The Ultimate Flagship Showdown: iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 14 Pro Max vs Galaxy S25 Ultra

When it comes to ultra-premium smartphones in 2025, Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max enters the arena against its predecessors – the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro Max – and a top Android rival, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. How does Apple’s latest “beautiful, intelligent beast” stack up in design, display, performance, cameras, battery, software, and value against the earlier iPhones and Samsung’s powerhouse? Let’s dive into an in-depth comparison, highlighting the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s major innovations and key differences along the way techradar.com.

Design & Build Quality

Apple has refined a now-iconic design language over recent generations, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max doesn’t stray far from the formula established with the iPhone 12 onward techradar.com. All three iPhones feature flat edges and a premium build, but there are notable tweaks across generations:

• Materials: The iPhone 14 Pro Max used shiny surgical-grade stainless steel sides, whereas the 15 Pro Max and 16 Pro Max transitioned to a brushed Grade 5 titanium frame over an aluminum substructure techradar.com. This change made the 15 series lighter; the 15 Pro Max dropped to ~221g from the 240g heft of the 14 Pro Max. The 16 Pro Max is back up to 227g due to its larger size techradar.com, but still feels solid and “not unwieldy” in hand techradar.com techradar.com. Samsung, meanwhile, adopted a titanium alloy frame for the Galaxy S25 Ultra as well, helping keep its large 6.9-inch device relatively light at around 218g phonearena.com.
• Size & Ergonomics: The iPhone 16 Pro Max is Apple’s largest phone yet. Its body is a few millimeters taller and almost a millimeter wider than the 15 Pro Max (163.0×77.6×8.25 mm vs 159.9×76.7×8.25 mm, approximately) techradar.com. Apple achieved an expansive 6.9-inch display (up from 6.7″ on prior Pro Max models) by enlarging the chassis slightly and dramatically slimming the bezels techradar.com techradar.com. Despite the growth, if you were comfortable with the 15 Pro Max, you’ll handle the 16 Pro Max with ease – it doesn’t feel much bulkier in daily use techradar.com. The Samsung S25 Ultra also sports a 6.9-inch screen and similarly broad footprint (≈162.8×77.6×8.2 mm), but its design philosophy differs: Samsung’s Ultra has a distinctive squared-off silhouette with gently curved screen edges and an integrated S Pen stylus slot. The S25 Ultra’s styling harks back to the classic Note series – flat top and bottom, with a slightly boxier feel – which one reviewer noted is “undeniably one of the most beautiful” phone designs, with excellent weight distribution for its size (and it even “gives iPhone 5s vibes” in terms of premium feel) reddit.com.
• Buttons & Controls: Recent iPhones introduced new controls. The 14 Pro Max was the last Pro iPhone with a traditional mute toggle. The 15 Pro Max replaced that switch with a programmable Action Button, and the 16 Pro Max retains this Action Button on the left frame for tasks like silent mode or shortcuts techradar.com. New on the 16 Pro Max is an additional Camera Control button on the right side below the power key – a “brand-new hardware feature” Apple insists isn’t just a button techradar.com techradar.com. This recessed, haptic-enabled camera control acts like a two-stage shutter: a full press instantly launches the camera, and gentler half-presses or gestures let you adjust zoom (toggling through virtual lenses) and settings without touching the screen techradar.com techradar.com. The Camera Control is thoughtfully placed (replacing the mmWave antenna window on the 15 Pro Max) and unlikely to be accidentally pressed thanks to its flush design techradar.com. Together with the Action Button, the 16 Pro Max gives photographers physical controls that “could change how you approach iPhone photography” techradar.com. (By contrast, the Samsung S25 Ultra uses on-screen or volume button shutter controls; it doesn’t have a dedicated camera button, though the S Pen can double as a remote shutter trigger.)
• Port & Connectivity: A big change came with the iPhone 15 series moving from Lightning to USB-C. The 15 Pro Max and 16 Pro Max have a USB-C port that supports USB 3 / Thunderbolt 4 speeds up to 10 Gbps with the right cable techradar.com, a boon for video shooters transferring ProRes files. The aging Lightning port on the 14 Pro Max (USB 2.0 speeds) was a bottleneck in comparison. All devices offer 5G and fast Wi-Fi, but the 16 Pro Max is the first iPhone with Wi-Fi 7 and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X75 modem for improved wireless throughput, versus Wi-Fi 6 (and older X65 modem) on the 14 Pro Max phonearena.com. The S25 Ultra also supports Wi-Fi 7 out of the box, keeping it on the cutting edge of connectivity.
• Durability: Each phone carries IP68 water/dust resistance. Apple uses its Ceramic Shield front glass (improved in the 16 generation for better drop resistance) and a matte glass back. Samsung’s S25 Ultra is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Armour 2 on front and back, which not only boosts drop protection but also reduces reflections for better outdoor visibility techadvisor.com techadvisor.com. Both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and S25 Ultra can shrug off splashes – Apple even demoed the 16 Pro Max enduring a garden sprinkler test without issues techradar.com. In short, all these flagships are built to premium standards. The iPhone 16 Pro Max’s design scored a perfect 5/5 from TechRadar, who praised its “excellent materials” and seamless integration of new features techradar.com.

Bottom line: The iPhone 16 Pro Max refines Apple’s industrial design with a larger display and new camera/shutter button, all while retaining the luxe titanium build and flat-edge aesthetic of the 15 Pro Max techradar.com. It feels like an evolution rather than a radical redesign – as one reviewer put it, Apple’s strategy seems to be “why mess with a good thing?” techradar.com. The 15 Pro Max looks nearly identical aside from being slightly smaller and lacking the camera button, and the 14 Pro Max now appears dated with its steel frame, thicker bezels, and fewer hardware novelties. Meanwhile, Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra offers a contrasting design ethos – bigger and lighter, with a distinctive shape and the productivity-focused S Pen in tow. Both the 16 Pro Max and S25 Ultra exude premium craftsmanship; choosing between them may come down to whether you prefer Apple’s rounded-corner slab (with new physical controls) or Samsung’s stylus-wielding phablet with its iconic Note-style vibe.

Display – Big, Bright, and Beautiful

All four of these devices boast expansive, high-end OLED displays, but there are important differences in size, resolution, and technology:

