Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Pixel 9 Pro vs OnePlus 13 – The Ultimate 2025 Flagship Showdown

Introduction: The year 2025 has brought an intense battle of flagship smartphones, with Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra leading the charge against its smaller S25 siblings and fierce rivals like Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max, Google’s Pixel 9 Pro, and OnePlus 13. Each of these top-tier phones pushes the envelope in display tech, performance, battery endurance, cameras, AI features, design, and value. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dissect how the Galaxy S25 Ultra stacks up against the S25 and S25+ models and how it fares against the latest and greatest from Apple, Google, and OnePlus. We’ll draw on expert reviews and benchmarks to highlight strengths and weaknesses in every major category. By the end, you’ll know which flagship shines brightest – and which one might be the best fit for your needs – in this ultimate flagship face-off.

Display: Size, Quality & Technology

Samsung and Apple have both upsized their displays this generation – the Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max now both feature expansive 6.9‑inch OLED screens. The S25 Ultra uses a high-resolution 1440 x 3120 Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel that can hit a blinding 2600 nits peak brightness for HDR content. By shrinking the bezels, Samsung even managed to enlarge the Ultra’s screen (from 6.8″ on the S24 Ultra to 6.9″) without making the phone much bigger. In contrast, Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max sports a slightly lower 1320 x 2868 resolution (roughly 460 ppi) on its Super Retina XDR display, and it peaks around 2000 nits outdoors. Apple prioritizes superb color accuracy and smooth 120Hz “ProMotion” animations, even adding a night-friendly 1 nit always-on display mode for minimal glow in the dark. Still, the S25 Ultra’s higher resolution and new Corning “Gorilla Armor 2” glass give it an edge in outdoor readability and durability – the Armor 2 glass reduces reflections and boosts screen toughness for better visibility in direct sun. It’s safe to say Samsung wins for sheer size, sharpness, and brightness, which heavy media consumers will appreciate.

Google’s Pixel 9 Pro (in its larger “Pro XL” form) and the OnePlus 13 are no slouches either. The Pixel 9 Pro XL uses a 6.8-inch “Super Actua” OLED (2992×1344) that can blast up to 3000 nits peak brightness – even higher on paper than Samsung’s – for excellent sunlight visibility. Uniquely, Google offers two Pro sizes this year: a compact 6.3-inch Pixel 9 Pro with the same high 2856×1280 resolution (making it one of the sharpest small phones) and the larger 6.8-inch Pro XL for those wanting a big screen. Both Pixel Pro displays are LTPO with 1-120Hz refresh for smooth scrolling and battery savings. Reviewers praise the Pixel screens as “sharp, bright” 120Hz panels that are excellent for viewing content.

The OnePlus 13’s 6.82-inch OLED might be the dark horse winner in display quality. In fact, Android Central calls it “the best display of any phone on the market” as of its release. Interestingly, OnePlus did not source this panel from Samsung – it’s a 10-bit OLED with true 1.07 billion color support, whereas the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s panel is effectively 8-bit + dithering. This means the OnePlus 13 can show smoother gradients without color banding. It’s also the first phone to earn DisplayMate’s A++ rating for excellence, thanks to an extra-high-brightness “RadiantView” sunlight mode. OnePlus’s display can temporarily boost brightness beyond other phones for direct sun, and it even attained TÜV Rheinland’s latest eye-care certification by controlling flicker (PWM dimming) better than competitors. In side-by-side tests, the OnePlus 13 was “even easier to see in sunlight” than the Galaxy S24 Ultra, despite Samsung’s use of an anti-glare coating on that model. With its industry-first IP69 durability rating (more on that later), OnePlus confidently showed off the phone’s waterproofing by dunking it while the display stayed bright and responsive androidcentral.com. All four phones use high refresh-rate OLED tech (120Hz adaptive), so buttery-smooth scrolling is a given. But for the absolute cutting-edge in display brightness and color, OnePlus’s panel appears to have leapfrogged even Samsung’s latest – an impressive feat noted by reviewers.

Within the S25 family, the Ultra’s display is the largest at 6.9″, while the standard Galaxy S25 has a more compact 6.2″ screen and the S25+ sits in the middle at 6.7″. The S25 and S25+ stick with flat displays like the S23 series, likely at a lower FHD+ resolution (the previous S24 and S23 had 1080p screens in these sizes), which means they won’t be quite as pixel-dense as the Ultra’s QHD panel. Interestingly, Samsung’s design language now favors flat edges on all S25 models, giving them a uniform, iPhone-like silhouette. However, the S25 Ultra’s screen itself is flat (no curved sides), which actually makes it fully flat like the smaller models – a departure from the curved-edge displays of earlier Ultras. OnePlus also adopted a mostly flat screen (just a subtle 2.5D curve at the very edge), whereas Google’s Pixel 9 Pro series and the S25 Ultra are completely flat, which many users find easier to use with less glare on the edges. Apple’s iPhone continues its flat display and flat stainless/titanium sides design, with the familiar Dynamic Island cutout up top for Face ID and the selfie camera on the 16 Pro Max. All told, the Galaxy S25 Ultra and OnePlus 13 deliver the biggest, boldest screens – Samsung with higher resolution and proven OLED quality, OnePlus with cutting-edge brightness and color depth – while Apple and Google offer superb displays tuned for color accuracy and smoothness, albeit at slightly lower resolution or smaller sizes.

Performance & Chipset: Snapdragon vs Apple A18 vs Google Tensor

Samsung made a significant change with the S25 series’ internals: every Galaxy S25 model worldwide uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 “Elite” chipset – no more splitting between Snapdragon and Exynos variants. In the S25 Ultra (and S25/Plus), it’s an “Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy”, meaning Samsung gets a special binned version clocked a bit higher than the standard chip. This new 8 Elite chip is Qualcomm’s 2024–25 flagship SoC built on a 3nm process, debuting the custom Qualcomm Oryon CPU cores that promise a big leap in speed. And indeed, the S25 Ultra benchmarks are beastly: in Geekbench 6 multi-core, it scored around 9,829 points, edging out the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s ~8,391 points in that test. On raw CPU performance, the Galaxy S25 Ultra actually beats the iPhone in multi-core throughput by a healthy margin. Apple’s A18 Pro chip (also 3nm) still dominates single-core speed – about 3,386 vs 3,031 in Geekbench single-core – but the new Snapdragon closed the gap considerably androidcentral.com androidcentral.com. In fact, TechAdvisor notes the A18 Pro “outpaces even some laptops”, but then points out the S25 Ultra pulled ahead in their own multi-core tests, making Samsung’s flagship “the better choice when it comes to raw performance” – especially for those seeking the best gaming phone.

Graphical performance tells a similar story. Qualcomm’s latest Adreno GPU in the S25 Ultra is a powerhouse, delivering about 35 fps in 3DMark’s Wild Life Extreme test, versus roughly 23 fps on the iPhone 16 Pro Max. This indicates the Galaxy can push higher frame rates in intense games, helped by Samsung’s improved vapor chamber cooling to sustain performance techadvisor.com techadvisor.com. Apple, meanwhile, introduced hardware ray tracing in the A18 and excels at things like 4K video editing and AR tasks, thanks to tight hardware-software optimization. Both chips are incredibly fast, but Samsung’s decision to use an overclocked Snapdragon 8 Elite pays off – the S25 Ultra “effortlessly handles demanding games and apps”, and its cooling system helps prevent throttling during extended play techadvisor.com. That said, the S25 Ultra’s metal frame can still get toasty under stress, and Apple’s iPhones have historically throttled somewhat to manage heat as well techadvisor.com. OnePlus seems to have tackled thermals head-on: in a torture test, a reviewer put the OnePlus 13 in a 68°C (155°F) sauna while gaming for 30 minutes, and the phone never exceeded 50°C internally androidcentral.com androidcentral.com. OnePlus claims higher heat tolerances than most phones “without the throttling” – an anecdote that speaks to its robust cooling and performance tuning.

