With Samsung and Apple having released their new generation of smartphones for 2025, it is time to revisit the long-running debate between their flagship models. It’s the battle of the best, the Galaxy S25 Vs iPhone 16.

Samsung’s Galaxy S25 was announced at the Galaxy Unpacked event on January 22, 2025, and released a few weeks later on February 7. One of the biggest advancements over its predecessors is the new Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. The iPhone 16 first debuted during the Apple Event at Apple Park on September 9, 2024, and was released a few weeks later on September 20. It is a huge improvement over its predecessor, offering better battery life and performance.

What’s particularly interesting about the Samsung S25 vs iPhone 16 is the addition of artificial intelligence features. AI tools have passed the experimental phase and have become integrated into both phone ecosystems, which this article will explore.

The Specs and Features of the Galaxy S25

Before we delve into the Galaxy S25 Vs iPhone 16 debate, it’s important to lay out all the facts. Below, we’ve outlined the Galaxy S25’s specifications, from the camera to the new processor.

Build

The S25 features a light aluminium frame designed to be lightweight and tough. It also features Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2 display glass, one of the most durable in the industry.

Display

The S25 has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen that supports a maximum refresh rate of 120 Hz and a resolution of 2340 x 1080 (FHD+).

Operating System

Android 15 (and up to 7 major Android upgrades) and One UI 7.

Camera

The S25 has a triple-lens rear camera setup, 50.0 MP + 10.0 MP + 12.0 MP. It supports video recording of up to UHD 8K@30fps.

Processor

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm).

Storage

There are two storage configurations available for the S25: 256GB and 512GB.

Memory

The S25 features 12GB of RAM.

Battery

The phone has a 4000 mAh battery capacity that lasts 15 hours and 43 minutes.

Colours

The Galaxy S25 is available in icy blue, navy, silver shadow, mint, blue black, coral red and pink gold.

Features of the S25

The Galaxy S25 marks the start of Samsung’s new AI-powered smartphone era. The phone features the most powerful processor yet for a Galaxy device, the Snapdragon 8 Elite. It is one of the strongest chipsets available in the smartphone industry, focusing on performance advancements and AI.

The phone’s camera system is also powered by Samsung’s AI ProVisual Engine, offering powerful AI tools and software to enhance photos and editing. The S25 also supports Samsung’s Galaxy AI, which includes a range of features such as:

• Call transcription, writing assistance and interpreter for live translations.

• New ways to create with generative AI tools, like audio eraser, auto trim and generative edit.

• Quality of life tools, including circle to search and ‘now brief, ’ which generates reports to inform you about your upcoming day, like the weather.

The Specs and Features of the iPhone 16

Below, we’ve outlined the specifications of the iPhone 16. This includes what you can expect from its camera, the display, and the build itself.

Build

The iPhone 16 features an aluminium design with extra protection due to the latest generation of Ceramic Shield front.

Display

The phone features a 6.1-inch (diagonal) all-screen OLED display powered by Super Retina XDR. It supports a 2556 x 1179 resolution and a 60hz refresh rate.

Operating System

The phone currently supports the latest version of iOS and is expected to be supported until 2031.

Camera

The iPhone 16 features a new two-in-one 48MP Fusion camera. 

Processor

A18 chip, with a new 6-core CPU, new 5-core GPU and new 16-core Neural Engine for AI.

Storage

The phone features three storage capacities: 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.

Memory

The iPhone 16 features 8GB of RAM.

Battery

The phone features a 3500 mAh battery capacity, which lasts around 15 hours and 42 minutes on average.

Colours

The iPhone 16 is available in black, white, pink, teal and ultramarine.

Features of the iPhone 16

The iPhone 16 is built with Apple Intelligence in mind, with its A18 chipset designed to handle artificial intelligence onboard. Apple Intelligence is designed with accessibility in mind and is “artificial intelligence for everyone.”

Apple Intelligence features various quality of life tools for boosting productivity, expressing the user, and an improved AI-powered Siri assistant. Just a few of the productivity tools include writing tools that can proofread and improve text, and summarising audio recordings and transcripts.

The iPhone 16’s new two-in-one Fusion camera system also closes the gap between the 16 and its premium models. While it doesn’t have four physical lenses, it offers similar capabilities through its hybrid camera system and software support. 

The Verdict: Which Phone Is Best For You? 

When it comes to the Galaxy S25 Vs iPhone 16, which one is best for you, will ultimately depend on your preferences. If cost is an important factor to you, both flagship phones feature similar price points, so it’s better to focus on other areas, like the operating system, AI and performance. 

If you’re someone who prioritises performance, especially for entertainment, the Samsung Galaxy S25’s new Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset clears the iPhone 16. The Snapdragon 8 Elite is one of the best chipsets on the market when it comes to raw power.

While the iPhone 16 won’t have any problems running the latest games, the S25 will be able to handle them at higher refresh rates and graphic settings. While the iPhone 16 may not win when it comes to performance, the phone does excel in other areas.

The iPhone 16 features seamless integration into Apple’s ecosystem. You can easily swap between any device in the ecosystem, from Apple’s MacBooks and iPads, and quickly pick up where you left off. On the other hand, Samsung’s ecosystem isn’t as extensive. While they offer tablets and smart accessories (like watches), they aren’t in the PC market, and their support isn’t as comprehensive.

The operating system is also an important factor to consider. The Android operating system offers a high level of customisability, but it can be harder to learn than iOS, especially if you’ve never used a Samsung device before. Apple’s iOS is known for its ease of use and accessibility, although it doesn’t allow for the same level of customisation as Android. Ultimately, the best phone for you will depend on personal preference.

Both the iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S25 are incredible phones and deserving of their flagship title—you won’t be disappointed by either. If you decide you want more out of either phone, the iPhone 16 and S25 also offer premium models, too.

If you want a bigger iPhone 16, a ‘Plus’ model is available. If you want top-end performance, there are also the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max. For the Galaxy S25, the upgraded S25 Plus and the premium S25 Ultra models are also available.

Buy Refurbished iPhones and Samsung Phones at OzMobiles

For the best deals on used Samsung phones and refurbished iPhone 16 devices, you can trust OzMobiles. All the devices we sell also come with a free 12-month warranty and a 30-day risk-free return policy, so you can shop with confidence.

Here at OzMobiles, all of our phones go through a comprehensive refurbishment process, which includes a 72-point quality check. The phones are inspected and restored to like-new condition by a qualified professional during this procedure.

Shopping refurbished is also better for more than just scoring the best deals. Buying refurbished is also better for the environment, cutting down electronic waste and emissions. If you want to support sustainable business practices, refurbished devices contribute to a circular, reuse and recycle economy.

If you have any questions about our refurbished smartphones or need help deciding between the Galaxy S25 Vs iPhone 16, contact us today. The OzMobiles would love to hear from you and connect you with the right device.