iPhone 16 vs Samsung Galaxy S25
Apple versus Samsung: the iPhone 16 and the Galaxy S25 go after the same flagship smartphone buyer. The scorecard favors the Galaxy S25, which leads in 2 of 5 areas. Its strongest showing is in the display category.
At a glance
- Display Galaxy S25 wins
- Performance Tie
- Memory & Storage Tie
- Camera Galaxy S25 wins
- Battery & Charging iPhone 16 wins
- Price iPhone 16 wins
- Display2.6
- Camera1.7
- Display5.8
- Camera2.4
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Galaxy S25 has a 120 Hz display instead of 60 Hz
On this line of the spec sheet, the Galaxy S25 is in a different league: 120 Hz, next to 60 Hz for the iPhone 16. You notice refresh rate every time you scroll a feed or a web page, which is why the Galaxy S25 feels more fluid in everyday use.
-
The Galaxy S25 has 30% higher peak brightness
For peak brightness, the Galaxy S25 leads by a wide margin: 2,600 nits versus 2,000 nits. Peak figures are usually reached only in short bursts or small areas of the screen, but a higher ceiling still helps outdoor visibility.
-
The Galaxy S25 has an extra rear camera
This is a headline difference. With 3 to the iPhone 16’s 2, the Galaxy S25 has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. An extra rear camera usually means another focal length (ultra-wide, telephoto or macro) and more freedom in framing.
-
The Galaxy S25 has a 0.28 oz lighter build
The iPhone 16 isn’t far behind at 6 oz, but the Galaxy S25’s 5.71 oz still comes out ahead. Weight shows up every time you hold the phone above your face in bed or type one-handed for a long stretch.
-
The iPhone 16 has faster 25 W wireless charging
Put simply, the iPhone 16 is far ahead here: 25 W compared with 15 W. Faster wireless charging makes a pad or stand more practical as your main way to top up.
Design & Size
- iPhone 16 5.81 in × 2.82 in × 0.31 in
- Galaxy S25 5.78 in × 2.78 in × 0.28 in
Their dimensions are close enough that size should be one of the last things you weigh. In the weight column, the Galaxy S25 leads by 0.28 oz. Measured edge to edge, the Galaxy S25 is the thinner one, by 0.02 in.
Design & Build
| Spec | iPhone 16 | Galaxy S25 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5.81 in | 5.78 in |
| Width | 2.82 in | 2.78 in |
| Thickness | 0.31 in | 0.28 in (winner) |
| Weight | 6 oz | 5.71 oz (winner) |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Armor Aluminum |
Display
Galaxy S25 leads
In this area the Galaxy S25 has a lead the iPhone 16 can’t close. The Galaxy S25 answers with a 120 Hz display instead of 60 Hz. Smoother motion is one of the most visible display upgrades, and adaptive high-refresh panels can slow down on static content to save power. Here the iPhone 16 offers 11% sharper pixel density. Anyone shopping mainly on display should start with the Galaxy S25.
Refresh rate
iPhone 16: 60 Hz Galaxy S25: 120 Hz A higher refresh rate makes scrolling, animations and games look smoother. Once you’re used to it, a lower-rate screen can feel sluggish by comparison.
Peak brightness
iPhone 16: 2,000 nits Galaxy S25: 2,600 nits If you use your phone outdoors a lot, the Galaxy S25’s brighter panel is the one that holds up better at midday.
Performance
Too close to call
Both the iPhone 16 and the Galaxy S25 cover performance equally well on paper. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
CPU cores
iPhone 16: 6 Galaxy S25: 8 Treat the core count as background information; the chipset name tells you far more about real performance.
Memory & Storage
Too close to call
The differences on memory & storage are small enough to ignore in daily use. Either phone will serve you equally well on memory & storage.
Camera
Galaxy S25 leads
The Galaxy S25 squeezes out a win in the camera section. The Galaxy S25 delivers an extra rear camera. The count alone doesn’t guarantee quality, but the Galaxy S25 gives you more lenses to choose from. Net result: the Galaxy S25 leads this part of the comparison.
Rear cameras
iPhone 16: 2 Galaxy S25: 3 More cameras help most when each covers a different view, so check the table to see what the Galaxy S25’s extra lens adds.
Battery & Charging
iPhone 16 leads
The Galaxy S25 keeps it close on battery & charging, yet the iPhone 16 holds a small lead. On the iPhone 16, you get faster 25 W wireless charging. If you rely on a wireless pad at your desk or bedside, the iPhone 16 refills quicker there. So if battery & charging tops your list, lean toward the iPhone 16.
Wireless charging
iPhone 16: 25 W Galaxy S25: 15 W Wireless charging is usually slower than a cable, so this edge matters mainly to people who value the convenience.
