Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus vs. iPhone 16 Plus: Choices Were Made

At this point, even a toddler knows exactly what Samsung and iPhone are. You could walk up to a random three-year-old, show them two rectangles, and they’d tell you, “That’s an iPhone, and that’s a Samsung.” These two brands have been at war longer than some of us have been alive. And every year, we get another cycle of “Wait, is this actually better?” or “They changed the chip and camera again??”

So when I first saw these phones, my immediate reaction was: “What in a rentgen phone is this?” Samsung came out swinging with some futuristic, almost X-ray-looking camera tech, while Apple, as always, refined its formula and threw in a couple of fancy-sounding upgrades.

But here’s the deal—if you’re spending this much money, you better know exactly what you’re getting. So let’s break it all down, category by category, and figure out which one actually deserves your cash.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus vs. iPhone 16 Plus: The Verdict

Let’s get straight to it—here’s how these two stack up in the categories that actually matter.

Best Camera: Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus

Apple keeps things simple and reliable, but Samsung went all out with zoom, AI-powered enhancements, and overall versatility. If you love taking ultra-detailed shots and zooming in on things from across the street, Samsung wins this one.

Best Battery Life: iPhone 16 Plus

Samsung put a bigger battery in the S25 Plus, but Apple’s efficiency magic keeps the iPhone running longer on less. You’ll easily get a day and a half on iPhone, while Samsung will likely need a charge by the end of the day.

Best Display: Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus

This one’s not even a competition. Samsung literally makes the best phone screens in the world, and their latest AMOLED tech outshines Apple’s even though the iPhone finally has 120Hz. Brighter, smoother, and just better.

Best Performance: iPhone 16 Plus

The A18 Bionic chip is still the king of raw power, efficiency, and longevity. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 inside the S25 Plus is impressive, but Apple’s silicon is built to last and outperforms in almost every way.

Best Software Experience: Tie (Depends on Preference)

If you love simplicity and smooth optimization, go iPhone. If you love customization, control, and Android’s freedom, go Samsung. Both brands now offer 7 years of updates, so long-term support is no longer an issue.

Best Price-to-Value Ratio: Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus

Both phones cost the same, but Samsung gives you more hardware for your money. You’re getting a better display, a more advanced camera system, and faster charging—all for the same price as Apple’s minimal upgrades.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus vs. iPhone 16 Plus: Detailed Comparison

Feature	Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus	Apple iPhone 16 Plus
Design & Build	Armor Aluminum 2.0 frame, Gorilla Glass Victus, IP68	Aluminum frame with Ceramic Shield glass, IP68
Display	6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 2600 nits	6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz (Note: Some sources indicate a 120Hz option for iPhone 16 Pro models, but not confirmed for iPhone 16 Plus), 2300 nits
Performance	Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy	Apple A18 Bionic
RAM & Storage	12GB RAM, 256GB/512GB storage	8GB RAM, 128GB/256GB/512GB storage
Cameras	50MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 10MP telephoto	48MP main + 12MP ultrawide
Battery & Charging	4,900mAh, 45W wired, 15W wireless	4,674mAh, 27W wired, 15W MagSafe wireless
Software	Android 15 with One UI 7, 7 years of updates	iOS 18, at least 6-7 years of updates
Price	Starting at $1,000	Starting at $899 (128GB), $999 (256GB)

Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. We’re breaking down everything that matters—design, display, performance, cameras, battery life, and more. By the end of this, you’ll know exactly which phone fits your needs.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus vs. iPhone 16 Plus Design 

At first glance, both phones stick to their signature styles—Apple keeps it flat, minimalist, and industrial, while Samsung leans into curves, futuristic elegance, and premium materials.

• iPhone 16 Plus: Aluminum frame with Ceramic Shield glass on both sides. The design is essentially unchanged, but it still looks premium and feels solid. Apple doesn’t fix what isn’t broken.
• Galaxy S25 Plus: Samsung uses an Armor Aluminum 2.0 frame, Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and back, and a slightly slimmer, more ergonomic feel. The floating camera lens design remains, making it more modern and clean.

Both are IP68 water and dust resistant, and both feel like flagship phones. But if you want a fresh look with better hand feel, Samsung takes the edge.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus vs. iPhone 16 Plus Display

Samsung dominates this category every single year, and it’s no different this time.

• Galaxy S25 Plus: 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, LTPO 1-120Hz refresh rate, insane 2600 nits brightness. It’s ultra-smooth, ultra-bright, and has crazy vibrant colors.
• iPhone 16 Plus: 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, ProMotion 120Hz (finally), 2300 nits brightness. It’s a solid display with accurate colors and smooth animations.

The iPhone finally catches up with a 120Hz display on the Plus model, but Samsung’s higher brightness, better contrast, and richer colors still give it the edge.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus vs. iPhone 16 Plus Cameras

Apple keeps things simple and consistent, while Samsung goes all out on hardware and AI enhancements.

Specs:

• Galaxy S25 Plus: 50MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 10MP 3x telephoto
• iPhone 16 Plus: 48MP main + 12MP ultrawide (no telephoto)

Photo Quality:

• iPhones always deliver natural, true-to-life colors with great dynamic range. Night mode and Smart HDR improvements keep shots looking balanced and clean.
• Samsung, on the other hand, loves sharpening and contrast, making photos look ultra-detailed and vibrant. If you like that “punchy” look straight out of the camera, Samsung’s processing will be your favorite.

