Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: Specs and Design Comparison

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is now official with numerous upgrades to rival the iPhone 16 Pro Max. These phones fall into the premium category and we must compare what the consumers are getting while choosing one over the other.
Every year, both companies launch one flagship phone, for Samsung, it’s the Galaxy S-series Ultra model and Apple brings its Pro Max variant. These two stand as a benchmark in the smartphone industry.
They also represent different software ecosystems. Each new device offers something better than its predecessors and raises competition in the market.
It’s not only about the specs, consumers continue to increase their raise their expectations, and demand for better user experience continues to evolve. Still, Samsung vs Apple is a much-discussed topic and the same goes for Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
These smartphones are available in the market, and we’ve their specifications and design details as discussed below.
Table of content
- Display
- Dimensions
- Design
- Camera
- Battery Life
- Chipset
- Software and AI
Display
S25 Ultra
- 6.9-inch screen – flat
- 3120×1440 pixel resolution
- AMOLED panel
- 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate
- 2,600 nits peak brightness
- Hole-punch
16 Pro Max
- 6.9-inch screen – flat
- 2868×1320 pixel resolution
- OLED panel
- 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate
- 2,000 nits peak brightness
- Pill shape cutout
iPhone 16 Pro Max is the first iPhone with a 6.9-inch screen size. On the other hand, the S25 Ultra is also using the same size this year, an upgrade from 6.8 inches in last year’s s24 Ultra.
Samsung offers more pixel resolution on the paper and a similar refresh rate.
However, the S25 Ultra takes the lead in two key areas: the first is the peak brightness, and the second is the non-reflective display coating. The second one is quite helpful when it comes to a viewing experience in any light condition.
The anti-reflection property makes the S25 Ultra more outdoor-friendly compared to an iPhone.
Dimensions
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra:
- 162.8mm tall
- 77.6mm wide
- 8.2mm thin
iPhone 16 Pro Max
- 163mm tall
- 77.6mm wide
- 8.25mm thin
These two have the same width but the former is slightly thinner and smaller than the latter. It’s interesting to see that Samsung managed to cut 0.2mm from the height with the same display size as Apple. The same goes for the thickness with a 0.05mm difference.
The S25U weighs 218 grams, and the iPhone 16 Pro at 227 grams. In comparison, the S24 Ultra weight is 232-233 grams. This drastic cut in dimensions and weight is remarkable for this new Samsung device, which makes it more considerable.
But what about the design?

Credit – Samsung, Apple
Design
Samsung has removed sharp angles from all corners, instead, it is now looking more like an iPhone. The sides are flat and the corners are round. The phone uses Titanium material, which is also used in the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Aside from these outlooks, the front display is different on both phones. S25U is more rectangular than its competitors with less corner radius. The single-camera hole in the S25U provides more viewing area compared to the pill-shaped cutout in the iPhone.
That wide screen cutout houses facial recognition sensors and the technology behind that authentication feature is still unparalleled even today.
Among these devices, the iPhone offers a polished frame and brighter colors. On the other side, the S25 Ultra Titanium appears soft with a matching frame.
The S25U has two vertical columns including four cameras and an LED flash. On the other hand, the iPhone has a squared camera bump containing three cameras and a depth.
Camera
This segment is a warzone for all Android and iOS devices but Samsung and Apple have their expertise in different sections whether it’s photography, videography, or nightography.
S25 Ultra:
- 200MP main camera with f/1.7 aperture, OIS
- 50MP Ultra angle with f/1.9 aperture and 120-degree field of view
- 50MP Periscope telephoto with 5x optical zoom, f/3.4 aperture, 22-degree field of view, OIS
- 10MP secondary telephoto with 3x optical zoom, f/2.4 aperture, 36-degree field of view, OIS
16 Pro Max:
- 48MP main camera with f/1.78 aperture, OIS
- 48MP Ultra angle with f/2.2 aperture and 120-degree field of view
- 12MP Periscope telephoto with 5x optical, f/2.8, 20-degree field of view
These are numbers but in reality, both phones don’t shoot at their full resolution. The S25U will capture images and videos at 12MP and iPhone 16 Pro at 24MP by default.
All key features that you operate around the devices are optimized for these two resolutions for fast captures. However, you can switch to a higher resolution from the settings or camera.
S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max output the same quality of photographs as these resolutions. However, the color composition and brightness are much different. iPhone offers more natural colors while S25U lags behind in this section due to overoptimizations.
Yet, a Samsung device fetches more light to the scene in a day, night, and low-light environment.

