Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. Apple iPhone 16 Pro: A Comprehensive Comparison

If you're in the market for a powerful, compact flagship phone and are willing to spend top dollar, the Samsung Galaxy S25 and Apple iPhone 16 Pro are two of the most compelling options available. While both devices are premium offerings from their respective brands, they differ significantly in terms of hardware, software, and pricing. The only common ground they share is their compact footprint. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which one suits your needs better.

Design

When it comes to portability, the Galaxy S25 takes the lead. It’s shorter, narrower, and thinner than the iPhone 16 Pro, making it feel significantly more compact in hand. At 162 grams, it’s also over 30 grams lighter than the iPhone 16 Pro, which weighs in at 199 grams. This difference in weight is noticeable during daily use.

In terms of build quality, the iPhone 16 Pro has a slight edge. It features a titanium frame and Ceramic Shield glass, while the Galaxy S25 opts for an aluminium frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2. Both devices are IP68-rated for water and dust resistance, though Apple certifies its devices to withstand deeper immersion (6 meters vs. Samsung’s 1.5 meters).

Display

Both phones boast excellent displays, but the iPhone 16 Pro pulls ahead with Dolby Vision support, a slightly higher resolution, and a brighter panel. The iPhone’s display reaches a peak brightness of 1,764 nits compared to the Galaxy S25’s 1,395 nits. However, the S25’s punch-hole selfie camera takes up less screen real estate than the iPhone’s notch, which some users may prefer.

Battery Life

The Galaxy S25 packs a 4,000 mAh battery, while the iPhone 16 Pro has a smaller 3,582 mAh battery. In terms of active use, the iPhone 16 Pro offers marginally better battery life, excelling in web browsing and video streaming. However, the Galaxy S25 performs better in call runtime and gaming. Overall, the iPhone 16 Pro has a slight edge in battery efficiency.

Charging

Neither device impresses with charging speeds. The Galaxy S25 supports 25W wired charging, while the iPhone 16 Pro supports 39W. In our tests, the S25 completed a full charge in 77 minutes, outpacing the iPhone’s 98 minutes. However, the iPhone charges slightly faster in the first 30 minutes. For users prioritizing faster full charges, the Galaxy S25 is the better choice.

Speaker Test

Both phones deliver good audio quality, but they excel in different areas. The Galaxy S25 wins in loudness, while the iPhone 16 Pro offers better sound tuning, with warmer tones and more expressive bass. If sound quality is a priority, the iPhone 16 Pro has the edge.

Performance

The Galaxy S25 is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, which outperforms the iPhone 16 Pro’s A18 Pro chip in both CPU and GPU benchmarks. The S25’s multi-core performance is 21% faster, and it leads by 38% in GPU-heavy tasks. Additionally, the S25 comes with 12GB of RAM across all configurations, while the iPhone 16 Pro is limited to 8GB.

Cameras

The iPhone 16 Pro boasts superior camera hardware, including a 48MP main sensor, a 12MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom, and a 48MP ultrawide camera. The Galaxy S25, on the other hand, features a 50MP main camera, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide shooter.

In real-world use, the iPhone 16 Pro delivers sharper images with better detail and dynamic range, especially in low-light conditions. However, the Galaxy S25 performs better at 3x zoom thanks to its dedicated telephoto lens. For video recording, the iPhone 16 Pro is the clear winner, offering superior quality across most scenarios.

Verdict

Both the Samsung Galaxy S25 and Apple iPhone 16 Pro are exceptional compact flagship phones, but they cater to different priorities. The iPhone 16 Pro stands out with its brighter display, superior camera system, longer battery life, and premium build. However, it comes at a higher price, starting at €1,000/$1,000 compared to the Galaxy S25’s €800/$800 price tag.

On the other hand, the Galaxy S25 offers a more compact and lightweight design, faster charging, a more powerful chipset, and a lower price. It also comes with readily available AI features, while Apple is still rolling out its AI-powered functionalities.

Who Should Buy Which?

Samsung Galaxy S25 is ideal for:

- Those who prioritize a lightweight and compact design.

- Users who want faster charging and a more powerful chipset.

- Budget-conscious buyers looking for a premium phone at a lower price.

- Fans of AI features and a 3x optical zoom camera.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro is ideal for:

- Users who want a brighter display with Dolby Vision.

- Those who prioritize camera quality and battery life.

- Fans of premium builds and advanced features like Face ID, UWB, and satellite messaging.

- Users invested in the Apple ecosystem.

Pricing

- Samsung Galaxy S25: Starts at $799.99 for 128GB/12GB RAM.

- Apple iPhone 16 Pro: Starts at $999.99 for 128GB/8GB RAM.

Final Thoughts

The iPhone 16 Pro is the better overall phone, but it comes at a premium. If you’re looking for a more affordable yet powerful option, the Galaxy S25 is an excellent choice. Ultimately, your decision will depend on your budget, ecosystem preferences, and which features matter most to you.