. It supports MagSafe (25W) and Qi (15W) charging.
Q: What is the battery life of the Galaxy S25 Ultra?
A: The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a 5000mAh , with comparable battery life. It supports wired fast charging (45W) and reverse wireless charging.
Q: What is the RAM capacity?
A: The iPhone 16 Pro Max has 12GB of RAM , while the Galaxy S25 Ultra offers up to 16GB .
Q: What is the maximum storage capacity?
A: The iPhone 16 Pro Max is available up to 2TB , and the Galaxy S25 Ultra up to 1TB .
Q: What are the screen dimensions and brightness?
A: The iPhone 16 Pro Max measures 160.8 x 77.9 x 8.3 mm with a peak brightness of 2000 nits. The Galaxy S25 Ultra measures 164.8 x 77.2 x 8.9 mm and reaches 2600 nits.
Q: What materials are used for the design?
A: The iPhone 16 Pro Max uses aerospace titanium with a textured glass back. The Galaxy S25 Ultra adopts a titanium chassis with rounded edges.
Q: What optical zoom is available?
A: The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S25 Ultra has two telephoto lenses, a 3x zoom and a 10x zoom.
Q: What video resolutions?
A: The iPhone 16 Pro Max shoots 4K at up to 60 fps. The Galaxy S25 Ultra also shoots 4K at 60 fps and can reach 8K at 24 fps.
Q: What security systems?
A: The iPhone 16 Pro Max uses Face ID. The Galaxy S25 Ultra offers in-display fingerprint and facial recognition.
Q: What additional features?
A: The iPhone offers Live Text and Spatial Audio. The Galaxy S25 Ultra includes the S Pen for note-taking and navigation.
Q: What operating system?
A: The iPhone 16 Pro Max runs iOS 17. The Galaxy S25 Ultra runs Android 15 with One UI 6.
Q: How long is software support?
A: Apple offers 5 to 6 years of updates. Samsung offers about 4 years of major updates and 5 years of security updates.
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