Software & Updates
In the software & updates section, the key entries are names rather than numbers, so compare what the iPhone 16 and the Galaxy S25 list in the table below.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | iPhone 16 | Galaxy S25 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.1 in | 6.2 in |
| Panel type | OLED (Super Retina XDR) | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2556 x 1179 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Pixel density | 460 ppi (winner) | 416 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 120 Hz (winner) |
| Peak brightness | 2,000 nits | 2,600 nits (winner) |
| Always-on display | No | Yes (winner) |
Performance
| Spec | iPhone 16 | Galaxy S25 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | A18 | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy |
| CPU cores | 6 | 8 |
| Process node | 3 nm | 3 nm |
| RAM | N/A (not specified) | 12 GB |
Memory & Storage
| Spec | iPhone 16 | Galaxy S25 |
|---|---|---|
| Base storage | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Max storage | 512 GB | N/A (not specified) |
| microSD slot | No | No |
Camera
| Spec | iPhone 16 | Galaxy S25 |
|---|---|---|
| Main camera | 48 MP | 50 MP |
| Ultra-wide camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Telephoto camera | N/A (not specified) | 10 MP |
| Optical zoom | N/A (not specified) | 3× |
| Rear cameras | 2 | 3 (winner) |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Max video | 4K60 Dolby Vision | 8K30 |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | iPhone 16 | Galaxy S25 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | N/A (not specified) | 4,000 mAh |
| Rated video playbackManufacturer rating | 22 h | N/A (not specified) |
| Wired charging | N/A (not specified) | 25 W |
| Wireless charging | 25 W (winner) | 15 W |
| Port | USB-C (USB 2) | USB-C |
Software & Updates
| Spec | iPhone 16 | Galaxy S25 |
|---|---|---|
| OS at launch | iOS 18 | Android 15 (One UI 7) |
| Promised OS updatesManufacturer commitment | N/A (not specified) | 7 years |
Design & Build
| Spec | iPhone 16 | Galaxy S25 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5.81 in | 5.78 in |
| Width | 2.82 in | 2.78 in |
| Thickness | 0.31 in | 0.28 in (winner) |
| Weight | 6 oz | 5.71 oz (winner) |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Armor Aluminum |
Price
| Spec | iPhone 16 | Galaxy S25 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $799 | $800 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
The Galaxy S25 asked only $1 more at launch. The Galaxy S25 asks for $1 more and delivers a 120 Hz display instead of 60 Hz and 30% higher peak brightness in return.
Based on US launch pricing as of January 2025. Deals and regional pricing can change the picture.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the iPhone 16 if…
- you use a wireless charging pad every day (25 W vs 15 W)
- you notice fine detail in text and photos (460 ppi vs 416 ppi pixel density)
- you’d rather keep $1 in your pocket
Choose the Galaxy S25 if…
- you game or scroll a lot and like motion to look fluid (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
- you use your phone outdoors a lot (2,600 nits vs 2,000 nits peak brightness)
- you want more lenses to choose from (3 vs 2 rear cameras)
- you notice every gram in your pocket (5.71 oz vs 6 oz)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the iPhone 16 or the Galaxy S25?
For most people, the Galaxy S25 is the stronger choice, unless you know that faster 25 W wireless charging would make a real difference in your routine.
Which is larger, the iPhone 16 or the Galaxy S25?
They’re practically the same size. The difference between the iPhone 16 and the Galaxy S25 is too small to matter.
Does the iPhone 16 have a stronger camera setup than the Galaxy S25?
The Galaxy S25 has the edge for photography, offering an extra rear camera.
Is the iPhone 16’s display better than the Galaxy S25’s?
Going by the numbers, the Galaxy S25’s screen comes out ahead: a 120 Hz display instead of 60 Hz and 30% higher peak brightness.
Is the iPhone 16 cheaper than the Galaxy S25?
The iPhone 16 is the cheaper option, launching at $1 less than the Galaxy S25 (launch prices as of January 2025).
Which weighs less, the iPhone 16 or the Galaxy S25?
Going by the official figures, the Galaxy S25 weighs 0.28 oz less than the iPhone 16.
Executive Summary
If you’ve narrowed it down to the iPhone 16 and the Galaxy S25, you’ve already done the hard part. Let me help with the rest. Practically speaking, the Galaxy S25’s biggest advantage is a 120 Hz display instead of 60 Hz. And if that weren’t enough, the Galaxy S25 has an extra rear camera. The iPhone 16 has a trump card of its own in faster 25 W wireless charging.
The iPhone 16 is built for people who weigh battery & charging heavily, and the Galaxy S25 for people who weigh display.
My pick: if it were my money, the Galaxy S25, unless you care more about faster 25 W wireless charging than anything else.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.