Samsung Galaxy S25 vs iPhone 16: which flagship should you choose this year?

Why you can trust this comparison 

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We also work with certified refurbishers who know electronic devices inside and out. All of this experience and expertise allows us to provide knowledgeable product information, reviews and comparisons that you can trust when making buying decisions. Take it from this satisfied customer: 

"So impressed with Back Market as a whole. An awesome customer service, great prices, spectacular refund procedure and like new items. Refurbished can’t be any better than this!"

- Ajuwon B. 

Samsung Galaxy S25 vs iPhone 16 comparison 

Base models: Galaxy S25 vs iPhone16e vs iPhone 16 

The Samsung Galaxy S25 and the two base models of the iPhone provide slightly different features that cater to various types of users. The vivid AMOLED screen display of the Galaxy S25 with its high refresh rate makes it a great gaming device with smooth performance. This is in addition to having all the basic features you'd expect from a modern smartphone. The Galaxy also makes more use of AI enhancement, and has a larger battery and faster charging than both iPhones.  

The iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 concentrate more on delivering power with energy efficiency due to a slightly more advanced chipset. Camera performance is another key difference. The iPhone has a much more refined image processor that produces natural-looking photos and videos. The iPhone 16e has a single 48-megapixel main camera, while the iPhone 16 is more advanced. It has a 48-megapixel main sensor and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens, allowing for macro photography and spatial photos. The 16e also lacks the iPhone 16’s faster MagSafe charging port. 

Main specifications 

Samsung Galaxy S25  

• Operating system: Android 

• Casing: Aluminum 

• Screen size: 6.2 in 

• Display: AMOLED 

• Storage: 240GB 

• Cameras: 50 MP + 10 MP + 12 MP 

• Battery life: Up to 29 hours of video play 

• USB interface: USB Type C 

• Wi-Fi Direct 

• AI: Gemini Live 

• Colors: Navy, Silver Shadow, Icy Blue, Mint, Cobalt Violet, Amber Yellow, Marble Gray, Onyx Black 

Apple iPhone 16e 

• Operating system: iOS 18 

• Casing: Aluminum 

• Screen size: 6.1 in 

• Display: Super Retina XDR OLED 

• Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB 

• Cameras: 2-in-1 TrueDepth system, 24 MP + 48 MP 

• Battery life: Up to 26 hours of video play / Up to 90 hours of audio play 

• USB interface: USB Type C 

• Wi-Fi 

• Siri 

• Colors: Black, White 

 Apple iPhone 16  

• Operating system: iOS 18 

• Casing: Aluminum 

• Screen size: 6.1 in 

• Display: Super Retina XDR OLED 

• Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB 

• Cameras: 2-in-1 Tru Depth system, 24 MP + 48 MP 

• Battery life: Up to 22 hours of video play / Up to 80 hours of audio play 

• USB interface: USB Type C 

• Wi-Fi 7 

• Siri 

• AI: Apple Intelligence 

• Colors: Black, White, Teal, Ultramarine, Pink 

Benefits and features 

The way that the Samsung Galaxy S25 seamlessly integrates its AI-powered features to simplify your daily lifestyle is this phone's top benefit. From intuitive suggestions to smart photo editing,  the Samsung Galaxy S25 enables easy multitasking and immersive entertainment. In the concise opinion of one Reddit reviewer:

"The Samsung Galaxy S25 is stunningly light and very comfortable to use." 

The iPhone 16e offers excellent software support and reliable performance. It makes everyday tasks effortless, thanks to comprehensive integration with the Apple software ecosystem. 

The iPhone 16 is designed for enhanced communication, productivity and creativity. It's a fast, intuitive device that makes daily tasks and entertainment smooth and seamless. 