The OnePlus 13 is one of the first phones with the same Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, just not the Samsung-exclusive variant. In practical terms, it’s almost as fast. OnePlus 13’s Geekbench scores (~2893 single / 9058 multi) are only slightly behind the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s, and it beats every 2024 Android before it by a wide margin androidcentral.com androidcentral.com. “Fastest processor available,” raves Android Central, who gave the OnePlus 13 a perfect 5/5 score for its performance and overall package. They note it’s “one of the first phones to use” the new Snapdragon 8 Elite and that “this chipset… is uncompromising”, delivering desktop-grade responsiveness. OnePlus pairs it with ample RAM (the base model comes with at least 12GB LPDDR5X, and higher variants up to 16GB), and the software is optimized to keep multiple apps ready to go. In fact, OnePlus built a special multitasking UI with a dock of recent apps that lets you swap between 10 apps with two swipes – the reviewer calls it “the best multitasking UI you’ll find on any phone,” akin to a desktop taskbar for quick app switching androidcentral.com androidcentral.com. This, combined with OxygenOS optimizations, makes the OnePlus 13 feel blazing fast and efficient in daily use.

Google’s Pixel 9 Pro, on the other hand, is tuned for AI smarts more than raw speed. It runs Google’s in-house Tensor G4 chip, which unfortunately lags behind Qualcomm and Apple silicon in benchmarks. In Geekbench, a Pixel 9 Pro XL manages only around 1929 single / 4747 multi, roughly half the multi-core score of the Snapdragon flagships androidcentral.com androidcentral.com. HotHardware flatly notes “Tensor G4 isn’t as fast as the latest Snapdragons”* hothardware.com hothardware.com. That said, Pixel phones feel smooth in everyday tasks thanks to Google’s software and 120Hz animations – you won’t notice a huge difference swiping around or messaging. The gap shows up in demanding games or heavy multitasking, where the Pixel might heat up and throttle sooner (there are reports that the Pixel 9 Pro throttles to ~50% of its max performance under sustained load). Google equipped the Pixel 9 Pro with 16GB RAM (in the Pro models) which certainly helps with multitasking and running on-device AI models. In fact, the Pixel’s calling card is AI and machine learning tasks – from advanced photo processing to live transcription – where Tensor’s specialized cores shine. We’ll cover AI features in a later section, but suffice it to say the Pixel 9 is “perfectly capable for day-to-day tasks” (social media, YouTube, etc.) and “rock solid” in perceived performance. It just isn’t a benchmark champ or a top pick for hardcore 3D gaming.

And what about Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max? It uses the Apple A18 Pro chip, which continues Apple’s tradition of class-leading CPU architecture. As mentioned, it absolutely screams in single-threaded performance (handy for web browsing and general snappiness) and even outperforms some MacBooks in certain benchmarks. Apple’s tight integration of hardware and iOS means that despite “only” 8GB of RAM, the iPhone manages memory efficiently and rarely slows down under load. From editing 4K HDR videos to playing the latest AR games with ray-traced graphics, the iPhone handles it all fluidly. However, the landscape has evened out: for the first time in years, Apple’s chip does not categorically blow away the best Android chip in every metric. The Snapdragon 8 Elite holds its own or wins in multi-core and GPU performance, making this generation essentially a neck-and-neck race in overall speed. Both the S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max feel exceptionally fast. In fact, PhoneArena concluded that in terms of “overall performance,” it’s “mostly tied” – neither phone gives a clear advantage in day-to-day use. The takeaway: Galaxy S25 Ultra and OnePlus 13 deliver Android’s pinnacle of power, Pixel 9 Pro prioritizes AI prowess over raw horsepower, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max remains a computational beast that’s only just matched by the newest Snapdragons. No matter which you pick, you’re getting one of the fastest phones ever made.

(All S25 models share the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, so the base S25 and S25+ perform about as fast as the Ultra in most tasks. They also all come with 12GB RAM standard, ensuring even the $799 Galaxy S25 can run Samsung’s new AI features without a hitch. That means you don’t sacrifice speed if you opt for a smaller or cheaper S25 – a win for consumers.)

Battery Life & Charging

Battery endurance is a critical factor for any flagship, and here each contender takes a slightly different approach. Samsung didn’t boost capacities from the S24 generation, so the Galaxy S25 Ultra still carries a 5,000 mAh cell, the S25+ around 4,900 mAh, and the base S25 a more modest 4,000 mAh. What did improve is efficiency: combined with the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s 3nm efficiency gains and Samsung’s optimizations, the S25 Ultra lasts noticeably longer than its predecessor. In Tom’s Guide testing, the Galaxy S25 Ultra achieved a remarkable 17 hours 14 minutes in their battery rundown, “the best time of any Samsung phone ever”. This was over 7 hours longer than the average smartphone in that test, putting the S25 Ultra firmly into multi-day battery territory for moderate users. Impressively, even the compact 6.2-inch Galaxy S25 cracked the 15.5-hour mark in the same test, over 2 hours longer than the prior Galaxy S24 managed. Clearly, Samsung’s tuning (and perhaps that 10% silicon-anode content in the battery for higher density) paid off in longevity.

Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max packs the largest battery ever in an iPhone at 4,685 mAh. Coupled with iOS optimizations and the efficient A18 chip, it also delivers excellent battery life – Apple finally moved to a new more efficient display driver and perhaps a slightly larger physical battery to drive that 6.9″ screen. In PhoneArena’s testing, the iPhone 16 Pro Max actually beat the previous Galaxy (S24 Ultra) in web browsing and video streaming longevity, though it fell behind in intensive 3D gaming run time. Overall, they calculated the iPhone 16 Pro Max can last about 8 hours 30 minutes of mixed use, versus around 8 hours on the Galaxy S25 Ultra in the same usage pattern. The iPhone held a nearly 2-hour lead in browsing and 1.5-hour lead in video playback, while the Galaxy lasted a full 2+ hours longer in heavy gaming (likely due to its larger battery and possibly throttling less in sustained GPU tasks). In short, iPhone 16 Pro Max and S25 Ultra both achieve “all-day and then some” endurance – with the iPhone leaning ahead in lighter tasks and the Galaxy ahead under very heavy use. Both are notably better than last generation’s phones. Google’s Pixel 9 Pro XL also stepped up battery size to 5,060 mAh, and reviewers report “solid battery life” – an improvement over the Pixel 7/8 series which struggled at times. The Pixel 9 Pro (small 6.3″) has 4,700 mAh (same as Pixel 9 Pro XL’s smaller body since they share dimensions), which still provides a full day easily thanks to efficiency tweaks. HotHardware found the battery life satisfactory on all Pixel 9 models, though not necessarily record-breaking. Meanwhile, the OnePlus 13 packs a huge 6,000 mAh battery, the largest of this bunch. That capacity, combined with OnePlus’s efficient software, yields “crazy good battery life” – Android Central noted they had zero battery anxiety using the OnePlus 13, as even heavy users can go a full day (and light users possibly two). The trade-off of such a big battery is weight, but OnePlus cleverly made the phone thinner (8.5mm) than last year’s model despite adding 600 mAh capacity, by increasing battery energy density by 5.5% (using that silicon battery tech). The result is a 210–213 gram device, on par with the others, so you don’t even pay a weight penalty for the endurance boost.

When it comes time to recharge, the philosophies diverge starkly. OnePlus is the undisputed king of fast charging here. The OnePlus 13 supports 80W SuperVOOC wired charging, far beyond what Samsung or Apple allow. In regions outside the US, OnePlus even includes the 80W charger in the box (a rarity these days). The speed is game-changing: you can get from 0 to ~80% in just 15 minutes, and a full charge in roughly 25–30 minutes. Android Central noted they constantly found themselves “surprised when I plug it in for 10 or 15 minutes and see it’s already in the 80% range.” In practice, “battery anxiety completely disappears” with a phone like this. OnePlus also supports fast wireless charging (reportedly up to 50W on compatible docks), though the wired speed is the real headliner. To keep this safe, OnePlus built in 14 temperature sensors and advanced battery management to avoid overheating while charging at such high wattage. So far, reviews indicate the system works well – you get the convenience of a quick top-up with no obvious downsides.