Zoom & Extra Features:

• The 3x telephoto lens on Samsung is a huge advantage. Apple still refuses to include a zoom lens on the Plus model, meaning the S25 Plus can get clearer, more detailed shots at a distance.
• Samsung’s AI-powered editing tools let you remove unwanted objects and tweak photos in a way Apple still hasn’t caught up with.

Overall, iPhone keeps things reliable, but Samsung offers more versatility and better hardware for photography.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus vs. iPhone 16 Plus Battery Life & Charging

Apple’s battery optimization is on another level, but Samsung fights back with faster charging.

Battery Capacity:

• Galaxy S25 Plus: 5000mAh
• iPhone 16 Plus: 4325mAh

Real-World Usage:

• Apple’s efficiency is unbeatable, meaning the iPhone lasts longer despite having a smaller battery. With normal use, you can easily get through a day and a half on the 16 Plus.
• Samsung’s 5000mAh battery is big, but One UI is still not as power-efficient as iOS. It’ll last a full day, but it won’t stretch quite as long as the iPhone.

Charging Speed:

• Galaxy S25 Plus: 45W wired, 15W wireless charging
• iPhone 16 Plus: 27W wired, 15W MagSafe wireless charging

Samsung charges way faster—from 0 to 50% in about 25 minutes, while the iPhone takes nearly twice as long.

So, if you want the longest battery life possible, iPhone wins. But if you care about fast charging, Samsung takes the lead.

Winner: iPhone 16 Plus for endurance, Samsung for charging speed.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus vs. iPhone 16 Plus Performance & Chipset

Apple’s A18 Bionic chip is still untouchable.

• iPhone 16 Plus: A18 Bionic (Apple’s latest, most efficient chip)
• Galaxy S25 Plus: Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 (one of the best Android chips, but still behind Apple in raw power)

Real-World Speed:

• The iPhone is smoother, faster, and better optimized. Apps launch instantly, animations never stutter, and iOS just feels more responsive overall.
• Samsung is still crazy fast, but Android’s heavier UI makes it feel slightly less fluid.

If you want the most powerful phone that will still feel brand new 4-5 years down the line, Apple wins.

Winner: iPhone 16 Plus

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus vs. iPhone 16 Plus Software & Long-Term Updates

This one is all about personal preference.

• iOS 18 (iPhone 16 Plus): Simple, smooth, locked down. New AI features and customization options make it a little less restrictive, but it’s still very “Apple.”
• One UI 7 (Galaxy S25 Plus, Android 15): Feature-packed, highly customizable, and gives you way more control over your phone.

Updates:

• Apple supports iPhones for at least 6-7 years.
• Samsung now matches that with 7 years of updates.

If you like customization, widgets, and more control over your phone, Samsung is better. If you like simplicity, optimization, and security, iPhone is better.

Winner: Tie—depends on what you prefer.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus vs. iPhone 16 Plus Price & Value for Money

Here’s where things get interesting.

• iPhone 16 Plus: Starts at $999
• Galaxy S25 Plus: Starts at $999

Samsung gives you more hardware for your money—better cameras, faster charging, and a superior display. Apple, on the other hand, offers a longer-lasting phone with better software optimization and performance.

If you want the most feature-packed device, Samsung wins. If you want longevity and reliability, Apple wins.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus for better value, iPhone 16 Plus for long-term investment.

Top 5 Must-Have Accessories for Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus & iPhone 16 Plus

If you’re dropping a grand on a flagship phone, you might as well deck it out with the best accessories. Whether you’re looking for extra protection, longer battery life, or just a better overall experience, these add-ons will make your device even more powerful.

1. Home Click – The Ultimate Home Entertainment Solution

This is not your average streaming device. Home Click transforms your TV into a smart entertainment hub with an intuitive interface, voice control, and the ability to seamlessly integrate your favorite apps, streaming services, and even smart home devices.

Why You Need It:

• Works with both iPhone and Samsung devices
• One device to control them all—from Netflix to gaming to smart home functions
• Super-fast performance with a clean and lag-free interface

If you want an all-in-one solution for entertainment, this is the accessory to get.

2. Anker Nano II 65W Charger – Fast Charging Done Right

Here’s the problem: Neither Apple nor Samsung gives you a charger in the box anymore. And even if they did, their official chargers aren’t exactly fast.

Why You Need It:

• Fast-charges both phones (Samsung at 45W, iPhone at its max 27W)
• Compact and super travel-friendly
• Supports USB-C, meaning it can charge your laptop, tablet, and more

Stop waiting forever for your phone to charge—just get this.

3. MagSafe Battery Pack (for iPhone) / Samsung Battery Pack – Power on the Go

Both the Galaxy S25 Plus and iPhone 16 Plus have great battery life, but let’s be real—if you’re gaming, streaming, or constantly on social media, you’re going to need a top-up.

Why You Need It:

• Apple’s MagSafe Battery Pack snaps onto the back of the iPhone seamlessly
• Samsung’s Battery Pack is sleek, lightweight, and charges your phone at 25W
• Perfect for travel, long workdays, or just peace of mind

No more running around looking for outlets—just snap and charge.

Conclusion

So, which one should you get?

• Get the iPhone 16 Plus if you want the best performance, longest software support, and the most reliable battery life.
• Get the Galaxy S25 Plus if you want the best display, better camera system, and more bang for your buck.

Both are incredible phones, but Apple keeps things consistent and powerful, while Samsung pushes innovation and better hardware. Your choice depends on what you value most.

At the end of the day, you already know which side you’re on. If you’re an iPhone person, nothing will change your mind. If you’re an Android person, you’re getting the Galaxy. 

Yours truly,

S, XOXO