The Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max are both 6.9-inch-class flagship phones, but they differ in display specifications, camera hardware, platform, and pen support. At launch in the US, Samsung’s phone cost more at every matching storage tier, though the gap varied from $20 to $100. Those are historical launch prices, not current prices; the right buy depends on today’s like-for-like offers and which features matter to you.
What is the price difference?
TechRadar reported these US launch prices for the two phones. The comparison is by matching storage capacity; it does not establish current retail prices.
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| Storage | iPhone 16 Pro Max US launch price | Galaxy S25 Ultra US launch price | Samsung launch premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 256GB | $1,199 | $1,299 | $100 |
| 512GB | $1,399 | $1,419 | $20 |
| 1TB | $1,599 | $1,659 | $60 |
TechRadar’s comparison notes that the launch dates differed: iPhone 16 Pro Max retail availability began September 20, 2024, while Galaxy S25 Ultra shipping began February 7, 2025. The listed figures are launch context, not a present-day price check.
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For a purchase today, compare the same storage, country, and unlocked or carrier status. Carrier financing and retail offers can depend on eligibility, installment terms, and trade-ins. A useful current comparison should show the date, model and storage, whether each phone is unlocked or carrier-sold, and any conditions attached to the price.
#1 Best Overall
- The large 6.9-inch display combines ProMotion 120Hz technology with advanced color calibration, giving movies, games, and productivity apps a spacious, crisp, and fluid visual experience that’s ideal for multitasking or immersive media consumption.
How do the specifications compare?
The sourced specifications establish several meaningful differences, but they are not a complete matched specification sheet: comparable details such as battery performance and every display dimension are not established here.
| Feature | iPhone 16 Pro Max | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display size class | 6.9-inch class | 6.9-inch class; Samsung measures 6.9 inches across the full rectangle and 6.8 inches accounting for rounded corners |
| Display details established here | Not stated in the cited comparison sources | 3120 × 1440 Dynamic AMOLED 2X; up to 120Hz |
| Processor | Apple A18 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy |
| Rear camera hardware | Not stated in the cited comparison sources | 200MP + 50MP + 50MP + 10MP; 3x and 5x optical zoom, plus 2x and 10x optical-quality zoom |
| Memory and storage | Not stated in the cited comparison sources | 12GB memory; 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage |
| Platform at S25 Ultra launch | Not stated in the cited comparison sources | Android 15 with One UI 7.0 |
| Pen and desktop features | Not stated in the cited comparison sources | S Pen and Samsung DeX support |
AT&T identifies the iPhone’s A18 Pro and the S25 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, and describes both devices as 6.9-inch-class phones. Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra specifications give the display resolution, panel type, refresh rate, camera configuration, and zoom descriptions. The 120Hz figure is the maximum refresh rate, not a claim that every app or screen always runs at that rate.
Rank #2
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length. There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product will have a battery which exceeds 90% capacity or higher relative to new.
- Accessories will not be original, but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic Box.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 1 year of receipt if you are not satisfied.
Which phone has the better camera?
The available specifications do not establish which phone takes better photos or video in matched conditions. The S25 Ultra offers four rear camera modules and specified 3x and 5x optical zoom, with 2x and 10x described as optical-quality zoom. Those hardware details indicate options for framing subjects; megapixel counts and zoom labels alone do not prove that its images are better than the iPhone’s.
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Rank #3
- The large 6.9-inch display combines ProMotion 120Hz technology with advanced color calibration, giving movies, games, and productivity apps a spacious, crisp, and fluid visual experience that’s ideal for multitasking or immersive media consumption.
- Titanium frame and reinforced edges provide a premium, durable build, reducing weight compared to stainless steel while enhancing grip and making the phone easier to handle during long sessions of video recording, gaming, or editing.
- Camera system designed for versatility and precision, including ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto lenses with improved low-light and macro capabilities, giving photographers and creators a broader range of expressive tools while maintaining sharp details across the frame.
- Advanced Action button offers customizable shortcuts, allowing quick access to features like capturing photos, launching apps, controlling accessibility tools, or activating automation tasks without interrupting your workflow.
- Audio and video performance optimized for creators, with spatial audio, improved microphones, and stabilized video recording, providing professional-quality sound and smooth footage whether recording content, streaming, or joining video calls.
What do the software and longevity details tell you?
These phones use different platforms: the iPhone runs iOS, while Samsung’s 2025 launch specifications describe the S25 Ultra with Android 15 and One UI 7.0. Platform preference can matter as much as a hardware difference, but the sourced comparison does not inventory ecosystem features, so it cannot support broad claims about which platform is better for a particular household or workflow.
Samsung states that the Galaxy S25 series receives seven years of OS and security updates in its 2025 product sheet. The cited sources do not provide a comparable official iPhone support-duration statement. That means the seven-year commitment is useful information about Samsung’s stated support policy, not proof of a measured support advantage over Apple.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The larger 6.9-inch display enhances productivity and media consumption, giving extra room for multitasking, side-by-side apps, and immersive viewing without feeling unwieldy in hand.
- Camera improvements focus on ultra-wide performance, capturing more detail at the edges of the frame and reducing distortion, making landscape shots, group photos, and architecture photography cleaner.
- Refined gesture controls and haptic feedback make interactions feel more precise, so scrolling, tapping, or switching between apps is smoother and more satisfying compared to previous Plus models.
- Audio enhancements optimize speaker output for spatial awareness, delivering clearer separation between instruments and voices in music, video playback, and FaceTime calls without relying on headphones.
- Durable yet lightweight materials balance heft and portability, with a subtly textured back and reinforced edges that improve grip while maintaining the premium appearance expected from the Plus series.
Rank #4
- Premium Performance: Powered by the latest A18 Pro chip for ultra-fast performance, advanced AI features, seamless multitasking, and smooth gaming.
- Stunning 6.9" ProMotion Display: Super Retina XDR OLED display with adaptive 120Hz refresh rate for incredibly smooth scrolling and vibrant visuals.
- Pro-Level Camera System: Advanced 48MP main camera with enhanced zoom, Night mode, macro photography, and 4K Dolby Vision video recording.
- Accessories will not be original, but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic Box.
- Smartphone
Which one should you buy?
- Choose based on current total cost: Compare matching storage and sales conditions rather than relying on launch-price gaps, which were different at each capacity.
- Consider the S25 Ultra’s display and zoom hardware if its specified QHD+ resolution, 120Hz maximum refresh rate, S Pen support, or optical zoom options fit how you use a phone.
- Decide whether iOS or Android/One UI suits you: The comparison establishes the platforms, but not a universal ecosystem winner.
- Do not decide on camera quality from megapixels alone: Seek matched, independent samples if that is your priority.
- Weigh Samsung’s stated update term carefully: It is seven years for the S25 series, while a directly comparable official Apple support-duration figure is not established in the cited sources.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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