Samsung’s approach is more conservative. The Galaxy S25 Ultra sticks with 45W wired charging (via USB-C PD), the same spec since the S22 Ultra. On Samsung’s 45W charger, the S25 Ultra can go from 0 to ~70% in 30 minutes, and reaches full in about 69 minutes phonearena.com phonearena.com. That’s not class-leading, but it’s decent – roughly half an hour faster to 100% than the iPhone in testing phonearena.com phonearena.com. The S25+ also supports 45W, while the base S25 is limited to 25W, meaning it charges slower (Samsung reserves super-fast charging for the bigger models). For wireless, the S25 series support up to 15W on Qi/PMA standards. Samsung touts that these new phones support the emerging Qi2 standard, but notably they do not have the magnetic alignment system that Apple’s MagSafe or true Qi2 devices use. That means if you want the most efficient wireless charging on an S25, you’d need a special case with magnets; otherwise the phone might not perfectly align on Qi2 pads. Still, you can wirelessly fast-charge at 15W and even do reverse wireless charging to power accessories or other phones. It’s just a bit behind what Chinese manufacturers offer. Samsung seems content with safe, tried-and-true charging speeds, whereas OnePlus is pushing boundaries.

Apple has similarly conservative charging. Officially, the iPhone 16 Pro Max supports 20W wired, but in reality it can draw about 27W with a strong charger (and interestingly, it will temporarily pull even more – up to ~39W – if you are, say, gaming while charging, to ensure charge times stay consistent). In testing, that meant about 57% in 30 minutes, and around 1 hour 42 minutes for a full charge. In other words, the iPhone takes roughly twice as long as the OnePlus 13 to fill up, and about 30 minutes longer than the Galaxy S25 Ultra phonearena.com phonearena.com. Apple’s 15W MagSafe wireless (now using the Qi2 standard with magnets) also takes about 2 hours for 100%, similar to Samsung’s 15W wireless which also hits full in ~2 hours phonearena.com phonearena.com. Both phones get roughly one-third charge in 30 minutes on a wireless pad. Google’s Pixel 9 Pro sits somewhere in between – the Pixel 9 Pro XL can accept up to 37W wired charging (Pixel 9/9Pro non-XL top out around 27W). Using Google’s 30W or 45W USB-C charger with PPS, the big Pixel can go from 0 to ~70% in about half an hour. However, its full-charge time isn’t dramatically quicker than Samsung’s since it tapers off charging to preserve battery health (reports say the last 30% takes longer). Pixel supports wireless charging up to 23W on the Pixel Stand (Qi compliant), which is handy if you use Pixel’s stand for its smart display mode. Google no longer includes a charger in-box (neither do Samsung or Apple), so OnePlus stands out in value here by bundling the 80W brick for free in most regions.

Summing up battery: Galaxy S25 Ultra offers phenomenal battery life – the best Samsung has achieved – and charges reasonably fast at 45W. iPhone 16 Pro Max is almost as long-lasting (even better for light use) but charges slowest via its safe 27W cap. OnePlus 13 lasts practically forever with 6000 mAh and erases any low-battery worries with its insanely fast 80W charging. Pixel 9 Pro XL lands in the middle – much improved battery life, good but not record-setting, and modest fast-charge speeds (37W). All four support wireless charging and even reverse wireless (Pixel, Samsung, and OnePlus can serve as Qi power banks; iPhone can at least share power with MagSafe battery packs). If your priority is absolute fastest top-ups, OnePlus clearly wins. If you want maximum screen-on time without charging, the S25 Ultra and OnePlus 13 are neck and neck, with iPhone just a half-step behind.

Camera Systems: Lenses, Sensors & Photography Smarts

Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra is armed to the teeth with cameras, continuing the Ultra tradition of throwing in the kitchen sink. On the back, it packs four lenses: a 200MP main wide camera, a new upgraded 50MP ultrawide, and a dual-telephoto setup with a 50MP 5× periscope zoom and a 10MP 3× telephoto. This is a similar layout to the S24 Ultra, except the ultrawide got a big sensor bump from 12MP to 50MP. That change means sharper ultra-wide shots and better low-light performance for wide field-of-view and macro photos. The 200MP primary sensor bins pixels for 16K detail or shoots full-res in good light, and Samsung claims they’ve tuned color and processing for more natural results now. Indeed, all S25 models benefit from Samsung’s new “ProVisual Engine” – an AI-powered imaging pipeline on the Snapdragon chipset that yields more realistic colors (curbing the infamous Samsung tendency to oversaturate) and reduces noise and motion blur, especially in low light and action shots. Tom’s Guide noticed that thanks to this new engine, colors are more true-to-life and low-light photos improved on the S25 series, even though the hardware on the S25 and S25+ is carried over from the S23 generation. The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s sheer versatility is its strength – from ultra-wide landscapes to 5× optical zoom (and up to 100× digital Space Zoom), you have a camera for every scenario. No other flagship offers two distinct optical zoom lenses; Samsung keeps the crown for long-range zoom quality. In practice, having both 3× and 5× tele lenses means mid-range zooms (2–4×) look cleaner using the 3× lens, and anything 5× and beyond uses the periscope. PhoneArena’s analysis found that at 3×, the S25 Ultra delivered sharper detail than the iPhone, “thanks to its dedicated 3X telephoto (which the iPhone 16 Pro Max lacks)”. At 5×, where both the S25 Ultra and iPhone have dedicated periscopes, the Galaxy still came out on top with cleaner detail, better dynamic range and exposure. Even pushing to 10×, the S25 Ultra produced significantly cleaner images; the iPhone at 10× started to show digital artifacts and over-sharpening, whereas Samsung’s was crisper and more natural. These findings underscore Samsung’s continuing advantage in zoom photography – a legacy of the “Space Zoom” system that keeps getting refined.

Apple took a different path on the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s cameras. Apple increased the ultrawide camera to 48MP (up from 12MP in previous models), so now the iPhone 16 Pro/Max has dual 48MP sensors – one for the main and one for the ultra-wide. The telephoto is a 12MP 5× periscope (first introduced on iPhone 15 Pro Max) for long zoom. Apple doesn’t include a mid-tele lens; instead it relies on cropping from the big 48MP sensor for intermediate zoom steps (like a 2x “optical quality” crop for portraits). The main 48MP camera on iPhone features a large quad-pixel sensor and Apple’s excellent image processing. Year after year, iPhones are known for their natural color tone, reliable exposure, and superb video recording. The iPhone 16 Pro Max adds some new tricks: improved Photographic Styles that let you customize the processing (tone, warmth, etc.) to your taste with finer control, and a new Camera Control button – a physical toggle (likely replacing the mute switch, now an “Action Button”) that can be used to quickly launch the camera or perform certain camera functions without on-screen buttons. Reviews say this control is handy in some scenarios (like shooting underwater in a case or when wearing gloves), but not a game-changer and it takes getting used to. In terms of results, Apple still delivers stunning photo and video quality, especially in areas like skin tones, portraits and low-light. TechAdvisor found that “portrait shots, low-light images, and video recording… are simply stunning” on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, with Apple maintaining an edge in color accuracy and natural look. They felt that while Samsung offers more camera versatility, Apple leads in superior low-light and portrait capabilities and “ultimately [proved] to be the better camera phone” between those two in their evaluation. This contrasts with PhoneArena’s more quantitative tests that gave the S25 Ultra a slight overall win in camera performance. The reality is both are excellent: Samsung has made its colors more realistic and reduced previous oversharpening, while Apple has amped up detail by going high-res and still nails the basics of exposure and tone. For example, PhoneArena’s camera scorecard showed the S25 Ultra scoring 158 vs iPhone’s 154 in still photos (a narrow win for Samsung), and both tying at 150 in video quality. They noted “the Galaxy S25 Ultra achieves the highest total camera score we’ve ever measured” for photos, albeit by a small margin over the iPhone. The S25 Ultra’s main camera was praised for slightly better dynamic range and a “tasteful” hint of extra saturation that makes shots pop without looking unnatural. At night, the two phones took different approaches: the iPhone tends to lift shadows more (brighter night shots), while the Galaxy sometimes keeps the scene darker but more true to the atmosphere – “turning night into night, not day,” as one might say. Both are excellent in low light, just with different styles (Samsung no longer blows out colors with neon greens or blues at night; it’s much more balanced now).

