iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Which Flagship Wins?
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra head-to-head. We compare cameras, performance, displays, and value to crown the ultimate flagship winner.
Ethan Mercer
Editor-in-Chief
The flagship smartphone battle is down to two heavyweights: Apple's iPhone 16 Pro Max at $1,199 and Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra at $1,050. Both promise cutting-edge cameras, blazing performance, and gorgeous displays. But which one actually delivers the better experience for your money?
The stakes are high. These aren't just expensive phones, they're $1,000+ commitments that need to last years. The iPhone 16 Pro Max brings Apple's refined ecosystem and a triple 48MP camera system powered by the A18 Bionic chip. The Galaxy S25 Ultra counters with a quad-camera setup headlined by a 200MP sensor, the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, and a larger 6.8-inch display with an integrated S Pen.
After analyzing expert reviews from CNET, PCMag, Consumer Reports, and hands-on testing, we've got a clear verdict. One phone wins on execution and value, while the other stumbles on timing and pricing. Here's how they stack up.
★ Quick Navigation
- 1
AppleDeals LikelyNewer model likely available — look for deals on this one
- 2
SamsungDeals LikelyNewer model likely available — look for deals on this one
iPhone 16 Pro Max
AppleDeals LikelyNewer model likely available — look for deals on this one
Galaxy S25 Ultra
SamsungDeals LikelyNewer model likely available — look for deals on this one
How We Review
Every product on this list was evaluated by aggregating expert reviews from trusted, independent sources. We don't accept pay-for-placement — our rankings are based entirely on review consensus, real-world testing data, and measurable performance.
Products are scored on a 10-point scale using a weighted formula that factors in expert ratings, price-to-value ratio, and recency. Newer products with strong reviews get a meaningful boost because we believe our readers deserve current recommendations.
Sources analyzed for this article: 2 products across multiple expert reviews.
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