Credit – Samsung
Coming to the Ultra-wide, Samsung has the upper hand in ultra-wide shots, which is upgraded from the 12MP used in the S24 Ultra. This ultra wide-angle camera offers more pixels in each shot or wide video you pick.
These two come with 5X telephoto zoom but Samsung has better quality control over in 10X hybrid. On the other hand, the secondary 3X telephoto also provides better support at a 3X distance.
RAW
These two phones have advanced camera technologies to capture camera RAW and you can take files to a computer to edit them with an advanced image editor.
Portrait
Samsung has improved the S25 Ultra’s portrait quality but the iPhone still dominates this section including the portrait video.
Videography
Videography is slightly smoother and more extensive in S25 Ultra with 4K resolution recording up to 120fps and 8k at 30fps. While the iPhone can only shoot at 4K at the same resolution. Both phones are demonstrated by professionals as a ready-to-use camera powerhouse but S25U has an edge over iPhone.
Battery
On paper, the S25U has a 5000mAh battery. Apple doesn’t share the real battery capacity of iPhones but it’s reported that the iPhone 16 Pro Max packs a 4,676mAh battery.
Both can charge at 45W wired charging and support fast wireless charging. In terms of battery backup, Samsung and Apple are locked into a neck-to-neck duel with system optimizations. However, Samsung would likely provide a few more miles of range due to extra capacity.
Chipset
Android phones’ performance has always left behind iPhones but that’s no longer the case with Snapdragon 8 Elite.
Galaxy S25 Ultra has a multi-core performance boost with this new chip, which is crucial for everything you do inside the device, it even surpassed the A18 Pro chip on Geekbench.
Yet, the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s processor is still ruling over single-core performance. So, it’s an even competition for both campaigns.
Software and AI
Coming to the final part, Samsung and Apple brought their flagship phones with minor design changes. These are pretty noticeable due to the lack of major upgrades.
However, the two tech firms are heavily investing in the software side, especially the AI stuff.
iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence
Apple Intelligence, this name headlined the entire iPhone 16 Pro Max launch event last year. The company has designed the latest chipset to support on-device large language models (LLMs) to support generative AI features.
These include generative writing tools, images, transcriptions, emojis, advanced voice interactions, and more. Apple has also partnered with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT into AI-enabled iPhones.
While most of the features are available to iPhone 16 Pro users, the advanced Siri is still yet to rollout.
These new AI capabilities are fused into the iOS 18 with some new UI redesigns including a better control center, AI notifications management, better home screen personalization, and more.
One UI and Galaxy AI
One UI 7 is the most improved software Samsung has ever released. The UI is better and the animations are smoother. It brought some important features such as Now Bar to improve device interactions.
S25 Ultra is also optimized with Galaxy AI, Samsung’s generative AI feature suit. It has writing tools, generative images, call recording transcriptions, and other Gen-AI functions.
The Korean tech company has rebranded the Bixby and enabled Gemini LLM to provide advanced voice interactions with system-level controls.
Furthermore, Samsung and Apple are using generative AI to edit images and enhance post-capture image quality.
Other
One thing to mention is that Samsung still has hidden hardware inside the phone as an S-Pen for those who are seeking extra functionality. On the other hand, the iPhone 16 Pro has a new camera control button for a new camera experience.
Price
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max come in three memory variants – 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. The 256GB S25 Ultra starts at $1,299 and the 16 Pro Max at $1,199.
Samsung
Will you get the Samsung One UI 7 update in February 2025? [Updated]

Where is the One UI 7 update for my Samsung Galaxy device? YES, this is the most trending question among Galaxy users all around the world.
You see it everywhere – on tech forums, X threads, and YouTube comment sections. People are desperate for the new features, better security, and fresh look of One UI 7. This update is not just about making things run smoother, it is about new AI stuff that could change how we use our phones.
But since Samsung rolls out One UI updates at different times for different phones and countries, everyone’s wondering: when will I get it?
The stable version of One UI 7 was released at the same time as the new Samsung phones, the Galaxy S25 series. These phones were unveiled on January 22, 2025, and come with One UI 7 pre-installed. However, for those not upgrading to the S25, if you’re holding onto your Galaxy S24 or earlier models, the stable update is now in sight.
The stable update for existing devices, including the S24 series, which has been in beta testing and has received multiple beta builds, is expected to start rolling out in late February 2025. There’s also talk about the 4th beta build for the Galaxy S24 series before the stable rollout. However, we still do not have confirmation on when there will be a stable or beta rollout for the Galaxy S24 series or other older Galaxy devices.
I have also confirmed with Samsung Support in the US, that they have no idea about the One UI 7 release date. You can read the statement below.