• Size & Notch/Punch-Hole: The iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S25 Ultra both feature massive 6.9-inch screens, marking the first time Apple has matched Samsung’s Ultra line in sheer size techadvisor.com. Apple achieved this by shrinking the bezels on the 16 Pro Max significantly compared to the 15/14 Pro Max models techradar.com. In fact, side by side with the 15 Pro Max, the 16’s bezel reduction is noticeable techradar.com. All iPhones 14 Pro and later use Apple’s “Dynamic Island” pill-shaped cutout for the front camera and Face ID sensors – this interactive notch remains on the 16 Pro Max, providing glanceable info and Face ID functionality techradar.com. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, by contrast, uses a minimal centered punch-hole for its selfie camera, yielding a slightly higher screen-to-body ratio with no large cutout (Samsung relies on an ultrasonic fingerprint reader under the display for biometric unlocking).
• Resolution & Pixel Density: Samsung equips the S25 Ultra with a high-resolution QHD+ AMOLED panel (1440×3120), whereas Apple sticks with a slightly above-full-HD resolution on the 16 Pro Max (1320×2868) techadvisor.com techadvisor.com. Despite the 16 Pro Max’s larger display, Apple kept the pixel density at 460 ppi – the same sharpness as the 15 Pro Max and 14 Pro Max (which were 2796×1290 at 6.7″) techradar.com techradar.com. This means the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s screen is not quite as pixel-dense as the S25 Ultra’s (~501 ppi), but in practice both are extremely crisp. Apple’s choice prioritizes efficiency, and few users will notice a lack of clarity at 460 ppi. TechAdvisor notes that the iPhone’s resolution is “slightly lower” than Samsung’s, but it delivers “stunning colour accuracy and HDR support.” techadvisor.com Apple continues to use an OLED it calls Super Retina XDR, which earned a reputation as one of the best smartphone displays for color fidelity and contrast. Text, photos, and HDR videos look superb on all these devices, but pixel-peepers and VR enthusiasts might appreciate the extra pixels on the Galaxy.
• Brightness & Outdoor Visibility: When it comes to brightness, Samsung has taken the lead. The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s AMOLED can hit a blinding 2,600 nits peak brightness in high brightness mode techadvisor.com, making it one of the brightest smartphone screens ever – great for sunny outdoor use. Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max is no slouch with a peak of 2,000 nits outdoors (and 1,600 nits for HDR content) techradar.com, identical to the 15 Pro Max and 14 Pro Max in spec. In direct sunlight, the S25 Ultra can pull ahead slightly in visibility thanks to its higher nit output and the anti-reflective Gorilla Glass Armor 2 coating that “reduces reflections and boosts durability” techadvisor.com techadvisor.com. That said, Apple’s display is easily viewable in most conditions and has excellent contrast (2,000,000:1) and auto-brightness response. Apple also offers an extremely dim 1 nit Always-On Display mode for glanceable info at night without glare – a feature noted as “night-friendly” that complements the seamless iOS animations techadvisor.com. (Samsung devices have their own always-on display settings, though with a higher base brightness than 1 nit.)
• Refresh Rate & Tech: All four displays use adaptive high refresh rate OLED panels. The iPhone 14 Pro Max introduced ProMotion 120Hz with LTPO, allowing it to scale from 1Hz (for always-on or static content) up to 120Hz for silky smooth scrolling and animations techradar.com. The 15 Pro Max and 16 Pro Max retain this 1–120Hz ProMotion, making interactions fluid and responsive. Samsung’s S25 Ultra likewise features an adaptive refresh (typically 1–120Hz LTPO as well). Scrolling, gaming, and UI animations are exceptionally smooth on both platforms. Both screens support a wide color gamut (P3 on iPhone) and HDR standards (Dolby Vision, HDR10 on iPhone; HDR10+ on Samsung), delivering vibrant visuals in supported videos.
• Color Calibration: Apple tends to tune its displays for accuracy – colors that are true to life. Reviewers frequently laud iPhone screens for their natural tones and balanced saturation. Samsung, historically known for punchy, saturated defaults, has in recent years provided multiple color modes; the S25 Ultra can be very vivid or quite natural depending on settings. According to TechAdvisor, Apple’s OLED offers “stunning colour accuracy,” while Samsung’s continues its “legacy of OLED excellence” with rich visuals techadvisor.com techadvisor.com. Both are top-tier panels, but if you put them side by side, Samsung’s might appear a bit more vibrant out of the box, and of course it has that edge in resolution and extreme brightness.

In summary, the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s display is a showstopper for Apple fans – larger than ever and still “one of the best in the smartphone game” techradar.com with its 120Hz refresh and superb HDR quality. It didn’t reinvent Apple’s screen tech so much as enlarge it; as TechRadar notes, core specs like the XDR OLED tech and Dynamic Island notch went “pretty much untouched” from last year techradar.com. By contrast, the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s display pushes resolution and brightness boundaries further. For media enthusiasts who crave the highest resolution and plan to watch a lot of 2K/4K content or use the phone in glaring sunlight, Samsung takes the crown for outdoor readability and sheer pixel density techadvisor.com. Apple’s 16 Pro Max wins points for its refined calibration, 1Hz always-on mode, and seamless integration with iOS, but in a specs shootout the S25 Ultra’s 1440p, 2600-nit screen is hard to beat. Either way, you’re getting a huge, gorgeous canvas – a 6.9-inch pocket theater – on these flagship phones.

Performance & Chipsets

On raw performance, Apple’s silicon has traditionally dominated – but the landscape is shifting. The iPhone 16 Pro Max debuts Apple’s new A18 Pro chip, while the 15 Pro Max and 14 Pro Max run on the A17 Pro and A16 Bionic respectively. Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra, on the other hand, is powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 “Elite” for Galaxy (essentially the custom-tuned Snapdragon 8 Gen4, if naming rumors are correct). Let’s compare the processing prowess:

• Apple A16 vs A17 Pro vs A18 Pro: Each generation brings modest CPU/GPU gains and new capabilities. The iPhone 14 Pro Max’s A16 Bionic (5-core GPU) was already very fast in 2022, but the 15 Pro Max’s A17 Pro chip moved to a 3nm process, unlocking improved efficiency and a redesigned 6-core GPU with hardware-accelerated ray tracing. The A18 Pro in the iPhone 16 Pro Max pushes things further. It’s a 6-core CPU (2 high-power + 4 efficiency cores) paired with a 6-core Apple GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine apple.com apple.com. Apple doesn’t publicize clock speeds, but there’s roughly a ~10–15% CPU uplift and even bigger graphics improvements over the A17. In fact, Apple’s chip is now so powerful that in some benchmarks it “outpaces even some Apple laptops.” techadvisor.com For instance, early Geekbench tests show the A18’s single-core performance rivaling the M1 chip’s territory. Real-world, this means an iPhone 16 Pro Max can fly through tasks – whether you’re editing 4K videos, playing cutting-edge games, or doing on-device AI processing. Apple’s tight integration of hardware and iOS also means it makes the most of “only” 8GB of RAM – memory management is extremely efficient, so multitasking feels smooth despite less RAM than top Androids techadvisor.com techadvisor.com.
• Snapdragon 8 “Elite” (Gen 4) in S25 Ultra: Samsung uses Qualcomm’s fastest chip globally now (no Exynos variant this year). The S25 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen4-based SoC is an absolute “performance beast”, especially paired with 12GB RAM on the base model techadvisor.com techadvisor.com. It chews through demanding games and apps effortlessly. Qualcomm’s new CPU design (with a high-performance core configuration) actually gives the S25 Ultra an edge in certain metrics: in TechAdvisor’s testing, the Galaxy scored 9413 in Geekbench 6 multi-core, versus 8387 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max techadvisor.com. That’s a surprising result – it suggests the Snapdragon’s multi-core throughput (likely thanks to more cores or higher clocks) edged out Apple’s A18 Pro in raw parallel performance techadvisor.com. For power users or Android gamers, this means the S25 Ultra can claim the title of fastest multi-core performer among phones. It also has advanced cooling (a vapor chamber) to sustain performance during extended gaming, though reviewers note the frame can still get warm under load techadvisor.com.
• Day-to-Day Experience: In everyday use, all these devices feel blazingly fast. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is “blisteringly fast” at basically everything, from launching apps to rendering graphics, thanks to Apple’s chip prowess and iOS optimizations techadvisor.com techadvisor.com. The 15 Pro Max with A17 Pro is only a half-step behind – it was the first to introduce hardware ray tracing on iPhone, enabling console-quality graphics in games like Resident Evil on mobile. The 14 Pro Max’s A16, while two generations old, is still no slouch; it handles current apps and iOS 18 smoothly, though it can’t do things like 4K@120fps encoding or some of the advanced machine-learning tasks as swiftly as the newer chips. On the Samsung side, the S25 Ultra feels extremely fluid, especially with its 120Hz display and beefy hardware. It excels at multitasking – having 12GB (or up to 16GB in higher trims) RAM means more apps stay in memory. Heavier tasks like sustained 3D gaming or emulation might maintain performance longer on the Galaxy thanks to aggressive cooling, whereas iPhones sometimes throttle slightly to manage heat (which also preserves battery). But for short bursts and most tasks, the iPhone’s A-series still provides snappy responsiveness that’s hard to beat in the real world.
• Graphics and Gaming: Both the A18 Pro’s GPU and Snapdragon Gen4’s Adreno GPU are incredibly capable. Apple’s A18 GPU (6-core) supports sophisticated features like hardware ray tracing (introduced in A17 Pro) and mesh shading, and Apple has even brought console games (e.g. the Resident Evil 4 Remake and Assassin’s Creed: Mirage mobile versions) to the App Store to showcase its power. Meanwhile, the Snapdragon’s GPU (often Adreno-branded) also supports ray tracing and usually leads in Vulkan/OpenGL performance. If you’re into gaming benchmarks or emulators, you might see one or the other pulling ahead in certain titles – but practically, both can run the latest games at max settings. Thermals might make a difference: Samsung’s larger chassis and vapor chamber could allow longer peak performance. iPhones tend to prioritize stability over peak speeds, but the 16 Pro Max’s metal frame and internal design dissipate heat well (Apple even uses the titanium frame plus aluminum sub-structure to aid cooling) techradar.com.

