Battle of the giants: Apple vs. Samsung – Which phone will you pick?
Packed with cutting-edge technology, both phones offer incredible features that will surely pique the interest of tech enthusiasts and casual users alike.
The battle for smartphone supremacy continues as Apple and Samsung unveil their latest flagships, the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S25.
Packed with cutting-edge technology, both phones offer incredible features that will surely pique the interest of tech enthusiasts and casual users alike.
But which one reigns supreme? Let’s take a deeper look at how these two titans compare across key areas like performance, design, camera quality, battery life, and user experience.
Performance and power
Under the hood, the Galaxy S25 is a powerhouse. Sporting the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset paired with a massive 128GB RAM, the S25 is a dream for mobile gamers and power users.
Its larger CPU and optimised performance make it a standout in gaming, with a seamless multitasking screen with a split screen and gaming sessions.
However, Apple is no slouch with its A18 Pro chip and 8GB of RAM in the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Despite having less RAM, Apple’s system optimisation ensures smooth and responsive performance, with little difference.
Samsung's S25, with its bigger CPU and faster processing capabilities, is ideal for those who need raw power.
That said, when it comes to graphic stress tests, the iPhone 16 Pro Max edges ahead, showing impressive results in rendering complex visuals thanks to its more finely tuned graphics architecture, but it does not end there.
AI and software
Both devices come with their own AI-driven software enhancements.
The Galaxy S25 is powered by Samsung's OneUI 7, integrating both Google’s AI assistant and Samsung’s Bixby for voice controls, along with the advanced Gemini AI.
While Gemini offers some exciting capabilities, it is still inconsistent at times, especially when compared to Apple’s AI, which provides more reliable answers via OpenAI’s ChatGPT integration.
This makes the iPhone a stronger contender for users who need quick, actionable responses from their assistant.
In terms of software longevity, Samsung promises an impressive seven years of software updates with the S25, a leap ahead of Apple’s 5-6 years of major OS updates for the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
This extended support is a major selling point for users who want a phone that stays relevant for a longer period.
Score:
Samsung S25: 8/10
iPhone 16 Pro Max: 5/10
Design and build quality
The iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S25 both boast premium builds, but they take different approaches.
The iPhone’s titanium frame gives it a more durable feel and superior resistance to scratches and dents. It can also survive longer underwater, thanks to its superior water resistance.
On the other hand, the Galaxy S25, while it is lighter and thinner by 25 grams, uses a slightly more delicate design.
When it comes to displays, both phones offer stunning screens with high refresh rates.
However, the iPhone’s adaptive screen shines brighter with a peak brightness of 1764 nits, significantly outshining the Galaxy S25's 1395 nits, making it easier to view in direct sunlight.
The Galaxy S25, however, benefits from its unique black top cut-out design, which makes watching videos a more immersive experience.
Camera quality
Samsung’s S25 continues to impress with its 50MP main camera, 10MP 3x zoom, and 12MP ultra-wide lens. While there has not been much improvement over last year’s model, the S25 still excels in low-light conditions, especially for night shots.
Its x3 zoom is also one of the best in its class, delivering sharper images even in challenging lighting.
In contrast, the iPhone 16 Pro Max shines in its camera’s overall quality, particularly for daytime shots.
The iPhone’s 5x optical zoom provides incredibly detailed images at a distance, and its low-light performance is equally commendable.
While the Galaxy S25’s 10MP telephoto lens offers impressive 3x zoom in both day and night, the iPhone’s zoom capabilities are simply sharper and more consistent.
For selfies, both devices offer sharp 12MP front cameras with autofocus, but the S25’s skin tones can sometimes come out a bit washed out.
The iPhone, on the other hand, does a better job of managing background exposure, resulting in more natural selfies.
Score:
Samsung S25: 8/10
iPhone 16 Pro Max: 9/10
Battery life and charging
The Galaxy S25 offers a larger 4,000mAh battery compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s 3,582mAh, but the iPhone manages to outperform the Galaxy in active use thanks to its superior optimization.
Both phones support wireless charging, but the iPhone stands out with its MagSafe feature, allowing you to charge accessories in addition to the phone. While the Galaxy allows phone-to-phone charging.
Charging times tell a similar story: The S25 takes just 1:17 hours to reach full charge with its 25W charger, while the iPhone takes a bit longer at 1:38 hours with its 30W charger. Despite the difference in charging speed, the iPhone’s ability to charge accessories wirelessly provides an edge in terms of ecosystem flexibility. But Samsung is better.
Score:
Samsung S25: 8/10
iPhone 16 Pro Max: 7/10
Unique features
Samsung’s S25 stands out with its Secure Folder for protecting sensitive files, while the iPhone lacks a similar feature.
Additionally, Samsung's OneUI 7 brings multitasking features, such as the ability to translate a call in real-time, as well as tools for slowing down video playback by simply holding down a video.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro Max features the Dynamic Island for quick access to notifications, music control, and live activities.
The Galaxy S25 also supports the S Pen, a tool that has been an iconic part of Samsung’s devices for over 14 years. While the S Pen no longer uses the phone’s battery for charging, it remains a standout feature for notetaking, drawing, design and productivity.
Score:
Samsung S25: 9/10
iPhone 16 Pro Max: 7/10
User experience and customisation
Samsung takes the lead when it comes to customization, allowing users to modify almost every aspect of the interface, from widgets and folder icons to even the font style and system themes.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max, while still customizable, offers a more limited selection of changes. For example, users can adjust icons and widgets, but fonts are restricted to six options unless they are downloaded from third-party sources.
Samsung’s Good Lock feature also adds another layer of customisation, enabling users to further personalise their experience.
However, the iPhone provides a more polished user interface with seamless integration across its ecosystem, making it a favourite for those invested in the Apple environment.
Score:
Samsung S25: 9/10
iPhone 16 Pro Max: 6/10
Pricing and verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S25 is priced at $1,299 (Sh167,869), while the iPhone 16 Pro Max comes in at $1,199 (Sh154,946).
However, Samsung’s trade-in offers tend to be more generous, which could lower the price for buyers willing to swap in their old device.
In terms of overall performance and versatility, the Galaxy S25 comes out on top, earning an 8/10 score for its advanced chipset, superior AI features, and customisation options. The iPhone 16 Pro Max, however, scores a 5/10, largely due to its higher price and focus on camera performance rather than innovation in other areas.
Ultimately, the choice between the Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16 Pro Max depends on what you value most.
If you are a tech-savvy user who prioritises customisation, performance, and cutting-edge features, the Galaxy S25 is your phone.
If you are looking for a more refined camera experience and easier integration into a broader ecosystem, the iPhone 16 Pro Max remains an excellent choice.
Final Score:
Samsung S25: 8/10
iPhone 16 Pro Max: 5/10
Both are giants in their own right, but one is sure to fit your needs better than the other. So, which will you pick?
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