Source – Robin Williams / SammyFans
Keep an eye out in February if you’re on the Galaxy S24 series or other eligible devices, as that’s when Samsung is expected to start expanding the stable update’s availability.

Credit – Samsung
To check if your device has the new One UI 7 update, go to Settings > Software update > Download and install.
Stay tuned to SammyFans.com for all the latest on this and other Samsung updates. You can also connect or DM me on X, here’s my handle @SamsungSWUpdate.
Latest Update:
We don’t have any official release date for the Galaxy smartphones. Samsung hasn’t confirmed anything apart from the One UI 7 beta program for the Galaxy S24 series. We also have one dedicated tracker for the release date, you can check here.
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs S24 Ultra: Side by Side Comparison – Looks and Dimensions

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has some new design upgrades and we’ve put this phone side by side with S24 Ultra and stacked over each other to show you the closest comparison.
S25 Ultra vs S24 Ultra – Top and Bottom
S24 Ultra’s top and bottom view shows a flat surface with arcs on both ends, creating angular corners. The new device also has a flat top and bottom but with curved corners and a lower width. On paper, the S25 Ultra is 77.6mm and the S24 Ultra is 79mm wide.
The top contains a secondary microphone and an air vent hole with reduced space in the new phone. The GPS antenna is slightly moved to the left.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (bottom) and S24 Ultra (top), Source – Sammyfans
The bottom has two main antennas, offset from the previous position. The SIM card tray hole is now on the opposite side of the S24 Ultra, followed by the microphone. The USB Type C (charging/headphone) port remains the same.
Samsung has increased the speaker width, which may improve the sound. Another thing to notice is S-Pen’s head is thinner in the new flagship.
S25 Ultra vs S24 Ultra – Left and Right
The S25 Ultra has flattened the curved frame and it contributes to a slim form factor at 8.2mm. These two changes bring the new device to 218 grams in comparison to Galaxy S24 Ultra with 233 grams weight.
The right side has volume and power buttons and more antennas. The left side has no physical keys.

Source – Sammyfans
S25 Ultra vs S24 Ultra – Front
With those round corners and a flat frame, the S25 Ultra offers a more visually appealing front. This decluttering of extra width has created room for a 6.9-inch AMOLED display within an identical height (162.8mm) as the S24 Ultra (162.3mm) with a 6.8-inch screen.
Unfortunately, both phones have the same panel and there are no significant changes to find in terms of quality or brightness.
The new device uses Corning Gorilla Armor 2 + anti-reflective glass ceramic for better protection. To be mentioned, the anti-reflective protection was introduced with S24U.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (left) and S25 Ultra (right)
S25 Ultra vs S24 Ultra – Back
S25 Ultra and its old version have the same rear frosted glass finish. The cameras are organized on the top left including an ultra-wide angle, a main camera, and two telephoto cameras. The setup also consists of a laser autofocus sensor and an LED flash.
These lenses have bigger crows glued on top. In my opinion, the S24 Ultra’s rear camera crowns look way better than these dark circles. However, many of you might prefer the new camera crowns.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (left) and S25 Ultra (right)
Conclusion
In comparison to the S24 Ultra, Samsung has refined the design and the grip comfort for Galaxy S25 users. The phone offers a larger screen at the same dimensions and reduced weight. Overall, it’s a substantial improvement over last year’s device.
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra running One UI 7 but has one big security flaw

