Every year the iPhone-versus-Galaxy debate comes down to one thing: what you're already invested in. Both of these phones take beautiful photos and last well into a second day. The real differences are in the details.
Camera
Samsung's Ultra goes all-in on zoom reach, while the iPhone leans on natural color and reliable video. If you shoot concerts, kids, or wildlife from a distance, the Galaxy's long lens is hard to beat. If you mostly shoot people and video, the iPhone is the safer everyday pick.
Battery and charging
Both clear a full day comfortably. The Ultra's bigger battery tends to stretch further on heavy days, especially with the display set to its standard refresh rate. Fast charging speeds are close enough that neither is a meaningful advantage.
Ecosystem
This is decisive. If your messages, headphones, and laptop are Apple's, the iPhone slots in effortlessly. If you live in Google's world, the Galaxy gives you that same seamlessness. Buy the phone that matches the services you already use.
Our recommended picks
iPhone 16 Pro
Natural color, superb video, and the iOS ecosystem at its most polished.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Unmatched zoom reach, a big bright screen, and the S Pen for note-takers.
Galaxy S25+
Most of the Ultra's power in a lighter, more affordable package.
The verdict
There's no wrong answer here. Choose the iPhone if you value straightforward video and the Apple ecosystem; choose the Ultra if you want maximum zoom and an Android workflow.
✓ Pros
- Both shoot excellent photos and video
- All-day-plus battery on both
- Long software support from either brand
✗ Cons
- Both are expensive
- Zoom trade-off vs. video is a real fork
- Best features reward staying in one ecosystem