Apple
iPhone 16
Phones
$799List price
Explore this product Your shortlist, side by side
iPhone 16 vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Find the differences that matter for your next decision.
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Phones
$1,299List price
Explore this product What matters most to you?
Start with all rankable specifications, or focus on a particular use.
Your starting point
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
- Leads 14 of 15 rankable overall specs; iPhone 16 takes 1.
- Size: 6.9 inches vs 6.1 inches
How we reached this
We compare the published specifications relevant to your priority. Each rankable specification counts once; your selected requirements can rule a product out. This is a guide to the numbers, not a laboratory performance score.
RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB
iPhone 16 is $500 cheaper. Pay the difference only if size matters to you.
The trade-off to know
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Premium $1,299 starting price
Look at the differences ↓Refine your requirements
Your other devices
What would rule one out?
Side by side
The differences, in detail.
Start with the key specs, then explore as much as you need.
| What you’re comparing | iPhone 16 | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| WeightBody | 170 g | 219 g (7.72 oz) |
| SizeDisplay | 6.1 inches | 6.9 inches |
| ChipsetPlatform | Apple A18 (3 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy (3 nm) |
| RAMMemory | 8 GB | 12 GB (16 GB option) |
| Max optical zoomRear camera | 2x optical quality crop (10x digital) | 5x optical zoom (10x optical quality, 100x Space Zoom) |
Showing 5 of 48 specifications. Missing values stay unlisted. About the sources
Both sides of the decision
What you gain. What you give up.
iPhone 16
Reasons to choose it
- Powerful Apple A18 processor built for Apple Intelligence
- Camera Control button and Action button included on standard tier
- Vibrant saturated color-infused back glass designs
Worth considering
- Display still restricted to 60Hz refresh rate
- No dedicated optical telephoto camera lens
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Reasons to choose it
- Top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite 3nm custom Galaxy performance
- Upgraded 50MP ultra-wide and dual 50MP telephoto sensors with 200MP main
- Corning Gorilla Armor 2 anti-reflective display and built-in S Pen stylus
Worth considering
- Premium $1,299 starting price
- Wired charging remains at 45W
Beyond the spec sheet
Living with your choice.
Explore the ownership details available for this pair.
What three years could cost
iPhone 16
3-Year Estimated Total$828
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
3-Year Estimated Total$1,299
Pocket, Palm & Desk Usability Check
One-handed reachability, pocket weight, and table wobble when typing without a case.
One-Handed Palm Reach
Apple
6.1" display with 71.6mm width (easy one-handed thumb reach)
Samsung
Standard smartphone width
Desk Typing Table Wobble
Apple
Vertical pill camera bump causes minor tilt on flat surfaces
Samsung
Corner camera bump causes minor wobble
Pocket Weight & Heft
Apple
170g (featherweight in pocket)
Samsung
Standard phone weight
Everyday ownership notes
Documented ergonomic quirks, hardware annoyances, and maintenance realities reported by real owners.
Apple: What to watch for
- Hidden Cost
No wall charging adapter included in the retail box.
Samsung: What to watch for
- Hidden Cost
No wall charging adapter included in the retail box.
Know what’s behind the comparison
Published specs. Visible sources.
Clinchmark compares manufacturer specifications and other published information. We have not independently lab-tested these products. Editorial assessments and unknown values are identified in the specification details.
Catalog snapshot: September 1, 2026. Prices, availability, and provider terms can change.
Still weighing it up?
Which is cheaper, the iPhone 16 or the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
iPhone 16 costs $500 less at list price.
What is the biggest catch with the iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
iPhone 16 has this deal-breaker: no stylus. No pen input for handwritten notes or markup.
Which is better for photos, the iPhone 16 or the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
For photos, buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Leads 3 of 3 rankable photos specs. Max optical zoom: 5x optical zoom vs 2x optical quality crop
What cannot be compared from spec sheets?
Of the 48 specs tracked here, 33 are descriptive and cannot be ranked on numbers alone. Spec sheets also cannot measure subjective factors like build quality, real-world performance, or comfort.