Samsung’s latest offering, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, features cutting-edge hardware and a refined software experience with its Android 15-based One UI 7 pre-installed. However, with the excitement, there’s a significant concern after its launch.
Everyone loved the S25 Ultra’s speed, camera, and how well it works with One UI 7. But, there’s a big security problem that might spoil the fun.
In recently released February 2025 Android security patch details, Google disclosed a serious zero-day vulnerability that has been actively exploited. This vulnerability (which can be identified as CVE-2024-53104,) affects how Android devices handle video frames, potentially leading to memory instability that hackers could exploit. Google has encouraged all Android users to update their devices promptly to reduce this risk.
Unfortunately, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is still running on the December 2024 security patch, leaving it vulnerable to this known exploit. This is particularly important because, unlike previous updates, it was urgent due to the active exploitation of the vulnerability.
Not having the newest security update on my S25 Ultra put me and other users at risk without knowing about it. This shows how important it is to get software updates quickly, especially for phones that are supposed to be the best in security (Sorry Knox!) and user experience.
Samsung now needs to act fast. The company must send out a quick update to fix this security vulnerability. People bought this phone expecting it to be very safe, so Samsung should keep its promise by protecting it from known threats.
Samsung usually reacts quickly to these problems, but the company is slow this time with the S25 Ultra (the S24 users crying in the background), which is concerning to me. The South Korean company needs to not only fix the issue but also keep their customers clearly informed about security updates.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (Source – Sammyfans.com)
In the end, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is great, but this security problem is a big mark against it. Users should watch for updates and install them right away. Samsung needs to make this fix a priority to keep users safe and keep its top phone’s reputation intact.
I reached out to Samsung for the official response on this but didn’t receive any confirmation yet.
If you have any suggestions or thoughts, feel free to DM me directly. Let’s connect on X at @SamsungSWUpdate where you can share your experiences and expectations.
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Unboxing and First Impressions

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is being delivered and we now have an unboxing and first impressions experience with this new flagship, which appears to be slightly different from the previous model.
S25 Ultra Unboxing
The retail box’s dimensions are identical to last year’s S24 Ultra and highlight the frame and the S-Pen with white outlines. The box includes:
- SIM ejector tool
- USB-C to USB-C cable
- A quick start guide
- Galaxy S25 Ultra
That’s typical Samsung flagship stuff.

Source – Sammyfans
S25 Ultra First Impressions
The first look at the device goes to its shape, specifically, its outline. The trimmed corners are the center of discussion, which stands different from the S24 Ultra. The Titanium Silverblue color is prominent in the frame and frosted in the back due to the rear glass.
The sides are flat and the Titanium has a texture that doesn’t slip out of the grip. Some people might argue that the phone looks similar to an iPhone but that illusion ends when you get a hold of this device.
Actually, it feels more like S24U with flat and round experience. That’s it. One major change in hands-on experience becomes certain with its round corner, sitting well on the palm.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (Source – Sammyfans.com)
As a S24 Ultra owner, I also experience weight differences, a plus point for this new S25 Ultra. The weight and the design would no longer matter if you put on a protective cover, which most of the consumers would do.
On the other hand, the S-Pen is all the same, it’s similar to the last version, except for the lapsed Bluetooth functionality.
The camera system has a makeover with those new bold rings on top of the lenses. However, the internals remain the same for main and telephoto cameras, while increasing ultra-wide angle to 50MP. A major overhaul in the camera app made it easy to navigate features while decluttering the viewport.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (Source – Sammyfans.com)
Furthermore, the new Snapdragon 8 Elite shows its impact on performance and the phone is providing fast response in every touch input on the screen. It is loaded with One UI 7.0 software out of the box with generative AI features, which might amuse some customers.
Conclusion
The initial impression on this device shows a descent upgrade from last year. With that said, we conclude the unboxing and hands-on experience with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra but this flagship has a lot to explore, please stay updated with us for more detailed explorations.
Samsung
Samsung and GRUBBRR’s high-tech Kiosks improve fan experience at the Big Game

Samsung and GRUBBRR are teaming up to improve the fan experience at this Sunday’s Big Game. Fans can visit Section 115 to try out Samsung’s All-In-One Kiosk, powered by GRUBBRR’s self-ordering technology. It is designed to cut down on long lines and give fans more time to enjoy the game.
With these kiosks, fans can easily browse the food and drink menu, customize their orders, and pay right from the screen. No waiting in long lines, which means more time spent at your seat enjoying the game.
The kiosks are not just convenient but also safer. By reducing contact with staff, they help keep everyone safe at large events. Also, the system ensures orders are accurate, which helps avoid mistakes. GRUBBRR’s technology also boosts sales for vendors, with average order sizes going up by 40-50%.
Moreover, it offers several benefits, including faster service, so fans can enjoy more of the game. They are also promoting safety by limiting direct contact.
Sara Grofcsik, Head of Sales, Display Division, Samsung Electronics America, said:
“Samsung and GRUBBRR are changing the game in self-service ordering. Today’s consumers expect convenient, intuitive and customizable ordering–and we’re delivering on all fronts on the biggest night in football. Our technology will enhance the stadium experience, making it all the more seamless and enjoyable.”
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