In summary, Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max delivers class-leading performance in many respects – it has desktop-class processing power in your pocket, and “outpaces some laptops” in CPU speed techadvisor.com. It’s a noticeable jump from the iPhone 14 Pro Max (two-year leap in chip tech) and a solid but smaller jump from the 15 Pro Max (which was already extremely fast). The Galaxy S25 Ultra, however, holds its own and even surpasses the A18 in multi-core benchmarks, making it arguably the first Android in years to beat the latest iPhone in raw horsepower on at least one front techadvisor.com. TechAdvisor crowned Samsung’s flagship “the better choice when it comes to raw performance” – especially for those looking for the “best gaming phone” – based on those multi-core results techadvisor.com. That said, Apple still retains advantages in single-core performance and the tight integration of its software with the hardware (ensuring no stutters in iOS). In real life, both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and S25 Ultra feel insanely fast. The older iPhones (15 Pro Max, 14 Pro Max) remain fast by 2025 standards, but if you’re upgrading from an iPhone 14 Pro Max, the 16 Pro Max will feel more future-proof for high-end use cases, whereas jumping from a 15 Pro Max to 16 Pro Max might not reveal dramatic differences in day-to-day speed (it’s more about the other features).

Memory and Storage: All iPhone Pro Max models discussed offer ample NVMe storage (256GB base on 15/16 Pro Max, whereas the 14 Pro Max base was 128GB) and 8GB RAM on the 15/16 Pro (an increase from 6GB on the 14 Pro series) macrumors.com talkingtechandaudio.com. Apple’s efficient memory usage means 8GB feels sufficient even for power users. The Galaxy S25 Ultra starts at 256GB and 12GB RAM for its base model, giving it an edge for heavy multitasking or keeping lots of browser tabs open. It also offers microSD expansion in some international variants (a rarity that Samsung sometimes revives on special editions – to be checked if available for S25; if not, disregard). Neither Apple nor Samsung skimp on storage speed – both use fast UFS/NVMe storage for quick load times.

Connectivity & Audio: A brief aside – all these phones have the latest connectivity: 5G (the iPhones and Samsung support both sub6 and mmWave in regions that use mmWave). The iPhone 16 Pro Max, thanks to the new modem, might eke out slightly better 5G battery life and faster speeds in fringe areas compared to the 14/15 Pro Max. The S25 Ultra likely uses the Snapdragon X75 as well (integrated in Gen4). Audio-wise, all have stereo speakers. The iPhone 16’s speakers are noted to be room-filling and rich for a phone – with strong highs, mids, and even some bass for its size techradar.com techradar.com. The Samsung Ultra’s speakers are also loud and clear, and it benefits from Samsung’s continued partnership with AKG for tuning. None have headphone jacks (Apple dropped it long ago; Samsung dropped it in Ultras as of S20).

Overall, the performance category is essentially a win-win at this tier. The iPhone 16 Pro Max will plow through any task and benefits from Apple’s renowned chip design, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra pushes the envelope for Android and finally gives Apple real competition in raw speed. For most users, differences will only show up in benchmarks or extreme workloads. If you truly need the utmost performance (e.g. rendering videos, heavy multitasking, advanced emulation), the S25 Ultra’s higher benchmark and extra RAM might appeal techadvisor.com. But iOS optimizations keep the iPhone feeling extremely agile with less RAM, and Apple’s lead in single-core may translate to snappier responsiveness in simple interactions. As The Verge succinctly put it regarding the 16 Pro generation: it’s an incremental upgrade – “the most incremental of incremental upgrades over the iPhone 15 Pro” in terms of raw hardware changes theverge.com. The real-world uplift is there, but not earth-shattering if you already have last year’s chip.

Camera Systems

If there’s one arena where these flagship phones pull out all the stops, it’s the camera. Each of these devices sports a multi-lens setup aimed at pro-level photography and videography. The iPhone 16 Pro Max brings some notable camera upgrades over the 15 and 14 models, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra continues Samsung’s quest for photography dominance with high megapixel counts and zoom prowess. Let’s compare their arsenals:

• Main Cameras: The iPhone 16 Pro Max carries a 48MP main sensor (24mm f/1.78 lens) – similar resolution to the 14 Pro Max and 15 Pro Max’s 48MP, but Apple says it’s a “custom new sensor” that’s faster and improves low-light capture phonearena.com. It still bins down to 12MP by default for excellent dynamic range, but you can shoot full 48MP ProRAW or HEIF for maximum detail. The 15 Pro Max used essentially the first-gen 48MP sensor introduced on the 14 Pro Max phonearena.com, so the 16’s new sensor (likely with larger pixels or improved readout) gives it a slight edge in clarity and night performance. All three iPhones feature Apple’s Photonic Engine image processing and Smart HDR (with the 16 on Smart HDR 5 vs. HDR4 on the 15/14). By contrast, the Galaxy S25 Ultra packs a whopping 200MP main camera (wide, f/1.7). Samsung has been using 200MP sensors since the S23 Ultra, combining pixels for 12MP or 50MP outputs by default. The sheer resolution gives the Galaxy an advantage in well-lit detail – e.g. you can crop in or print large photos – but sensor size and processing also matter. Apple’s 48MP sensor, while lower MP, is large and coupled with Apple’s color science that tends to produce very balanced, natural shots. In fact, Samsung dialed in its processing this year to be more natural too: colors and skin tones on the S25 Ultra are more true-to-life than the sometimes over-saturated look of older Galaxies, “thanks to its AI-powered ProVisual Engine,” which improved the image processing techadvisor.com. In daytime, both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and S25 Ultra take excellent photos – sharp, high dynamic range, and rich color. A TechRadar camera shootout found “excellent work from both”, noting they often produce “good, even excellent” images that hold up nicely on a big screen techradar.com techradar.com. The difference often comes down to style: Samsung tends to brighten shadows and boost vibrancy a bit more (which can make shots pop, but sometimes at the cost of realism – e.g. it might blow out some highlights or make a scene look more hdr-ish) techradar.com. The iPhone aims for balanced contrast and realistic tones. In that comparison, the reviewer slightly preferred the iPhone’s shot for preserving dramatic lighting (cloud details) where Samsung “made the whole image too bright” and flattened the drama techradar.com. However, Samsung’s large sensor can resolve incredible detail and, with 200MP mode, capture textures the iPhone can’t (at least in ideal light). It’s a trade-off: Apple leans on computational photography for consistency, Samsung leans on raw specs and now smarter AI processing.
• Ultrawide Cameras: Here’s a big upgrade in the iPhone 16 Pro Max – the ultrawide camera jumps to 48MP (13mm f/2.2) from the 12MP in the 15 Pro Max and 14 Pro Max phonearena.com phonearena.com. This high-res ultrawide allows the 16 Pro Max to capture more detailed wide shots and likely improves low-light ultrawide performance (by pixel-binning or using more pixels for Night mode). The 15 Pro Max’s 12MP ultrawide was decent, but not as sharp as the main camera. The 16’s 48MP ultrawide can even shoot full 48MP wide-angle ProRAW images – a big win for landscape photographers who need every pixel. The S25 Ultra, interestingly, also has a high-res ultrawide now: 50MP ultrawide (120˚), an upgrade from the 12MP ultrawide on the S23 Ultra techadvisor.com. Both phones’ ultrawides support autofocus for macro shots. This means Apple and Samsung are neck-and-neck in ultrawide resolution. Reviewers have noted that Samsung’s ultrawide colors now better match the main camera (previously they could differ), and Apple likewise maintains consistency across lenses. The extra resolution should make ultrawide shots from both devices crisper, and allow things like de-warping or cropping without losing too much detail. Overall, expect excellent wide vistas or tight indoor group shots from either. In darker scenes, Apple’s Night mode and photonic engine do wonders on the ultrawide; Samsung’s larger pixel-binned output also helps but historically Apple had an edge in ultrawide night shots – we’ll call that close to tied now with both at 48+ MP and improved algorithms.
• Telephoto & Zoom: This is a key differentiator:
  • The iPhone 16 Pro Max (and 15 Pro Max) feature a 5× optical telephoto lens (12MP, 120mm equivalent) with Apple’s “Tetraprism” periscope design apple.com apple.com. This gives a 5x zoom over the main lens, the longest optical zoom ever on an iPhone. The 14 Pro Max, by contrast, has only a 3× (77mm) telephoto 12MP lens – significantly less reach phonearena.com phonearena.com. So upgrading from a 14 Pro Max to a 16 Pro Max nets you a much farther optical zoom (5x vs 3x) and an extended 10x total optical range (from ultrawide 0.5x to tele 5x) apple.com. Apple also allows a seamless 2x “optical quality” zoom by cropping the 48MP main sensor, effectively giving intermediate 2× (~48mm) shots at 12MP without quality loss apple.com. On the 15/16 Pro Max, you get 0.5×, 1×, 2× (main sensor crop), and 5× native options in the camera UI, which is quite versatile. The one complaint – noted in TechRadar’s verdict – is that even 5x might not be enough for some users; they wrote “More zoom, please” as a con techradar.com, reflecting that competitors like Samsung still surpass iPhone in long-range zoom.
  • The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra continues Samsung’s multi-zoom approach but with a twist this year. Previous Ultras (S21–S23 Ultra) had dual telephoto lenses: 3× (approximately 70mm) and a periscope 10× (230mm). The S25 Ultra is reported to use dual tele lenses offering 3× and 5× optical zoom techadvisor.com. This suggests Samsung may have replaced the 10× module with a 5×, possibly using a higher-resolution sensor to crop beyond 5× digitally. Indeed, specs indicate one telephoto is now a high-res 50MP sensor at presumably 5× zoom samsungmobilepress.com, while the secondary might be the older 10MP 3×. TechAdvisor notes the 3× lens is underwhelming with its “aging 10Mp sensor,” implying Samsung kept an older 3× unit, and the 5× is the new star techadvisor.com techadvisor.com. If true, Samsung traded its extreme 10× optical zoom for a pair of mid-range zooms (3× & 5×) – perhaps an odd choice, but maybe driven by usage data that 10× was less used or to save space/weight. Importantly, Samsung still likely enables very high digital zoom (Space Zoom) of 50× or even 100× using that 50MP tele sensor. So while optical is max 5×, in practice the S25 Ultra can zoom much further digitally than the iPhone (which maxes out 25× digital). Expect the S25 to capture distant subjects (like a far-off sign or moon shot) better than iPhone, albeit with digital artifacts at extreme magnification.
  In terms of quality, at 5× the playing field is level: both iPhone 16 Pro Max and S25 Ultra have a dedicated 5× telephoto. The iPhone’s is 12MP f/2.8 with advanced stabilization and 3D sensor-shift OIS apple.com, while Samsung’s 5× is reportedly 50MP f/3.4 (likely binning to 12MP). In bright light, Samsung’s 5× might resolve more detail thanks to higher pixel count, but in low light Apple’s larger aperture and sensor-shift stabilization might yield cleaner results. Indeed, Apple’s telephoto algorithms (Night mode, Deep Fusion) often produce sharper low-light zoom shots. For portrait photography, Apple uses that 5× lens to great effect for classic telephoto portraits (120mm is great for headshots). However, some critics still wish Apple had a bit more – one tech reviewer craved “more zoom” for the iPhone, as 5× still lags behind the 10× optical capability Samsung offered previously techradar.com. If long-range wildlife or sports photography is a priority, the S25 Ultra will have an edge with its ability to zoom further (even if digitally).
• Image Quality & Processing: Apple and Samsung have different philosophies but are converging somewhat. Apple’s strengths: natural color rendition, excellent HDR that avoids blowing highlights, superb low-light performance with Night mode, and arguably the best video recording quality of any phone (with stable exposure and great stabilization). Samsung’s strengths: sheer detail from high-MP sensors, versatile zoom range, and vibrant images that catch the eye. This year, Samsung toned down over-saturation; one reviewer noted “Samsung’s colours and skin tones are more natural than before” on the S25 Ultra techadvisor.com. Still, Samsung tends to brighten images. Apple, especially with the iPhone 16 Pro Max, even introduced a new Photographic Tone control to let users dial back the default HDR processing if they prefer more contrasty shots theverge.com theverge.com. The Verge’s Nilay Patel praised this feature, saying “turning down the tone control felt like a sigh of relief” to get images with less aggressive tone-mapping – making photos “a little punchier, a little more present” rather than the super-flat HDR look theverge.com theverge.com. In fact, he argued this single camera update (letting users reduce Apple’s tendency to flatten highlights/shadows) is such a meaningful improvement that it could alone justify upgrading for photography enthusiasts theverge.com. This speaks to Apple’s focus on giving more creative control, whereas previously you were stuck with Apple’s processing unless shooting RAW. According to TechAdvisor’s camera comparison, iPhone 16 Pro Max ultimately produces the better overall photo output in key areas: “Portrait shots, low-light images, and video recording (including 4K at 120fps) are simply stunning,” with Apple maintaining an edge in color accuracy and natural-looking results techadvisor.com. They conclude that while Samsung offers more versatility via multiple zoom lenses, Apple leads in low-light and portraits, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max proved to be the “better camera phone” between the two techadvisor.com. This is echoed by PhoneArena’s testing: the 16 Pro Max surpassed the 14 Pro Max in both photo and video quality in their lab scores, with a particularly bigger leap in video performance phonearena.com. In real night shots, the 16 Pro Max delivered “significantly better sharpness” and more true-to-life exposure (neon signs and fine details came out clearer compared to the 14 Pro Max) phonearena.com. Apple’s Night mode and LiDAR-assisted autofocus give it very strong low-light capabilities. Samsung has improved Nightography too, but they still can exhibit more noise in very dim scenes techadvisor.com.
• Video Recording: Apple has long been the king of smartphone video, and all evidence suggests the 16 Pro Max continues that streak. It can capture up to 4K at 60fps in Dolby Vision HDR on all cameras, and notably it introduced 4K @ 120fps slow-motion video recording – a first for iPhone phonearena.com. This allows gorgeous slow-mo at high resolution without sacrificing detail (previously 120fps was limited to 1080p on iPhones). Video enthusiasts will also appreciate that the 16 Pro Max (and 15 Pro) support ProRes video (up to 4K60) and even Log encoding for professional color grading workflows, as well as Spatial Video capture (combining two cameras’ footage for 3D video viewable on Vision Pro headset). The iPhone’s footage is known for its excellent dynamic range and stability. Samsung’s S25 Ultra, meanwhile, likely supports up to 8K video (30fps) and 4K60 on all lenses. Samsung has improved its video a lot – the footage is sharp and now benefits from “AI audio processing” on the S25 (which reduces background noise and focuses on voices) theverge.com. Samsung also added a LOG format video option on the S25 Ultra for enthusiasts theverge.com, mirroring Apple’s inclusion of ProRes Log. However, Samsung’s 8K, while high-res, tends to have a more limited dynamic range and bigger file sizes; Apple’s 4K120 and DolbyVision HDR might be more practical for most. Both phones have strong stabilization: optical stabilization on lenses plus electronic stabilization for smooth footage. Apple’s Cinematic Mode (1080p/4K portrait video at 24/30fps with focus shifts) is unique to iPhone. Samsung offers something akin to Apple’s Action Mode (ultra stabilization) for super steady shots. On audio, Apple equipped the 16 Pro Max with a new “four-array studio‑grade mic” system, enabling directional audio zoom and wind noise reduction, along with a feature called Audio Mix that intelligently isolates voices in videos phonearena.com. This means your videos will sound as good as they look on the iPhone, even in windy conditions. Samsung’s Galaxy has its own audio zoom and stereo recording and, as mentioned, now uses AI to filter noise – both are quite advanced in audio capture, but Apple’s new 4-mic setup is a noteworthy enhancement for content creators.
• Photography Features & UI: The iPhone 16 Pro Max introduces some new camera app capabilities. Beyond the tone control mentioned, Apple now allows more customizable Photographic Styles and the ability to set a default lens or zoom for the Camera app apple.com apple.com. For example, you can configure the camera to always open to a specific focal length (24mm, 28mm, 35mm, etc.) according to your preference, rather than always defaulting to 1× – a handy touch for photography enthusiasts. The new Camera Control button also makes accessing the camera instant and can be half-pressed for quick toggling through lenses (1× to 5×) without tapping the screen techradar.com techradar.com. This physical shutter/zoom control fundamentally changes the shooting experience on the iPhone – “who doesn’t love a physical shutter button?” quips The Verge theverge.com. It allows for steadier shots (pressing a side key can be firmer than tapping the screen) and a more camera-like feel. Samsung’s S25 Ultra relies on its on-screen interface (which is feature-packed, including Pro modes, an Expert RAW app for advanced shooting, and fun modes like Single Take). The S Pen on Samsung can act as a remote shutter and even can switch cameras with a click – a unique perk for tripod shots or selfies.

