iPhone 16 vs Samsung Galaxy S25: Specs, Price, and Which to Buy in 2025

The iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S25 both start at $799 and go up from there. Apple offers the A18 chip, a 6.1-inch 60Hz display, and 8GB RAM across the line; Samsung ships 12GB RAM, higher refresh rates, and a 6.2-inch screen. Choice usually comes down to iOS vs Android, camera preferences, and whether you want more RAM and smoother scrolling at the same entry price.

Background: Two Different Philosophies

Apple refreshes the base iPhone every September and keeps a simple lineup: 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max. Samsung launches the S series early in the year with S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra. Both companies push AI: Apple Intelligence on device and in the cloud, Samsung with Galaxy AI and deeper Google integration. PCMag, TechRadar, and Tom's Guide have run side-by-side comparisons; the iPhone 16 often scores slightly higher overall (e.g., 4.5/5 vs 4.0/5), but the gap is small and preference-driven.

Pricing and Configurations

Samsung Galaxy S25 starts at $799.99 (128GB, 12GB RAM); S25+ at $999.99 (256GB); S25 Ultra at $1,299.99 (256GB), with options up to 1TB. iPhone 16 starts at $799 (128GB, 8GB RAM); 16 Plus at $899; 16 Pro at $999; 16 Pro Max at $1,199 (256GB), also configurable up to 1TB. At the top end, S25 Ultra can reach $1,659.99 and 16 Pro Max $1,599, so pricing is closely aligned.

Key Details: Display, Performance, and Cameras

Samsung gives every S25 model 12GB RAM and typically 120Hz (or adaptive) refresh rates; the 6.2-inch panel is slightly larger than the iPhone 16's 6.1-inch 60Hz screen. Scrolling and animations feel smoother on the S25 for users who notice refresh rate. The iPhone 16's new Camera Control button gives tactile control for photo and video; reviewers like it for quick capture. Samsung's camera hardware is capable but has been called incremental versus the S24. Both run powerful chips: Apple's A18 and Samsung's in-house SoC with a strong AI focus. Battery life is comparable in real-world tests; exact hours depend on usage and settings.

Software and AI

Apple Intelligence on iPhone 16 handles writing, summarization, and image generation with on-device and cloud options; it ties into Messages, Mail, and apps that adopt the APIs. Samsung's Galaxy AI includes language tools, photo editing, and search; the S25 also benefits from Google's Gemini and Android features. Ecosystem lock-in matters: existing iCloud, Mac, and iPad users lean iPhone; Android and Google account users often prefer Samsung.

Impact on Buyers

At $799, the S25 delivers more RAM and a higher refresh rate; the iPhone 16 delivers iOS, longer software support, and the Camera Control button. Power users who multitask heavily may prefer 12GB RAM; others may not notice. Creators who shoot a lot may favor the iPhone's control and video pipeline; those who want a bigger, smoother screen for media may prefer the S25.

What's Next

Both lines will get iterative updates in 2026 (iPhone 17, Galaxy S26). Expect more on-device AI, possible display bumps for the base iPhone, and continued competition on price and specs. If you are not in a rush, waiting for back-to-school or Black Friday can trim a few hundred dollars off either flagship.