Turning to Google’s Pixel 9 Pro: historically, Pixel cameras are all about computational photography. The Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL share the same camera array: a 50MP main sensor (with Google’s tuned color science), a 48MP ultrawide that doubles for macro, and a 48MP 5× telephoto. On paper, that’s very competitive hardware – similar zoom reach as the iPhone and Galaxy (5× optical), with high-res sensors at each key lens for detail. Google doesn’t chase crazy megapixel counts beyond 50, focusing instead on refining its HDR+ processing and AI features. In practice, Pixel phones have “class-leading camera performance” for point-and-shoot scenarios. You can trust that a Pixel will snap an excellent photo with minimal effort, balancing highlights and shadows perfectly thanks to Google’s famous HDR algorithms. The Pixel 9 series introduced even more AI-driven tools: for example, Best Take (combining group shots to ensure everyone’s smiling – introduced in Pixel 8 and refined in 9), Magic Editor for radically adjusting photo subjects and backgrounds, Photo Unblur and Audio Magic Eraser for videos (perhaps leveraging the G4 Tensor’s machine learning might). These are part of Google’s “Gemini” AI feature set highlighted in 2024 – basically showing off how AI can enhance every aspect of the camera experience. In reviews, the Pixel 9 Pro’s camera is universally praised for its reliability and image quality. HotHardware noted it has “class-leading camera performance”, meaning it can comfortably trade blows with Samsung and Apple in most situations. Low-light shots on Pixel are fantastic due to Night Sight and efficient noise reduction; Pixel’s portraits have a distinctive sharp yet natural look with great bokeh (helped by Google’s software and the physical LiDAR-like autofocus sensors on recent models). One area Pixel traditionally excelled was capturing moving subjects – and Google still leads here, though OnePlus is trying to catch up (more on that next). Pixel’s Super Res Zoom can push beyond 5× digitally (up to 30×) with surprisingly good results by stacking multiple frames – not quite Samsung’s 100× moon shots, but enough for most use cases. The Pixel 9 Pro also now supports 8K video at 30fps (when using their new Video Boost mode, likely leveraging cloud processing), as well as 4K60 on all lenses and improved video stabilization. Google’s video used to lag behind iPhone, but it’s gotten a lot closer, with natural colors and smooth HDR. Still, iPhone 16 Pro Max may hold an edge in overall video (especially with ProRes and Dolby Vision capabilities). PhoneArena’s scores actually had video quality tied between S25 Ultra and iPhone (150 each), indicating Pixel and OnePlus are just a hair behind in video, if at all. In summary, the Pixel 9 Pro’s cameras are arguably the smartest – they leverage AI for things like “unblurring” faces or erasing unwanted objects magically – and the image quality is among the best, even if Samsung and Apple throw more hardware at the problem.

Finally, OnePlus 13’s camera system deserves special mention, because this is the first time OnePlus is truly playing in the big leagues of photography. The OnePlus 13 features a triple camera setup on the rear: a high-resolution 50MP main sensor (a new Sony LYT-series sensor), a 50MP ultrawide, and a 64MP telephoto lens that offers 3× optical zoom (and up to 120× digital, per some reports). OnePlus has a partnership with Hasselblad, and while previous OnePlus flagships had decent cameras, they often fell short of Samsung/Apple/Google in the toughest scenarios. That changes now. Android Central emphatically states: “For the first time ever, OnePlus crafted a camera experience that matches flagship phones from Google and Samsung.” They even go so far as to call the OnePlus 13’s camera “easily one of the best smartphone cameras” the reviewer has ever used. OnePlus made a “significant leap in quality in a single generation,” thanks in part to those new larger sensors and a brand-new dual exposure HDR algorithm in the image processing. This dual exposure tech allows the OnePlus 13 to capture excellent dynamic range and, crucially, much better motion capture – historically a weak point for OnePlus. Now, action shots of moving subjects (kids, sports, pets) come out as good as those from a Pixel or dedicated phones like Honor’s, which are known for that skill. The camera app also supports 4K Dolby Vision recording on all three rear lenses and even the front camera, plus fun extras like 480fps slow-motion and the Hasselblad XPan mode for panoramic shots. OnePlus’s image tuning has finally hit its stride: colors are vibrant yet not overly so, Night mode is effective, and details are plentiful without needing artificial sharpening. In the review, the photographer was so confident in the OnePlus 13 that they shot most of their sample photos in RAW mode on the OnePlus itself – and never felt the need to carry a second phone for camera backup, which is high praise. The only compromise in hardware is the telephoto lens: at 3× optical, it doesn’t zoom as far as the 5× optics on Apple, Google, Samsung. OnePlus opted for a mid-range zoom, perhaps betting that 3× is more useful for portraits (and indeed, 3× is a classic portrait focal length). The lack of a periscope means the OnePlus 13 can’t natively compete at 5× or 10× distances, though its 64MP tele sensor and algorithms do allow decent 10× or even 20× digital zoom. Still, if you want crisp 5×-10× shots, the Galaxy S25 Ultra remains the zoom king. OnePlus prioritized an all-around excellent camera rather than a single superzoom trick, and it appears to have succeeded – finally standing on equal footing with the top camera phones in most categories. It’s also worth noting OnePlus achieved all this while maintaining Hasselblad color science and giving users pro controls and the unique XPan panoramic mode that no one else has.

On the front, each phone has its own twist: the Galaxy S25 series uses a 12MP selfie camera with autofocus and 4K video support. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 12MP TrueDepth front camera (with Face ID sensors) and can do 4K60 and even Cinematic Mode video. Google actually went big – the Pixel 9 Pro/XL has a 42MP front camera (possibly to facilitate better face unlock and wide group selfies), though it likely bins down for 10MP output; it also does 4K. OnePlus 13 has a high-quality 32MP selfie shooter. All produce excellent selfies; the iPhone tends to handle high contrast best without blowing highlights on faces, while Samsung’s can sometimes slightly over-brighten the face. PhoneArena noted the iPhone did better with very bright highlights on faces (preventing blown-out spots), whereas the Galaxy sometimes was on the cusp of overexposure, although the Galaxy’s detail and sharpness were excellent. Small differences aside, any of these will serve selfie lovers well, even in low light (night mode selfies are available on all).

In terms of camera software and features, each ecosystem has its perks. Samsung’s Camera app is loaded with modes: Expert RAW now has a nifty “Virtual Aperture” feature (f/1.4 to f/14) that simulates changing depth of field on the 200MP camera. They also added “Galaxy Log” video capture for pro videographers who want a flat color profile to grade later. And a really cool new addition is Audio Eraser, an AI tool that can isolate or enhance specific types of audio (voices, wind, crowd noise, etc.) in your videos. This is like Photoshop’s content-aware magic, but for sound – useful if you want to mute the background noise or amplify voices after recording. Apple’s iPhones, meanwhile, benefit from the deep integration of hardware and software: features like Cinematic Mode (rack-focus video at 4K24), ProRes video recording, and the LiDAR scanner aiding night portraits and AR. Apple also introduced that Camera Control button (essentially a second physical shutter or mode toggle) which, while not revolutionary, underlines Apple’s focus on the shooting experience. Pixels perhaps take the cake for AI magic: Google’s suite (Magic Eraser, Best Take, Photo Unblur, Real Tone for accurate skin tones) makes editing on the Pixel extremely powerful and fun for casual users who don’t want to dive into Photoshop. OnePlus, as mentioned, has unique Hasselblad modes and now robust auto-HDR and motion capture that elevate its results greatly.

Overall, we are in a golden era for smartphone cameras. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is the choice for maximum versatility and zoom reach, and its image quality has become more balanced and refined with better AI processing. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is a videographer’s dream and excels at portraits/low-light with a very natural touch, plus that 4K120fps slow-mo and tight integration with creative workflows. The Pixel 9 Pro delivers arguably the most consistent point-and-shoot results and a bag of AI tricks that can literally rewrite photos after the fact, all while holding its own in the imaging hardware department. And OnePlus 13 has transformed into a true camera contender, with fast capture, great dynamic range, and color tuning that finally “meets and beats the best out there,” according to its reviewers. You really can’t go wrong with any of these for photography – it comes down to whether you value zoom, video features, AI editing, or overall ease-of-use. As PhoneArena summed up in their S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 camera comparison: “both phones are excellent, so which is better comes down to personal preference.”

