2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for smartphone enthusiasts as two tech giants, Samsung and Apple, come face to face once again. On the one hand, the Samsung Galaxy S25 will be presented on January 22, and the iPhone 16, presented in September 2024, has already marked its territory. These two devices promise to set the pace of the market this year. But which of them will become the undisputed leader? Here we look at what makes each one different and how this rivalry could change the competition.
Screen
Both devices provide vibrant colors and deep blacks. However, we found a noticeable difference: the Galaxy S25 will have a 6.2-inch AMOLED screen and a 120Hz refresh rate, while the iPhone 16 will have a 6.1-inch and 60Hz refresh rate. This could be an argument in favor of Samsung. for those looking for a smoother experience, especially in games and fast scrolling through social media.
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Resolution and Design
Resolution is also key. The Galaxy S25 will offer a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, while the iPhone 16 ups the ante a bit with 1179 x 2556 pixels. In terms of design, both have rounded corners and thin bezels, and the rear cameras are positioned vertically. While the iPhone 16 opts for vibrant colors like pink, turquoise and ultramarine, the Galaxy S25 is rumored to surprise us with options like Coral Red or Pink Gold.
Cameras
The Galaxy S25 appears to retain the configuration of its predecessor with a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle camera, and a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. On the other hand, the iPhone 16 retains a 48MP main camera and a 12MP ultra-wide camera, although Apple compensates for this with its imaging software and new features such as a capacitive camera control button. Samsung also has an advantage in terms of hardware, thanks to the ability of the new Snapdragon 8 Elite processor to further improve the image processing pipeline.
Another interesting detail is that Samsung plans to bring generative AI photo editing capabilities directly to the device, reducing dependence on the cloud. This can be key for photographers and content creators who want more control and speed when processing images.
Performance
Under the hood, the Galaxy S25 will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, a chipset that is rumored to significantly outperform the A18 iPhone 16 in performance tests. However, Apple has always been known for optimizing its hardware and software as much as possible, which could make the iPhone 16 experience as fast and smooth as you would expect.
In terms of RAM, the Galaxy S25 will have 12GB, while the iPhone 16 will have 8GB. While this may seem like a clear advantage for Samsung, Apple has consistently demonstrated that the integration of hardware and software delivers outstanding performance even at lower specs.
Battery and storage
Battery life is always an interesting topic. The Galaxy S25 will have a 4,000 mAh battery, while the iPhone 16 will have a 3,561 mAh battery. While this could theoretically give Samsung a slight edge, iOS’s power efficiency could level the playing field.
In terms of storage, both offer 128GB, 256GB and 512GB options, although there are rumors that Samsung may ditch the 128GB option and go straight to 256GB, which would be an attractive move to attract users who need more capacity from the base model.
Operating system and artificial intelligence features
The Galaxy S25 will ship with One UI 7 on Android, while the iPhone 16 will use iOS 18. While both operating systems have their dedicated fans, the battle in 2025 could revolve around artificial intelligence capabilities. Apple continues to gradually integrate its Apple Intelligence platform, while Samsung can make significant strides in its AI ecosystem, especially with One UI 7-based tools.
Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. iPhone 16: which one to choose?
The final decision will depend on your priorities. If you’re looking for the ultimate in smoothness, a superb screen, and impressive performance, the Galaxy S25 might be your best option. On the other hand, if you value optimization, a well-integrated ecosystem, and innovative camera features, the iPhone 16 will not disappoint.
Both devices promise to be worthy contenders and raise the standards of what we expect from a smartphone in 2025. Now we just have to wait for the official launch of the Galaxy S25 to confirm which of the two will dominate the market.
Source: Digital Trends