Pros and Cons 

Mid-range models: Galaxy S25+ vs iPhone16 Plus 

Both the Samsung Galaxy S25+ and the Apple iPhone 16 Plus are powerful devices, but with distinct differences. The Galaxy has a higher screen refresh rate of 120Hz that produces vivid colors and speeds up smooth scrolling. The iPhone 16 Plus has a much lower refresh rate of only 60Hz and has a Super Retina XDR display compared to the AMOLED Samsung display. Both have similar chipset performance, and both have excellent camera technology. The Galaxy, however, has better zoom capabilities. Samsung offers more ability for personal customization, whereas the iPhone is limited to the Apple ecosystem.

Main specifications  Samsung Galaxy S25+ 

• Operating system: Android 

• Casing: Aluminum 

• Screen size: 6.7 in 

• Display: Dynamic AMOLED 

• Storage: 512GB 

• Cameras: 50.0 MP + 10.0 MP + 12.0 MP 

• Battery life: Up to 31 hours of video play / Up to 92 hours of audio play 

• USB interface: USB Type C 

• Wi-Fi Direct 

• AI: Gemini Live 

• Colors: Cobalt Violet, Amber Yellow, Marble Gray, Onyx Black 

Apple iPhone 16 Plus  

• Operating system: iOS 18 

• Casing: Aluminum 

• Screen size: 6.7 in 

• Display: Super Retina XDR OLED 

• Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB 

• Cameras: 2-in-1 TrueDepth system, 24 MP + 48 MP 

• Battery life: Up to 27 hours of video play / Up to 100 hours of audio play 

• USB interface: USB Type C 

• Wi-Fi 7 

• Siri 

• AI: Apple Intelligence 

• Colors: Black, White, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine 

Benefits and features 

The Galaxy 25+ provides excellent connectivity and a smooth user experience, whether you’re using it for work or entertainment. It has innovative features that empower users to stay connected, efficiently organize their lives, and document memorable moments with its outstanding camera.   

The iPhone 16 Plus is an ideal lifestyle phone. It has an intuitive design, and its integration with the Apple software ecosystem gives it tons of extra power.  The iPhone 16 Plus is an all-in-one device for everyday tasks, immersive entertainment and efficient communication. 

"Highlights include a stunning, high-resolution display, blazing-fast performance, and useful Galaxy AI features." 

- PCMag 

Pros and Cons 

Top-of-the-line models: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro Max and Pro 

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has an outstanding 200MP camera, a vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display, and a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. It has more customization abilities and has an expandable storage slot. The Apple iPhone Pro and Pro Max both have an advanced A17 pro chip, which provides extremely powerful performance. Both have Apple's ProMotion display, also at a 120Hz refresh rate. The Pro Max has a slightly larger screen. The Galaxy's strongest point is its versatility, which the iPhones achieve by integrating with Apple's software ecosystem, although this has more limitations. 

Main specifications  Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 

• Operating system: Android 

• Casing: Titanium 

• Screen size: 6.8 in 

• Display: Dynamic AMOLED 

• Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB 

• Cameras: Multiple rear – 108MP + 10MP + 12MP + 10MP 

• Battery life: Up to 20 hours of video play / Up to 81 hours of audio play 

• USB interface: USB Type C 

• Wi-Fi Direct 

• AI: Gemini Live 

• Colors: Burgundy, Phantom Black, Green, Phantom White 

Apple iPhone 16 Pro  

• Operating system: iOS 18 

• Casing: Titanium 

• Screen size: 6.3 in 

• Display: Super Retina XDR OLED 

• Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB 

• Cameras: 48MP Fusion, 48MP ultra-wide, 12MP 5x telephoto  

• Battery life: Up to 22 hours of video play / Up to 85 hours of audio play 

• USB interface: USB Type C 

• Wi-Fi 7 

• Siri 

• AI: Apple Intelligence 

• Colors: Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, Desert Titanium 

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max 

• Operating system: iOS 18 

• Casing: Titanium 

• Screen size: 6.9 in 

• Display: Super Retina XDR OLED 

• Storage: 256GB / 512GB / 1TB 

• Cameras: 48MP Fusion, 48MP ultra-wide, 12MP 5x telephoto 

• Battery life: Up to 33 hours of video play / Up to 105 hours of audio play 

• USB interface: USB Type C 

• Wi-Fi 7 

• Siri 

• AI: Apple Intelligence 

• Colors: Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, Desert Titanium 

Benefits and features 

The Samsung Galaxy Ultra is designed for an elevated lifestyle with its advanced blend of leading technology and its sleek profile. It's the ideal phone for people seeking premium features for productivity and entertainment. 