AI and Software Features

Artificial intelligence has become a key battleground for smartphones, and each company is infusing AI into their software in different ways. Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series debuted “Galaxy AI” features baked into One UI 7 (Android 15), and importantly these AI features work uniformly on all S25 models – you don’t need the Ultra to enjoy them. Some of Samsung’s new tricks include Cross-App Actions, where the phone intelligently suggests actions that hop between apps (for instance, detecting you might want to share text from the browser into a chat, and offering a one-tap shortcut to do so). There’s also “Now Brief”, a new AI-driven summary feature – possibly it summarizes your notifications or daily info at a glance (akin to an AI briefing). Another addition is “Circle to Search”, which lets you draw a circle around any object on your screen (say in an image or webpage) and instantly perform a search or shopping query for that item. Samsung is integrating these as part of their on-device AI, leveraging the Snapdragon’s beefy NPU. They also introduced integrated AI agents – hints of Samsung’s own AI assistant advancements beyond Bixby, perhaps collaborating with Google’s Assistant or Microsoft (Samsung mentioned working with Google and others to integrate generative AI services into One UI). The upshot is, Samsung’s software is getting smarter about anticipating needs and doing more locally on-device. And with 12GB RAM standard on every S25, there’s plenty of headroom for AI tasks. One UI 7 also refines multitasking and personalization, all while being slated for 7 years of updates (Samsung promises up to 5 Android version upgrades and 7 years security patches for the S25 series, the longest in Android right now). That ensures these AI features will only grow over time.

Apple’s approach in the iPhone 16 Pro Max (iOS 18) leans into machine learning for user-facing features while guarding privacy. Apple doesn’t shout “AI” in marketing, but it’s there: from the improved Siri (which in iOS 18 can understand context better and even work offline for certain requests), to things like Live Voicemail transcription (using AI to live-transcribe callers’ messages), Personal Voice (an accessibility feature that can clone your voice after 15 minutes of training, all on-device) and enhanced autocorrect that uses a transformer language model for more accurate typing. In photos, Apple uses intelligent semantic rendering to adjust things like sky vs skin vs foliage separately. The iPhone 16 Pro Max’s Photonic Engine (AI pipeline for image processing introduced in iOS 16 and improved since) ensures deep fusion of image frames for clarity. Security and privacy are also a big part of Apple’s software appeal – things like App Tracking transparency and on-device processing for features (e.g., Face ID data never leaves the device). Apple’s ecosystem features remain unmatched: iMessage, FaceTime, AirDrop, Continuity with Macs/Apple Watch – these aren’t AI per se, but they add to the user experience where Apple excels. One could consider Apple’s “Intelligence” features in iOS – like Visual Lookup (identifying objects in images), Live Text (OCR on images and video), and personal photo widget memories – as its AI suite, mostly happening on-device. With iOS 18, Apple also introduced new Journal app which uses on-device machine learning to suggest moments to capture in a personal journal. And of course, iPhones will get iOS updates for many years – typically 5+ years of full support, though Apple doesn’t commit to a specific number publicly. That means the iPhone 16 Pro Max will likely see iOS 19, 20, 21, and beyond, keeping it updated with the latest features (often including new AI-driven capabilities that Apple rolls out). In short, Apple’s focus is a cohesive, privacy-first ecosystem with AI enhancing things quietly under the hood (Siri, photos, keyboard, etc.), as opposed to offering user-facing “AI hubs” like some Android OEMs do.

Google’s Pixel 9 Pro is arguably the most AI-centric phone by design. The Tensor G4 chip may not top benchmarks, but it was literally created to accelerate Google’s machine learning models. Pixel phones are loaded with Google’s AI features: Call Screen (AI answers unknown calls and transcribes in real time), Hold For Me (Assistant waits on hold and notifies you when a rep comes on), Clear Calling (AI noise cancellation on calls), Recorder app with speaker labels (real-time transcription with attribution), Live Translate (real-time translation of speech or text even offline), and the aforementioned suite of AI photo editing tools (Magic Eraser, Best Take, etc.). New with the Pixel 9 series (and Android 14/Pixel’s Feature Drops) are things like Assistant voice typing that’s uncannily accurate, AI Summaries on web pages via Assistant, and even Generative AI wallpapers (create wallpapers via text prompts). Google also demoed an Assistant with Bard in 2024, suggesting that Pixel phones will soon have more generative AI capabilities integrated – essentially Google’s Bard AI (like ChatGPT) helping you compose emails or messages, for example. While that wasn’t fully launched at the Pixel 9 launch, it’s on the horizon and Pixel devices will be first in line to get it. The Pixel 9 Pro runs a clean Android experience (Pixel’s version of Android 14 at launch, now 15 by 2025), and Google matched Samsung with a promise of 7 years of updates for the Pixel 8/9 generation. That means Pixel 9 Pro will get Android OS updates and security patches up to 7 years, an unprecedented support length for Google. This long support is crucial for an AI-focused device, as AI capabilities evolve quickly – you want your phone to keep learning new tricks. From a user perspective, the Pixel feels like a smart assistant in your pocket. It can screen calls, fix your photos, translate conversations on the fly, and even detect car crashes or quickly call emergency services if needed (Personal Safety features). Many of these things are done with on-device AI, so they work fast and privately. If you value having the “smartest” phone that genuinely makes life easier through AI, Pixel is extremely appealing.

What about OnePlus 13? OnePlus historically has been more about speed and a clean UI, but in 2025 they are jumping on the AI bandwagon too. OxygenOS 15 (based on Android 14/15) on the OnePlus 13 is still close to stock Android in feel, but OnePlus announced plans for integrating AI features and agents. For instance, an editorial teased “The OnePlus 13 is getting some big AI upgrades” – possibly related to speech recognition, AI voice assistant enhancements, or camera AI. However, as of launch, the AI in OnePlus 13 is not as prominent as on Samsung or Pixel. OnePlus has advanced AI scene detection in the camera (tuning colors per scene), and some AI-based enhancements in the gallery and phone manager (like optimizing battery usage patterns). They also leverage AI for things like network optimization (predicting which 5G/Wi-Fi to use) and performance tuning (their AI scheduler learns your usage to improve app launch times, etc.). A notable omission: OnePlus doesn’t have a direct equivalent to Google Assistant or Bixby – it relies on Android’s built-in Assistant (so you still use Google Assistant on a OnePlus). OnePlus did include some chatbot assistant in China (in ColorOS/OxygenOS), but internationally it’s mostly Google services. The pros and cons list for OnePlus 13 in reviews highlighted this: “Most AI tools require internet connectivity” – meaning OnePlus isn’t doing a lot on-device, it’s using cloud AI (likely Google’s) for things like voice typing. The reviewer flagged it as a minor con that OnePlus doesn’t have the same level of native AI features as Pixel or Samsung. On the flip side, OnePlus’s software is very refined in other ways – OxygenOS 15 is smooth, fast, and feature-rich without bloat. It has beloved touches like the Alert Slider (a physical switch to toggle silent/vibrate/ring, which is a classic OnePlus feature that even Apple removed in favor of the Action Button). And OnePlus committed to 6 years of updates (4 major Android versions, 6 years security), which is just shy of Google/Samsung but still excellent. Day-to-day, the OnePlus 13’s software offers things like a Work/Life mode, Zen Mode (for disconnecting), and loads of customization. It may not have AI call screening like Pixel, but it does have a great RAM-Vita feature that uses AI to intelligently keep and remove apps in memory for faster multitasking. Also worth noting, OnePlus includes an IR blaster on the 13, so you can use it as a smart remote for TV/AC – a small hardware perk others lack.

In summary, Pixel 9 Pro is the poster-child for AI features – it’s practically a showcase of Google’s latest AI in a phone form, from voice to vision. Samsung’s S25 Ultra (and siblings) greatly expanded AI capabilities too, focusing on user convenience features integrated into One UI, and Samsung even has integrated AI agents that hint at a future of talking to your phone to perform complex tasks. OnePlus 13 prioritizes core experience but is starting to add AI enhancements, though mostly utilizing cloud/Google for now. Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max relies on its neural engine for many subtle smarts (photography, Siri, text prediction) and offers an extremely polished, privacy-centric smart experience without overt AI branding. All phones here run the latest OS (Android 15 on the S25, likely Android 14/15 on Pixel and OnePlus, iOS 18 on iPhone) and will receive updates for years to come, so they are future-proof for whatever AI features come next. If having the “brainiest” assistant and automated features matters most, Pixel has a slight edge; if you want a well-balanced set of AI conveniences on top of a feature-rich OS, Samsung delivers that; if you prefer simplicity and privacy with occasional AI help, Apple’s there; and if you just want blazing fast, clean Android with only the AI you choose to use, OnePlus might be up your alley.