Both ecosystems now leverage AI in photography: Apple’s latest image pipeline (Photonic Engine, Smart HDR 5) uses neural networks to better render scenes, and Samsung’s Galaxy AI does things like scene optimization and even applied “AI image upscaling” in high-megapixel modes. One contentious area had been Samsung’s overly aggressive processing (like the so-called “Space Zoom moon shots” controversy on earlier models). With S25 Ultra, Samsung is aiming for more authenticity, while Apple, interestingly, gave users the dial to increase contrast if Apple’s own processing was too flat.

Summing up cameras: The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers a more refined photography experience over its predecessors, thanks to the new ultrawide camera, improved main sensor, 5x telephoto, and those game-changing camera controls and software tweaks. A TechRadar review declared “the camera array is excellent” and these new controls “could change how you approach iPhone photography.” techradar.com If you’re coming from an iPhone 14 Pro Max, the jump is big: you gain the 5× zoom, double-resolution ultrawide, better low-light, 4K120 video, and more. From a 15 Pro Max, the differences are more iterative (you already had 5× zoom, but you’ll still get the ultrawide 48MP upgrade and the new physical shutter button plus software improvements). As for Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra, it remains a zoom king and megapixel monster. It may no longer have the 10x optical, but between 0.6x ultrawide through 5x tele, it covers a wide range natively and can digitally zoom way beyond the iPhone. It’s arguably the more versatile camera system (especially for long-range zoom or high-detail 200MP shots). Expert consensus tends to favor the iPhone for overall image/video quality and consistency – particularly in low light and skin tones – while acknowledging Samsung’s camera for versatility and technical capabilities. As TechAdvisor concluded, Samsung offers more lenses and raw power, but Apple’s results, especially for portraits and night mode, often look more pleasing and natural techadvisor.com techadvisor.com. And when it comes to video, the iPhone 16 Pro Max still stands on a pedestal; even 9to5Mac’s review noted the 16 Pro’s ability to do 4K@120fps slow-mo with ease and with excellent quality 9to5mac.com, something essentially unheard of on other phones.

In short: If you want a point-and-shoot that nails it in almost any scenario, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is hard to beat – it’s the best camera phone Apple has ever made, and it holds its own even against Samsung’s juggernaut. If you crave zoom flexibility and love to tinker (say, shooting 200MP RAW or zooming to the moon), the Galaxy S25 Ultra will delight you. Each is a pro-level camera in your pocket, and incremental improvements aside, all of these devices (including the still-capable iPhone 14 Pro Max) can capture stunning photos and videos. The 16 Pro Max just gives you more tools and quality to work with than the older iPhones – and it needed every bit of that to compete with Samsung’s best.

Battery Life & Charging

Battery life can make or break the user experience on these big phones, and thankfully all four are battery beasts. Still, the iPhone 16 Pro Max introduces the largest battery Apple has ever put in an iPhone, and it shows in endurance gains. Meanwhile, Samsung’s S25 Ultra packs a power-dense battery and faster charging. Let’s unpack the differences:

• Battery Capacity: The iPhone 16 Pro Max comes with a 4,685 mAh battery (Apple doesn’t quote mAh, but filings and tear-downs confirm this), which is about a 6% increase over the 15 Pro Max’s ~4,422 mAh cell reddit.com phonearena.com. It’s also larger than the 14 Pro Max’s ~4,323 mAh. This, combined with the efficient 3nm A18 chip and slightly larger chassis, gives the 16 Pro Max the longest battery life of any iPhone to date. Apple’s official rating is up to 29 hours of streamed video playback on the 16 Pro Max (or 33 hours offline video playback) apple.com, compared to about 25–29 hours on the 15 Pro Max. In practical terms, many reviewers found the iPhone 16 Pro Max easily lasts a full day of heavy use, often stretching into two days with lighter use. One Reddit analysis noted it lasts about +23% longer per watt-hour than the 15 Pro Max – an impressive efficiency jump (partly due to the A18 and perhaps tweaks in iOS) youtube.com. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra uses a 5,000 mAh battery, a capacity Samsung has standardized on its Ultras. Despite the slightly bigger battery on paper, the S25 Ultra has to power a higher-res display and the more power-hungry Snapdragon SoC, so real-world screen-on time is in a similar ballpark to the iPhone. Many tests show the S25 Ultra lasting a full day comfortably; some endurance benchmarks have the iPhone edging ahead by virtue of iOS optimization. PhoneArena, for instance, found the 16 Pro Max lasted longer in certain usage tests (thanks to that efficient A18 Pro and ProMotion display that can drop to 1Hz) phonearena.com phonearena.com. Still, both phones are all-day flagships.
• Charging Speeds: Here Samsung takes a notable lead. The Galaxy S25 Ultra supports fast wired charging that can juice it from 0 to ~70% in 30 minutes techadvisor.com. It likely uses 45W (or higher) charging – Samsung improved charging since the S23 Ultra’s ~45W. In contrast, Apple remains conservative: the iPhone 16 Pro Max supports up to about 27~30W peak charging (Apple just says 50% in 30 minutes with a 20W or higher charger) apple.com. TechAdvisor measured 0–50% in ~28 minutes for the 16 Pro Max with a fast charger techadvisor.com. To go 0–70% the iPhone would take roughly 45 minutes or more, whereas the Samsung hits 70% in 30 minutes techadvisor.com. For a full charge, Samsung can do ~60-65 minutes, Apple more like ~90 minutes. Neither includes a charger in the box nowadays, but if you have a strong USB-C adapter, Samsung simply charges faster. Both devices support wireless charging: iPhone 16 Pro Max up to 15W via MagSafe (or up to 25W if using the new Qi2 standard charger, according to Apple’s spec) apple.com apple.com, and standard Qi at 7.5W. Samsung S25 Ultra supports Qi wireless (often up to 15W with Samsung’s Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 pad). Additionally, both support reverse wireless charging (Samsung calls it Wireless PowerShare, Apple doesn’t have a branded name but the hardware supports it as of iPhone 15/16). This lets you top up accessories or another phone on the back – handy for charging AirPods on the fly, for example.
• Battery Life in Use: Apple’s optimization means the 16 Pro Max is extremely power efficient for tasks like video playback. Apple quotes 33 hours video playback offline apple.com, up from 29h on 15 Pro Max phonearena.com. In real use, that might mean you could binge ~10+ hours of streaming video and still have some juice left. The 14 Pro Max already was a marathon runner (many users report ending the day with 20-40% on 14 Pro Max with normal use). The 16 Pro Max extends that margin. If you’re upgrading from 14 Pro Max to 16 Pro Max, expect a few more hours of use on average, especially in screen-intensive activities – a welcome boost. The 15 Pro Max was roughly on par or slightly better than 14 Pro Max thanks to efficiency gains, but the 16 Pro Max clearly pulls ahead as Apple’s battery champ. As one early review put it, the iPhone 16 Pro Max offers “insane battery life” that can outlast almost all competitors in its class 9to5mac.com. The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s endurance is also excellent for an Android flagship. With a slightly larger battery and more aggressive power management in Android 15 + One UI 7, it can match the iPhone in many daily scenarios. It might, however, drain faster under heavy 5G use or gaming, where Apple’s chips are known to be more power-efficient per frame. Samsung phone owners appreciate that even with always-on display and high usage, the S25 Ultra can usually make it from morning to bedtime without anxiety. And if they do need a top-up, the fast charging can be a lifesaver with a quick 15-minute plug giving a big boost.