The iPhone 16 Pro is designed for seamless integration into daily life, providing intuitive, AI-enhanced ways of being productive, staying organized and being socially connected. It has advanced features to boost both your personal and professional life. 

The iPhone 16 Pro Max creates a more immersive and expansive experience for users who want even more productivity and a wider range of entertainment. It surpasses the Pro model by offering more storage and a bigger screen. 

"The Apple iPhone 16 Pro has pocket-sized brilliance and no concessions." 

- TechRadar 

Pros and Cons 

Shopping tips for Samsung Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16 

Getting a good deal on a Galaxy S25 or iPhone 16 is typically a matter of timing. Waiting for the huge annual sales like Black Friday is an obvious idea, but you can also sometimes get pretty substantial discounts in the weeks and months following the release of a newer model. Stores tend to want to clean out their shelves of old stock to make way for the latest arrivals as quickly as possible, and the easiest way to do that is to mark down the prices. 

However, these tips don't help if you've lost or damaged your smartphone at some other time and need a replacement fast. That's where Back Market comes in. You can get a replacement for your exact model at a juicy discount, far cheaper than buying new. Our verified refurbished devices are tested and certified to ensure that they deliver the same performance as the original benchmark specifications. 

Benefits of buying refurbished smartphones 

If you like to take care of both your wallet and the planet, buying a refurbished smartphone on Back Market gives you two big benefits. First, you'll be saving money while getting a phone that's been fully restored to its original performance specifications. You'll find discounts of up to 50% off the original price of new.  

You might be asking how you can trust the refurbishment quality — fair play on that. We use a select few certified third-party refurbishers who work to the highest standards. Each device is thoroughly disassembled, inspected, and tested for any shortcomings or damage when it comes in. Any worn or damaged parts are replaced with new ones, and the rest of the phone is restored and polished. Once that's done, it's put through its paces to make sure it performs up to the same standard as the original benchmarks. Only then do we make it available to you, in pristine condition.  

The second benefit of buying a refurbished smartphone is that it's a far more sustainable, eco-friendly choice than getting a new one. Each refurbished device we sell means one less item of electronic waste. In a time of global warming, it's the obvious choice to reduce our personal carbon footprints. 

Back Market is all about sustainability. We are a certified B Corp status company, which confirms our commitment to social responsibility, transparency, and accountability. We're proud of our contribution to creating more eco-friendly trading practices, however modest it might be.    Here's some more detailed information on why you can trust our refurbished electronics. 

Trade in your old smartphone for cash 

If you have an old smartphone that you no longer use, you can trade it in for cash on Back Market. It's quick and easy. All you have to do is enter your model's details on a short form and submit it to us. Within minutes, you'll receive an offer from one of our refurbishers. If you accept it, just ship your phone to us at no cost, and your bank account will be credited within five business days. 

Save money on refurbished Samsung and Apple smartphones 

*Back Market prices taken at the date of publication – these are subject to change.  

Final thoughts 

The Samsung Galaxy S25 series is designed for people who value the best screen display technology and customization abilities. It has AI-powered photography systems, especially if you choose the Galaxy Ultra, which also comes with an S Pen.  

On the other hand, the iPhone 16 series provides top-tier performance and access to the Apple ecosystem, which makes it seamlessly compatible with all other Apple products. The iPhone 16e offers a powerful phone at an entry-level price, while the Pro and Pro Max have enhanced camera capabilities.

Both of these series offer excellent, modern smartphones that are fit for a variety of purposes. Some excel at specific things; some are good all-rounders. Making your choice is ultimately about your personal priorities and preferences, as well as the question of whether you'd rather have a more customizable phone or prefer Apple's closed ecosystem.