Design & Durability

Every one of these phones is premium in build, yet each has its own design philosophy and materials. Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra this year adopts an even more upscale build by switching to a titanium alloy frame (moving away from aluminum) and using the new Corning Gorilla Glass Armor 2 on front and back. Samsung claims Armor 2 glass is tougher and more drop-resistant than the previous Victus 2 (found on the S24), which should make the S25 Ultra more durable against scratches and tumbles. The S25/Plus models use “Armor Aluminum 2” frames and Gorilla Victus 2 glass, which are still very sturdy. In terms of look, the S25 series unifies the design: all have flat displays and flat side rails with subtly rounded corners, giving a boxy but modern aesthetic. The Ultra has a slightly curvier design at the back for ergonomic reasons (according to Android Central, the S25 Ultra’s new design language and larger screen “should make viewing and holding the phone easier”). But overall, if you put them side by side, the main difference is size: the Ultra is a behemoth at 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm and 218 grams. The Galaxy S25+ is much slimmer and lighter – just 7.3mm thick and ~190g (the slim bezels and plastic internal components shaved weight) phonearena.com phonearena.com. The base S25 is smallest for those who want a compact flagship. All are rated IP68 for water and dust (Samsung hasn’t quoted higher, so presumably water-resistant up to 1.5m for 30 min). A signature of the Ultra is of course the S Pen stylus, tucked into the bottom. This remains a unique productivity and creativity tool – great for note-taking, drawing, or remote shutter use. However, Samsung did remove the Bluetooth LE functionality from the S Pen this year to lighten it and the phone’s weight. That means the S Pen in the S25 Ultra no longer works as a remote control (you can’t click it to snap a photo or wave it for gestures as in previous Ultras). Some power users might miss that, but many will appreciate the slightly reduced heft and simpler pen (and one less thing to charge, since the Bluetooth S Pen needed occasional charging). Samsung offers the S25 Ultra in refined colors with a “titanium sheen” – shades like black, gray, white-silver, and blue-silver, plus online exclusives (Jade green, Pink gold, etc.). The standard S25 and S25+ come in some fun hues (Navy, Mint, Icy Blue, Silver Shadow, etc., with Samsung.com exclusives too) and have a more glossy finish. Design-wise, the S25 Ultra continues with the camera lenses as separate rings on the back (two vertical rows for the Ultra’s four cameras) – a distinctive look carried from the S22/S23 series. It’s a minimal, industrial style that many find sleek.

Moving to Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple also embraced titanium in its frame starting with the 15 Pro series. The 16 Pro Max likely uses a similar Grade 5 titanium frame with a brushed finish, making it strong yet lighter than the old stainless steel. (The iPhone 15 Pro Max was about 19g lighter than the 14 Pro Max thanks to titanium; the 16 Pro Max is slightly larger, so it weighs around 227g, a bit more than the 15 Pro Max’s ~221g). Apple’s front glass is their custom Ceramic Shield, extremely tough against drops. The iPhone’s design is very squared-off with flat edges (some find it a bit less ergonomic than curved sides, though the 16’s increased size may have slightly different curves). Notably, the iPhone 16 Pro Max grew in size to accommodate that 6.9″ display – it’s about 163.0 x 77.6 x 8.26 mm, almost identical footprint to the S25 Ultra. In fact, side by side, the iPhone 16 Pro Max and S25 Ultra are within fractions of a millimeter in dimensions – you’d be hard pressed to tell the difference in size. The iPhone is a tad heavier (227g vs 218g) and a hair thicker (8.26 vs 8.2mm). Both feel like substantial, solid slabs with premium build. The iPhone 16 Pro Max, like its predecessor, is IP68 water-resistant, rated to a depth of 6 meters for 30 minutes (slightly exceeding the typical 1.5m). Apple’s durability is generally top-notch, though some reports from the 15 Pro series indicated the new titanium frame can get scuffed or dented a bit easier (aluminum interior) – time will tell, but overall it’s very robust. The iPhone’s iconic switch to USB-C (introduced in iPhone 15) continues here, so at last the iPhone 16 can use the same USB-C cables as these Android phones. One small hardware tweak: Apple replaced the classic mute switch with a programmable Action Button on the Pro models. This button can be customized (to launch camera, toggle a focus mode, etc., in addition to muting) – a change some love and some miss the simplicity of the old toggle. In any case, it gives the iPhone a unique control that the others don’t exactly have (though OnePlus’s alert slider is similar in spirit, dedicated to sound profiles). Aesthetically, the iPhone 16 Pro Max retains the Dynamic Island up front (no under-display Face ID yet, perhaps iPhone 17). It comes in a few refined colors – likely similar to the 15 Pro (e.g., Black Titanium, White Titanium, Blue, Natural Titanium). Apple’s design mantra is sleek and minimal – just two buttons (volume and action) on one side, power button on the other, and a symmetric camera bump with three big lenses and a LiDAR sensor. It’s instantly recognizable and screams premium (along with its premium price).

Google’s Pixel 9 Pro (and Pro XL) follow the design lineage of the Pixel 6-8 with the signature camera bar (visor) across the back. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is a big phone (about 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm, 221g, almost the same footprint as S25 Ultra/iPhone 16 PM, just a bit thicker and heavier). The smaller Pixel 9 Pro (6.3″) interestingly has identical dimensions to the base Pixel 9 (152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm, ~199g) – meaning Google put a Pro camera setup in a smaller body, which is great for those wanting a compact yet feature-rich phone. The build is aluminum frame with matte finish, glass front/back (Gorilla Victus or Victus 2). Pixel 9 series introduced some new colors like Peony (pink), Wintergreen, Porcelain (off-white), and Obsidian (black). The camera bar on Pixel 9 Pro is slightly refined – it has cutouts for the lenses (like Pixel 7/8) and an accented metal wrap. Pixel phones have a friendly, utilitarian design that’s distinct. Durability-wise, they are IP68 as well. One advantage Pixel gained from Pixel 8 onward is seven years of software support, so longevity is assured. Some might argue the Pixel’s aluminum frame is not as exotic as titanium, but in everyday use that hardly matters. The Pixel prioritizes a comfortable feel (the smaller Pro is great for one-handed use) and a bit of Google’s playful design language (contrast power button, etc.).

OnePlus 13 underwent a design evolution too. OnePlus kept its design clean but added premium touches. The phone has an aluminum frame (OnePlus didn’t go titanium, but they did beef up durability in other ways), and comes in several finishes: textured matte glass on “Arctic Dawn” (white) and “Black Eclipse”, and a special vegan leather back on “Midnight Ocean” (blue). The vegan leather model has a soft suede-like feel and crucially has no glass on the back, which OnePlus says makes it more durable (no risk of back glass shattering). The OnePlus 13 is the first phone with an IP69 rating, which is quite remarkable. IP69 means it’s certified not just against water submersion (IP68) but also high-pressure water jets and extreme temperatures. Essentially, you could blast it with hot water (80°C) at high pressure and it would survive. This goes beyond what typical consumers need, but it speaks to the phone’s build quality. OnePlus achieved this without sacrificing signature features: the beloved alert slider is still there on the side for quick mute/vibrate toggling. They also moved to an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor (instead of optical), which, to the reviewer’s surprise, works reliably fast – OnePlus claims it’s a new, improved ultrasonic sensor that avoids the issues previous ones had. In hand, the OnePlus 13 was described as having “brilliant build quality” and an “eye-catching design”, with a new chassis style that mixes flat and slight curves for comfort. Unlike Samsung’s flat sides, OnePlus tapered the edges of its frame so it’s not completely flat – the reviewer noted he finds flat edges uncomfortable, and praised OnePlus for giving a more hand-friendly contour while still keeping the display mostly flat. At ~8.5mm thick and ~213g, the OnePlus 13 is similar in heft to the others, but it’s a tad narrower than the Ultra/Pixel XL/iPhone due to the 6.82″ (slightly smaller width than 6.9″ screens). That along with the curved back makes it feel a bit easier to hold than, say, the boxy S25 Ultra. The design of the camera bump: OnePlus 13 has a large circular camera island (as OnePlus 11/12 did) but refined – it’s a single round module housing the three cameras and flash, with a red Hasselblad logo accent. Some find it bold and stylish, others prefer more subtle camera designs; it certainly stands out compared to the separated lenses on Samsung or the square bump on iPhone.