Overall battery verdict: The iPhone 16 Pro Max has the longest battery life of the trio of iPhones, thanks to the biggest battery and Apple’s silicon efficiency. It’s a noticeable improvement such that Apple fans coming from older devices will love the all-day confidence. The iPhone 15 Pro Max was already strong, but the 16 Pro Max can last a bit longer – Apple claims about 4 extra hours of streamed video, for example apple.com apple.com. The iPhone 14 Pro Max still holds up well but will generally fall a few hours shorter in heavy use compared to the 16 (its older 5G modem and 4nm chip aren’t as frugal as the new hardware). The Galaxy S25 Ultra, with its 5000mAh pack, is right up there in all-day longevity and has the benefit of significantly faster charging to offset any battery anxiety techadvisor.com. If you value super-fast charging and don’t mind carrying a 45W charger, Samsung clearly wins that aspect – getting to ~70% in 30 min vs iPhone’s ~50% in 30 min techadvisor.com. Both phones support modern conveniences like wireless and reverse charging, though Apple’s MagSafe ecosystem provides neat magnetic accessories for charging (car mounts, wallets, etc.) that Samsung doesn’t natively have (some Android accessories mimic MagSafe though).

Either way, none of these devices are battery slackers. The days of charging midday are largely gone here – they are built to handle heavy workloads on a single charge. The iPhone 16 Pro Max just pushes the envelope further, making it an ideal choice for users who need maximum endurance (for travel, long photography sessions, etc.), while Samsung ensures you can fill up quickly if you ever do run low.

Software & Ecosystem Features

On the software front, we’re comparing Apple’s iOS 18 (on the iPhone 16 Pro Max) with iOS 17/18 on the older iPhones (they can all run iOS 18 as of 2025), versus Android 15 with One UI 7 on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Each platform has its strengths, and each new generation brings some exclusive features (especially on Apple’s side, where certain “Apple Intelligence” features are tied to the A18 chip).

• iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence: The iPhone 16 Pro Max launched with iOS 18, which Apple billed as a significant step toward more on-device AI-powered “personal intelligence.” Apple is integrating what it calls “Apple Intelligence” deeply into the OS – think smarter Siri, predictive assistance, and image/media handling enhanced by machine learning techradar.com techradar.com. However, many of these flagship AI features weren’t fully available at launch, making the initial software feel a bit unfinished. In fact, The Verge’s Nilay Patel remarked that the iPhone 16 Pro (and Max) is “one of the most unfinished products Apple has ever shipped” in terms of software, since “almost all of its highlight features will arrive in future updates” stretching into 2025 theverge.com. He was referring to things like the Apple Intelligence features (coming in iOS 18.1+) and even the complete functionality of the new camera button (which at launch could open the camera, but promised more capabilities with software updates) theverge.com. Even a new Siri UI animation teased by Apple (“It’s Glowtime”) was absent at first – you got the same old Siri orb until the AI updates roll out theverge.com. So, what will Apple Intelligence bring? It’s essentially Apple’s answer to Google’s AI features: on-device large language model processing for more context-aware assistance. Siri is expected to get smarter, being able to use personal data on your iPhone (with privacy protections) to answer queries more contextually – but as of mid-2025, this is still in early stages. Lance Ulanoff of TechRadar noted that “Apple Intelligence offers some useful and intriguing features, but it’s not yet the thing that will…drive upgrades.” techradar.com In its early form, he found it “far from complete”, with only a “small glimpse” available at launch that “leaves you wanting more.” techradar.com techradar.com For example, iOS 18 introduced Writing Tools (like enhanced autocorrect and sentence paraphrasing in the keyboard), a clean-up tool in Photos that lets you magically erase objects (similar to Google’s Magic Eraser) which he found impressively effective techradar.com techradar.com, and an improved (but still not multi-turn conversational) Siri. Siri will eventually get that new glowing full-screen animation and be able to handle more complex requests once Apple flips the AI switch. But as Lance humorously said, this first iteration “has yet to reach its full potential” and is “not the one that will spark a billion upgrades.” techradar.com techradar.com It’s an exciting direction – essentially Apple is laying the groundwork for more AI-driven features in messaging, email triage, personal scheduling, etc., over the coming year. Aside from AI, iOS 18 brings many quality-of-life improvements: updated apps, enhanced privacy features, possibly a redesigned Control Center, etc. (For instance, rumors and some betas hint at interactive Home Screen widgets, better customization, and improvements to Messages and Health apps.) All of these will run on the iPhone 16 Pro Max out-of-box, and the 15/14 Pro Max via updates. However, some features may be exclusive to the newer hardware: often, certain machine learning features (like on-device dictation improvements or advanced AR stuff) require the latest Neural Engine. For example, that Clean Up object removal in photos works best on A18. Also, only the iPhone 16/16 Pro models can capture Spatial Videos for the Vision Pro headset – a niche feature, but worth noting.
• Android 15 and One UI 7 (Samsung): The Galaxy S25 Ultra launched with Android 15 (Google’s 2024 OS version) and Samsung’s custom One UI 7 skin. Samsung’s software philosophy is about offering many features and customization. One UI 7 refines the interface with minor visual tweaks and new Galaxy-specific AI integrations. Samsung has its own “Galaxy AI” which, according to The Verge, revolves around enhanced photo processing and personalized features rather than flashy new hardware theverge.com. Expect things like predictive multitasking (e.g. the phone might suggest apps based on your routine), smart reminders, and camera AI that optimizes settings on the fly. One UI 7 likely added improved theming, widget enhancements, and tighter integration with Windows PCs (Samsung’s Link to Windows, etc.). A unique selling point for the S25 Ultra is the S Pen stylus and its software. One UI’s Notes app and Air Command let you draw, annotate, and navigate with the stylus. You can hover for previews, or use the S Pen’s button as a remote (for slideshows or camera shutter). Samsung did experience a quirk with the S25’s S Pen: they reportedly removed the Bluetooth LE functions this year (meaning the S Pen no longer works as a remote control from afar or for air gestures) – a change noted as “a letdown” for S Pen fans techadvisor.com. But core writing and sketching functions remain, making the S25 Ultra a mini notepad or sketchpad – something iPhones don’t offer natively (although you can use an Apple Pencil on an iPad, there’s no official stylus for iPhone, aside from third-party capacitive ones). Android 15 itself emphasizes personalization (like lock screen customizations, which ironically Apple introduced in iOS 16 and Google followed with its own version). It also likely improves privacy controls and notifications. But one of Android’s enduring advantages is flexibility: app sideloading, deeper UI theming, setting third-party apps as defaults for basically everything – all things iOS does in a limited way, if at all.
• Ecosystem & Exclusive Apps: If you’re entrenched in Apple’s ecosystem (Macs, iPads, Apple Watch, etc.), the iPhone synergizes with features like AirDrop, Continuity/Handoff, iMessage, and FaceTime. TechAdvisor highlights iPhone’s “tightly integrated ecosystem with features like AirDrop, iMessage, and FaceTime, as well as prioritising security and privacy.” techadvisor.com. Everything from handoff of Safari pages, to Universal Clipboard, to unlocking a Mac with your iPhone, works seamlessly. On the other hand, Samsung (and Android/Windows) have their own integrations – e.g. Phone Link with Windows 11 lets you text and access mobile apps from a PC, and Samsung’s tablets can extend screens with Galaxy phones too. It’s improving, but Apple’s ecosystem is still generally more cohesive if you have multiple Apple devices. For someone with a Galaxy S25 Ultra, the Google services ecosystem and Microsoft integration might be more relevant (and those work on iPhone too, but arguably less deeply integrated). App selection is great on both, though iOS still has a slight edge in some pro apps (and now even AAA games, thanks to Apple Silicon). But Android allows app stores and installations beyond the Play Store (and in the EU by 2025, iOS might be forced to allow third-party app installs too, due to DMA regulations – a developing situation).
• Longevity & Updates: Apple typically supports iPhones for 5+ years of iOS updates. The 14 Pro Max (released 2022 with iOS 16) will likely get updates till around iOS 21 or 22 (~2027/28). The 15 Pro Max, a year longer. The 16 Pro Max, being newest, is safest for long-term support (likely till 2030 or so). Samsung historically lagged here, but they’ve improved dramatically: for the S25 Ultra, Samsung promises 7 years of update support (which likely includes 5 years of major Android OS updates and 7 years security patches) techadvisor.com. This is huge – it puts Samsung nearly on par with Apple’s support longevity, meaning an S25 Ultra bought in 2025 should get updates into 2032 (Android 19 or 20 perhaps). So in terms of future-proofing, both phones are excellent. It’s worth noting the iPhone 16 Pro Max and S25 Ultra are likely to be running strong even years down the line given their high-end specs and long support.
• User Interface & Ease of Use: iOS is often praised for its intuitive UI and smooth experience, albeit with less customization. Android/One UI is praised for customization and power features, though can be more complex for some users. It’s partly personal preference. One UI adds a lot of features (some call it feature-rich, others occasionally find it overwhelming). iOS 18 continues Apple’s trend of adding more customization (lock screen wallpapers with widgets, etc.) but still within a curated framework.

In summary, software might be the most subjective category. If you love iOS and Apple’s way of doing things, the iPhone 16 Pro Max will be a joy, and you’ll appreciate the new iOS 18 touches and upcoming Apple Intelligence perks (even if they’re a work in progress). Apple’s focus on privacy and security remains a selling point – much of its AI is on-device, keeping your data private. If you’re an Android aficionado or need the versatility of a file system, emulator apps, theming, etc., the Galaxy S25 Ultra offers that freedom. It also packs the unique S Pen capabilities that no iPhone has – great for note-takers or artists on the go. Both platforms have copied and leapfrogged each other in features (e.g., both now have very similar always-on displays, lock screen widgets, etc.). At the end of the day, ecosystem lock-in is real: iPhone users likely stay for iMessage/FaceTime (green bubbles be damned), while Android users stick with the customization and Google integration.

One thing is clear: the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s biggest “software” innovations – like Apple’s new AI features – are still maturing techradar.com. Early adopters are basically getting in on the ground floor of Apple’s AI ecosystem. If you want a phone that already has a more fleshed-out AI assistant experience, ironically, Google’s Pixel or even Samsung with Google Assistant might feel ahead (for now). But Apple will catch up fast, and possibly deliver a very slick, privacy-oriented AI. As Lance Ulanoff said, Apple Intelligence “shows early promise” but compared to the competition (Google’s Gemini, Samsung’s Galaxy AI), “it seems a bit limited” at launch – Siri still isn’t the all-purpose problem solver an AI like ChatGPT is, and there’s “no AI image generation, not even the promised Genmojis” yet techradar.com techradar.com. So, software-wise in July 2025, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is simultaneously on the cutting-edge (in potential) and a bit incomplete (in present) theverge.com. The good news is that updates will continuously add features over the device’s life.

Pricing & Value

Flagship phones command flagship prices. Let’s compare how these devices are priced and what value proposition they offer, especially as of mid-2025:

• Launch Prices: Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at $1,199 (USD) for the base 256GB model (₤1,099 in the UK) techadvisor.com. That’s the same starting price the iPhone 15 Pro Max had in the US (though the 15 Pro Max base was also 256GB, Apple eliminated the 128GB tier for the Pro Max in 2023 and kept pricing consistent). The 512GB iPhone 16 Pro Max is $1,399, and the top 1TB costs a hefty $1,599 techadvisor.com. For context, the older iPhone 14 Pro Max launched at $1,099 but that was for a smaller 128GB; equivalently, its 256GB version was $1,199 as well. So Apple’s Pro Max pricing has crept up mainly via storage changes. By July 2025, Apple no longer sells the 14 Pro Max or 15 Pro Max on its website (they typically discontinue previous Pro models when new ones launch). However, you can find the iPhone 15 Pro Max through carriers or third-party sellers often at a discount now – perhaps around $1,049 or lower for 256GB as inventory clears. The iPhone 14 Pro Max, being two generations old, is commonly found in the ~$800-$900 range (used or if any new stock remains) for 256GB, and less for used 128GB models. So in pure dollar terms, going for a 14 Pro Max could save you several hundred dollars if you don’t need the latest and greatest. But you’d be sacrificing those improvements we discussed.
• Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra’s price actually starts higher: $1,299 for 256GB in the US (₤1,249 UK) techadvisor.com. The 512GB is $1,419, and the 1TB hits $1,659 techadvisor.com. So Samsung is charging a premium, about $100 more than Apple for the base model. Part of that is likely the cost of that big 200MP camera system and included S Pen. However, it’s important to note Samsung’s pricing is often more fluid. Soon after launch (and certainly by mid-year), Galaxy flagships frequently see promotions. For example, Tech Advisor’s price tracker showed street prices already around $1,199 for the S25 Ultra (256GB) via Amazon or carriers – effectively shaving $100 off techadvisor.com techadvisor.com. Samsung also bundles trade-in deals and freebies (like Galaxy Buds or a tablet) during promos. Apple iPhones, by contrast, tend to hold their sticker price longer and discounts (outside of carrier contracts or trade-ins) are rarer or smaller.
• Value for Money: At these prices, none of these phones are “value” devices; they’re for users who want the absolute best. The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers more base storage per dollar than the old 14 Pro Max did, so that somewhat offsets the price jump from 14 to 16. It also offers a suite of new features (camera enhancements, bigger screen, etc.) that can justify the price to enthusiasts. If you already have a 15 Pro Max, the value proposition to upgrade to 16 Pro Max is debatable – it’s an upgrade for sure, but perhaps not $1,200 worth if your 15 is still serving well. For someone on an iPhone 12/13/14 Pro Max, the 16 Pro Max “is probably the moment for a big-screen upgrade,” as TechRadar’s verdict put it techradar.com. The cumulative improvements (5G if coming from 12, 120Hz if coming from 13, 48MP if coming from 13, etc.) plus the 16’s own new features become very attractive. In that sense, the 16 Pro Max is a fantastic upgrade for those skipping a couple generations – you get maximum benefit. The iPhone 15 Pro Max now, at a lower price on secondary markets, could be a savvy buy if you want many of the 16’s capabilities at perhaps a few hundred dollars less. It has the same form factor minus the camera button, and while you’d miss out on the ultrawide 48MP and some battery life, you’d still have a top-tier chip and telephoto. The 14 Pro Max at an even lower cost might appeal to those who just want a large iPhone and can live with 3x zoom and Lightning port to save money. For the S25 Ultra, the value comes in the sheer feature set: it’s like getting a phone and a small tablet and a digital camera in one, especially with the S Pen functionalities. However, it being pricier than the iPhone 16 might give pause to some – except that, as mentioned, Samsung is more likely to have deals. By mid-2025 you might effectively pay less for an S25 Ultra due to discounts than a still-at-MSRP iPhone 16 Pro Max. TechAdvisor’s conclusion was that “the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra emerges as the winner” if you’re platform-agnostic, because “it offers a more feature-rich experience, with superior display tech, better performance, a bigger battery, faster charging and productivity tools like the S Pen.” techadvisor.com In pure spec-for-dollar, the Samsung arguably gives you more (higher res screen, more RAM, stylus, etc.). They noted that while the iPhone 16 Pro Max is a “powerhouse” and the obvious choice for anyone already in Apple’s ecosystem, the S25 Ultra “provides better value and versatility”, especially since Samsung’s prices are more easily reduced with discounts techadvisor.com techadvisor.com. Essentially, if you just want the most phone for your money and don’t mind Android, Samsung might stretch your dollar further.
• Resale Value: One consideration – iPhones historically hold resale value better than Androids. Two years down the line, that iPhone 16 Pro Max might fetch a higher percentage of its cost than an S25 Ultra will. This can factor into long-term value.
• Which One to Buy? It ultimately circles back to ecosystem and personal priorities. If you’re entrenched in iOS or prefer Apple’s user experience, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the best iPhone you can buy in 2025 – and it truly is a top-tier device, earning descriptions like “bigger and more powerful than ever” with “the big-screen smartphone of your dreams” in one review techradar.com. Its major innovations (nearly 7″ display, new camera hardware, record battery life, emerging AI features) make it a forward-looking choice that will feel modern for years. On the other hand, if you’re platform-neutral or leaning Android, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is second to none on that side – it’s basically a Swiss Army knife of smartphones, with every feature under the sun (and perhaps even the kitchen sink). TechAdvisor calls it “the ultimate flagship experience”, especially once you factor in that you can often get it at a discount easier than getting a deal on an iPhone techadvisor.com.