A quick note on unique design aspects or omissions: All these phones have stereo speakers (Galaxy and iPhone known for very good stereo sound; OnePlus and Pixel are loud too). All use USB-C ports – yes, even the iPhone now – though Apple’s is USB 3 speed on Pro models, Samsung likely USB 3.2, OnePlus usually USB 3, Pixel’s port historically was USB 3.2 Gen2 as well. None have a 3.5mm headphone jack (those days are gone in flagships). The Galaxy S25 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro XL both support stylus input, interestingly – obviously the S25 Ultra comes with the S Pen built-in. The Pixel 9 Pro/XL doesn’t ship with a pen, but it does support the USI 2.0 stylus standard (like the Pixel Tablet pen), so you could use a third-party stylus on the Pixel if desired. OnePlus and iPhone do not support any active stylus. In durability tests, the titanium in S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max might give them an edge in frame strength, but OnePlus’s IP69 suggests its seals and materials are top-notch for surviving accidents. OnePlus even claims extreme cold and heat resistance beyond normal (part of IP69 testing includes thermal shock). So any of these phones will handle daily life and then some.

In summary, each device exhibits premium craftsmanship: The Galaxy S25 Ultra exudes a modern industrial vibe with its flat, expansive screen and tough titanium-glass build – and integrates a productivity tool (S Pen) that power users adore, at the cost of a slightly thicker body. The iPhone 16 Pro Max continues Apple’s refined luxury approach – titanium elegance, minimalistic form, and the benefit of the richest accessory ecosystem (cases, MagSafe accessories, etc.), although its sharper edges may not be as comfy to hold for long stretches. The Pixel 9 Pro/XL offers a unique Google aesthetic – friendly curves, a camera bar that screams “Pixel”, and a device that feels approachable yet solid; it doesn’t try to be flashy, but it’s distinct and feels great especially in the smaller Pro size. And the OnePlus 13 marries form and function in a delightful way – it’s stylish (especially that gorgeous blue vegan leather or the matte white that stays clean), unbelievably rugged with IP69, and still keeps beloved features like the alert slider and super-fast fingerprint unlock, showing OnePlus listened to its community on the details that matter. As Android Central put it, OnePlus achieved “ground-breaking build quality” here, being the first to IP69 and using design to also address things like screen flicker sensitivity (with high-frequency PWM for eye comfort). No phone is objectively “better” in design – it’s personal taste – but we can confidently say all four are built to premium standards and should last for years. If you want the slimmest, lightest option among the big boys, the Galaxy S25+ might actually be the one (slim and only ~190g). Among the Ultras: the weight difference is minor (OnePlus ~210g, Samsung 218g, Pixel XL 221g, iPhone 227g), so you’re getting a hefty phone either way.

Price and Value Proposition

Now, let’s talk dollars (or pounds, euros…). These flagship phones span a range of prices, and value is a crucial part of the comparison. Starting with Samsung: the Galaxy S25 Ultra launches at $1,299 in the US for the 256GB model (₤1,249 in the UK), which is $100 more than last year’s base price. If you want more storage, Samsung charges an extra $120 for 512GB, and the top 1TB model is a hefty $1,659. That firmly cements the S25 Ultra in ultra-premium territory. The Galaxy S25+ comes in around $999 (256GB), and the regular S25 at $799 (128GB or 256GB base)】. So within Samsung’s lineup, you’re looking at roughly $500 difference from S25 to S25 Ultra. What do you get for the extra money? The Ultra brings a larger, higher-res screen, more advanced camera system (200MP + dual telephotos vs 50MP + single tele on S25/S25+), bigger battery, the S Pen, and the premium build materials. Yet, as we saw, the core experience (processor, software, AI features) is similar across all S25 models. That means the base Galaxy S25 at $799 is actually a savvy choice if you don’t need the bells and whistles – it’s fast, long-lasting, and has the same One UI 7 with 7 years of updates. The S25+ at $999 offers a big screen and large battery without the Ultra cost. Tom’s Guide concluded that “deciding among the three S25 models essentially comes down to screen size, battery and price, though the Ultra offers the most premium photo experience”. They noted that if you want a big screen and multi-day battery, the S25 Ultra is the obvious choice, but if $1,299 is too steep, the S25+ gives you a great big-screen experience for $300 less. And the S25 (small) is great for compact phone fans who still want flagship performance and excellent battery life for $500 less than the Ultra.

Moving to Apple: the iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at $1,199 for 256GB (Apple finally made 256GB the base for Pros, assuming they did so in 2024). That’s actually a slight advantage price-wise over the S25 Ultra’s $1,299 base. In other words, Apple undercut Samsung by about $100 at the entry level, which is unusual (often iPhones were pricier). Of course, Apple will happily sell you higher tiers: the 512GB likely around $1,399, and 1TB around $1,599 or more. So fully maxed, both iPhone and Galaxy Ultra can soar well above $1,500. But a fair comparison is 256GB models: $1,199 vs $1,299 in Apple’s favor. Apple also sells the iPhone 16 Pro (6.3″) which starts around $1,099 (again 256GB base), and the non-Pro iPhone 16 and 16 Plus which are cheaper (those compete more with S25/S25+ pricing). For this discussion, it’s Pro Max vs Ultras. One thing to consider: Apple’s resale value and trade-in deals. iPhones tend to hold value exceptionally well, so after a year or two, you can resell or trade in for a good return, effectively lowering long-term cost. Samsung, on the other hand, often offers aggressive launch promotions – for instance, right now Samsung might include a free storage upgrade or generous trade-in credits (PhoneArena mentions “currently, you even get a free memory upgrade with the S25 Ultra”). Samsung also allows stacking offers (like bundle discounts, etc.). So while sticker price for S25 Ultra is higher, Samsung gives more routes to save: if you trade an older phone, you could knock hundreds off. Apple rarely discounts iPhones except via carrier installment deals. So the real-world price you pay could be closer depending on deals. Still, at MSRP, Apple slightly undercuts Samsung at the top end this year.

Now, the value champion emerging in reviews is OnePlus 13. The OnePlus 13 comes in at $899 for a flagship with 256GB storage. Android Central calls it “a bang-for-your-buck option” and emphasizes it costs “a few hundred dollars less than the Galaxy S25 Ultra” while providing a near-identical level of high-end features. For under $900, you’re getting the same Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, a 6.82″ 120Hz OLED that’s arguably best-in-class, 12GB+ RAM, 6000 mAh battery with 80W charging, and a camera that finally competes with the big boys. That’s $400 less than Samsung’s Ultra – a huge gap. OnePlus historically positioned itself as a value flagship, and with the 13 they’ve truly delivered on that promise again. AC’s reviewer was so impressed he said “OnePlus has made the best Android phone I’ve ever used… I haven’t been able to consider one ‘perfect’ until the OnePlus 13 came along.” And he highlighted the price specifically as part of why it’s such an exciting device – it’s bringing top-tier tech to a lower price. Additionally, OnePlus still often includes extras that others don’t: the charger in box (as mentioned), maybe a case in some regions, etc. The only caveat is availability: OnePlus 13 is not sold through U.S. carriers (per AC, it’s “unavailable from U.S. carriers” as a con). So you’d have to buy it unlocked. But $899 unlocked for what you get is excellent value. It even undercuts Google’s pricing.

Speaking of Google’s Pixel 9 Pro – pricing for Pixel 9 series: Pixel 9 (base) is $799, Pixel 9 Pro (6.3″) $999, and Pixel 9 Pro XL (6.8″) $1,099 for base models. This was a price hike from Pixel 8 series, reflecting the upgraded hardware and Google’s confidence. So a Pixel 9 Pro XL 256GB is around $1,099, basically matching an iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB. Pixel 9 Pro small at $999 is interesting – it’s like a compact flagship at the price of a large one from others. The value proposition of Pixel comes from its features and ecosystem: you get the full breadth of Google services and AI, 7 years updates, and often some nice freebies (Google sometimes includes Pixel Buds or gives Google One storage trials, etc.). However, with OnePlus 13 at $899 offering more raw power and hardware oomph, Pixel 9 Pro can seem a tad pricey if one is purely spec-for-dollar shopping. The Pixel 9 base at $799 is directly aimed at the $799 Galaxy S25 and the $799 iPhone 16 (non-Pro) perhaps. It offers a flagship camera and chip with a smaller form and a lower price. For someone who doesn’t need a telephoto camera (Pixel 9 base lacks it) or super high refresh (Pixel 9 base is 120Hz but not LTPO?), the Pixel 9 is a great value too. But since we’re focusing on the top-end, Pixel 9 Pro XL at $1,099 – it’s cheaper than S25 Ultra by $200, but the S25 Ultra gives you arguably more premium hardware (zoom lens, more RAM – 12GB vs Pixel’s 16GB is more, but Pixel’s chip is slower, etc.). So value is relative to what you care about.