For those cross-shopping, consider what matters: Want simpler, streamlined software, and guaranteed timely updates for years? iPhone has an edge. Need stylus input, extreme zoom, or prefer customizing your device extensively? Samsung wins there. Both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S25 Ultra are phenomenal, and by all accounts, you’ll be happy with either – they just cater to slightly different definitions of “best.”

As a final note, Apple’s incremental approach means the differences between 15 Pro Max and 16 Pro Max, while meaningful, are not radical. Even The Verge’s editor-in-chief teased that aside from that one killer new camera setting, the 16 Pro is “the most incremental…upgrade” year-over-year theverge.com. So if you have a 15 Pro Max, you have 90% of what the 16 offers. But if you demand that extra 10% (and especially if you are a camera buff who will use the new 48MP ultrawide or 4K120 video or just must have the new shiny toy), the 16 Pro Max will satisfy. And if you’re debating jumping ship between Apple and Samsung, it boils down to ecosystem lock-in and which feature set aligns with your use: Neither will disappoint in performance, display, or camera – it’s those fringe features (S Pen vs. Apple’s ecosystem, iMessage vs. RCS, FaceID vs. fingerprint, etc.) that might sway you.

Conclusion

The iPhone 16 Pro Max represents Apple at its finest in 2024/2025: it brings a bigger, brighter display, tangible camera improvements, a novel hardware button for shutterbugs, and class-leading battery life – all powered by the mighty A18 Pro chip and Apple’s polished iOS experience. It’s an iterative yet impactful upgrade over the 15 Pro Max and a huge leap from the 14 Pro Max in several areas. Early adopters get to taste Apple’s burgeoning AI features and enjoy a device that “offers some useful and intriguing features” even if some of its promises are still on the horizon techradar.com. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra showcases the pinnacle of Android innovation, doubling down on an incredible screen, versatile cameras, raw horsepower, and the unique S Pen, all tied together by Samsung’s feature-rich One UI.

In this ultimate showdown, each device claims certain victories: The S25 Ultra wins on paper in display resolution and refresh, matches or exceeds in performance and charging, and offers unrivaled versatility (it’s hard to beat an included stylus and 200MP camera). The iPhone 16 Pro Max strikes back with superior cinematic video, more restrained and natural photo processing, longer software support (now matched by Samsung’s pledge), and an ecosystem many find invaluable. It also now has that new trick of a haptic camera button that photography enthusiasts adore. As TechAdvisor’s analysis succinctly put it, if you’re not committed to one OS, Samsung’s flagship might give you “more” for your money – more features, more zoom, more openness – making it “the top pick for those who want the ultimate flagship experience” techadvisor.com techadvisor.com. But if you’re an iPhone user or prefer iOS, the 16 Pro Max is “a powerhouse within the Apple ecosystem” and the big-screen iPhone to get, delivering on the promise of the most advanced iPhone yet techadvisor.com.

Ultimately, “best” is subjective. What’s clear is that the iPhone 16 Pro Max has cemented itself as one of 2025’s finest phones, with major innovations like the nearly 7-inch ProMotion display, new 48MP ultrawide and Camera Control button, and incredible endurance setting it apart from its predecessors techradar.com. It’s a worthy upgrade for those coming from older models (12 or 13 series especially) who will feel the difference immediately techradar.com. And it keeps Apple firmly in the fight with Samsung’s Ultra. For consumers, it’s hard to go wrong with any of these four – they’re all Pro Max or Ultra for good reason. The choice comes down to which ecosystem and feature set you value most in this battle of tech titans.

Expert Verdict: “The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is bigger and more powerful than ever… Power and battery life both get a boost to make this the big-screen smartphone of your dreams.” techradar.com At the same time, “the Galaxy S25 Ultra provides better value and versatility… especially if you can get it with a discount, which is easier to come by [than for an iPhone].” techadvisor.com techadvisor.com In other words, iPhone 16 Pro Max is a dream come true for iOS loyalists craving the latest and greatest, while Samsung’s S25 Ultra is a feature-packed champion for those who want no-compromise hardware (and don’t mind Android’s flavor). The iPhone 15 Pro Max and 14 Pro Max remain formidable in their own right, but the 16 Pro Max firmly takes the crown in Apple’s lineup by addressing past shortcomings and pushing the envelope just enough to tempt those waiting for a reason to upgrade. If you’re in the market now (July 2025) for a ultra-premium phone, these are the candidates at the top of the list – and whichever you pick, you’ll be holding one of the best smartphones in the world.

Sources:

• TechRadar – “Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max review: a beautiful, intelligent beast” (Lance Ulanoff) techradar.com techradar.com techradar.com techradar.com techradar.com techradar.com
• TechAdvisor – “Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: The ultimate flagship battle” (Artur Tomala) techadvisor.com techadvisor.com techadvisor.com techadvisor.com techadvisor.com techadvisor.com techadvisor.com techadvisor.com techadvisor.com
• TechRadar – “I took the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S25 Ultra for a photoshoot – here’s the winner” (Lance Ulanoff) techradar.com techradar.com
• PhoneArena – “iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 14 Pro Max: reasons to upgrade” phonearena.com phonearena.com
• The Verge – “Apple iPhone 16 Pro review: small camera update, big difference” (Nilay Patel) theverge.com theverge.com theverge.com
• MacRumors – “iPhone 16 Battery Capacities Revealed” reddit.com and Apple Spec documents apple.com apple.com apple.com for technical specifications.
• TechAdvisor – “Price & Availability” section for S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max pricing techadvisor.com techadvisor.com.
• TechRadar – “TechRadar Verdict” on iPhone 16 Pro Max techradar.com and Cons/Pros techradar.com theverge.com; TechAdvisor – Verdict comparing S25 Ultra and iPhone techadvisor.com techadvisor.com.