In terms of value added:

• Samsung often includes extras like DeX mode (desktop interface via HDMI/USB-C), which no one else here has. If you can utilize your phone as a mini computer hooked to a monitor, that’s a bonus value (OnePlus doesn’t have a desktop mode, Pixel’s is experimental only, iPhone has continuity but not a desktop UI).
• Apple has the ecosystem value – if you’re in Apple’s world, an iPhone extends your Mac, iPad, Watch experience seamlessly (continuity, AirPods auto-switch, etc.). That integration can be priceless for some, though irrelevant if you’re not already invested.
• Google’s value is in services – Pixels get the latest Android features first, free Google Photos storage at high quality (older Pixels had perks like VPN and Magic Eraser free for Pixel users), and Pixel’s car crash detection/personal safety features which add peace of mind.
• OnePlus’s value: performance per dollar and the no-compromise approach at lower cost. You’re not paying for a big brand name premium; you often get a case in-box, charger in-box, and the phone itself has more RAM/storage for the price than many rivals. For example, $899 OnePlus 13 has 256GB, while $799 Pixel 9 has 128GB at base. OnePlus 13’s $900 price point undercuts most flagships – as Android Central phrased it, it’s “compelling” how it “undercuts” others by a few hundred.

Finally, consider customer support and warranty: Apple is known for its strong support (Apple Stores for service, etc.), Samsung has a robust support network plus offers Samsung Care+ plans. Google has been improving its support and offers the Pixel Preferred Care for insurance. OnePlus’s support is traditionally online/RMA based, which some find slightly less convenient (no physical stores except a few pop-ups). However, OnePlus phones nowadays are quite reliable and durable, as evidenced by that IP69 and the focus on quality control.

In conclusion, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is a tour-de-force but at a premium price – great if you want the absolute max features and are willing to pay (or have a trade-in to mitigate cost). The iPhone 16 Pro Max is similarly expensive, but a bit cheaper and holds value well – ideal if you value Apple’s ecosystem and excellent all-round experience. Google’s Pixel 9 Pro offers high-end capabilities with Google’s AI spin, priced slightly below the top tier, and is an excellent value for someone who will use its smart features to the fullest. And OnePlus 13 emerges as the value champion among flagships, delivering nearly everything the $1200+ phones do for hundreds less. As PhoneArena put it, the OnePlus 13 is “undoubtedly the better value” compared to the S25 Ultra, providing a true flagship experience “for under $1,000”. Depending on your budget and priorities – whether it’s the Ultra’s no-compromise tech, the iPhone’s polished longevity, Pixel’s AI-centric perks, or OnePlus’s bang-for-buck performance – the “best” flagship for you might be different. But rest assured, in 2025’s flagship landscape, competition is fierce and every one of these phones is an outstanding piece of technology for its asking price.

Conclusion: Which Flagship Reigns Supreme?

It’s a testament to how far smartphones have come that there is no single runaway “best” phone in this comparison – instead, each excels in different areas, and your personal needs will determine the winner. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is arguably the most feature-packed and versatile device: it wins on zoom camera capability and productivity (thanks to the S Pen), has a stellar screen and battery life, and blistering performance with that special Snapdragon chip. It’s the ultimate all-rounder for Android power users who want every bell and whistle, and don’t mind paying for it. The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, meanwhile, represents the pinnacle of Apple’s ecosystem – it delivers class-leading build quality, superb cameras for photos and especially video, and a level of polish in software that’s hard to beat. It’s the go-to choice if you’re entrenched in Apple’s world or if you value long-term software support and resale value above all. Performance is neck-and-neck with Samsung’s now, and the decision might simply come down to iOS vs Android and which ecosystem you prefer.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro (and Pro XL) stakes its claim as the smartest camera and assistant. It’s the phone that will make your life easier with Google’s AI magic – call screening, photo editing that feels like sorcery, translation and transcription at your fingertips. And it still holds its own in design and display, while finally matching Samsung in update longevity. If you are excited by AI features and want a phone that’s truly an intelligent companion, the Pixel is immensely satisfying. Just note you sacrifice some raw performance and extreme zoom, but you gain convenience and Google’s delightful user experience. Lastly, the OnePlus 13 has redefined “flagship killer” in 2025. It offers 95% of what the Ultra and Pro Max do, for significantly less money, and even outdoes competitors in some areas like charging speed, display quality, and durability rating. OnePlus has combined “brilliant build quality” with top specs and a clean, fast software experience. It’s the underdog that now leads in value, making it the perfect choice for those who want a no-compromise flagship experience without the four-figure price tag.

At the end of the day, you really can’t go wrong – the flagship class of 2025 is extremely well-rounded across the board. It comes down to where you place your priorities:

• Display and design? OnePlus 13 and S25 Ultra will wow you (and iPhone’s no slouch either with its big, color-accurate panel).
• Camera? S25 Ultra for zoom versatility, iPhone 16 Pro Max for consistent pro-grade photo/video especially in low light, Pixel 9 Pro for computational tricks and point-and-shoot ease, OnePlus 13 for a surprisingly fantastic all-around camera with only a minor zoom shortfall.
• Performance? All are super fast; S25 Ultra and OnePlus 13 might edge out in gaming and multi-tasking, iPhone leads some creative workflows, Pixel is “fast enough” but not built for heavy 3D gaming androidcentral.com androidcentral.com.
• Battery and charging? OnePlus 13 is king of charging speed and has monster battery life, S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 PM are marathon runners on battery and reasonably quick to top-up (with Samsung faster wired, Apple faster wireless), Pixel 9 Pro is solidly improved and gets you through a day comfortably with decent charging.
• Software and ecosystem? Pixel and Samsung load up on new AI features and customization – great for tinkerers and productivity. Apple offers a seamless, secure ecosystem with best-in-class app quality – great for those who want things to “just work.” OnePlus gives you near-stock Android speed with a touch of extra flair (and now some AI too) without bloat – great for Android purists who still want premium features.

As PhoneArena aptly said after pitting the S25 Ultra against the iPhone 16 Pro Max, “it’s a neck-and-neck battle without a clear winner…both phones are excellent”, so it really depends on your personal preference and ecosystem affinity. Extend that sentiment across Pixel and OnePlus as well – each “ultra” phone here is excellent in its own right. The real winners are consumers, who have more choices than ever at the high end. Whether you choose the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra for its all-around prowess, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max for its balanced excellence and slightly lower price, the Google Pixel 9 Pro for its AI-forward experience, or the OnePlus 13 for its unbeatable value and cutting-edge hardware – you’ll be getting one of the best smartphones on the planet.

Bottom line: 2025’s flagships have something for everyone. It’s an Ultra, Pro Max, Pro, and OnePlus world – pick the one that fits your style and enjoy the peak of mobile technology. Each of these phones is a technological marvel in the palm of your hand, and they’re all pushing each other to be better. That competitive drive means we, the users, get to enjoy phones that are faster, smarter, longer-lasting, and more capable than ever before – and that’s a win for all of us.

Sources:

• Tom’s Guide – Galaxy S25 vs S25+ vs S25 Ultra (Philip Michaels)
• PhoneArena – Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro Max (Peter Kostadinov)
• TechAdvisor – Ultimate Flagship Battle: S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro Max (Artur Tomala)
• Android Central – OnePlus 13 Review (Nicholas Sutrich)
• Android Central – S25 Ultra vs OnePlus 13 (Brady Snyder)
• HotHardware – Google Pixel 9 Pro/XL Review (Ryan Whitwam) hothardware.com
• Android Authority – Revisited Pixel 9 Pro (Robert Triggs)
• Android Central – OnePlus 13: Battery life, charging & performance androidcentral.com
• PhoneArena – Camera Comparison Scores
• PhoneArena – Battery and Charging Test