As we approach the start of 2025, the Samsung Galaxy S25 is set to make its grand debut, and it’ll be going head-to-head with the iPhone 16, which has already marked itself as one of the best smartphones in Pakistan. If spending a hefty sum on the iPhone 16 Pro isn’t in the cards, the standard iPhone 16 offers a fantastic flagship experience at a more accessible price. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S25 is shaping up to be a strong competitor, promising features that could make it an even better value.
In this comparison, we’ll focus on the standard Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16, leaving out their Pro, Plus, or Ultra variants. With plenty of exciting features to explore, let’s see what makes these devices stand out.
Design and display
The Samsung Galaxy S25 isn’t expected to stray far from the design language of the Galaxy S24, based on leaked renders. It’s likely to feature a flat-screen, subtly curved edges, and three distinct ringed cameras on the back. However, one notable change could be its size—the S25 may come with a larger 6.36-inch display, up from the S24’s 6.2 inches. This would place it closer in size to the iPhone 16 Pro, while the standard iPhone 16 remains compact with its 6.1-inch screen.
The iPhone 16, on the other hand, keeps its iconic flat-sided design but introduces several new elements to differentiate it. Its Dynamic Island cutout for the front camera and Face ID stays, but the rear cameras have been repositioned to enable features like Spatial Photo and Video recording. The addition of an Action Button offers a more versatile replacement for the traditional mute slider, while a new Camera Control simplifies adjusting settings and capturing shots without relying on on-screen buttons.
In terms of display tech, the Galaxy S25 is expected to stick with its vibrant OLED screen featuring an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and gameplay. The iPhone 16, while also boasting a crisp OLED screen, lags with a 60Hz refresh rate, which can feel less fluid in high-performance scenarios.
Colour options remain a mystery for the Galaxy S25, though we can anticipate a selection of four or so shades. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 is bursting with personality, available in bold colours like Black, White, Pink, Teal, and Ultramarine. Hopefully, Samsung will step up with equally striking hues for the S25.
Performance
The chip powering the Galaxy S25 remains a bit of a puzzle, but speculation points to a few possibilities. The most likely candidate is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, based on Samsung’s recent history with Qualcomm chips for flagship devices. This seems promising, given the impressive performance numbers achieved by this chip in leaked benchmarks.
However, Samsung might surprise us by integrating its own Exynos 2500 chip, which could signal a renewed push for its in-house silicon. Another curveball could be the use of MediaTek Dimensity 9400, which might seem unlikely until you consider Samsung’s recent adoption of MediaTek chips for its latest tablets, the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus and Ultra. Until more definitive leaks surface, the choice remains up in the air.
The iPhone 16, meanwhile, runs on Apple’s A18 chip, a powerhouse that delivers excellent performance. While it doesn’t match the A18 Pro used in the iPhone 16 Pro models, it still outperforms the Galaxy S24 in CPU benchmarks. However, it lags slightly behind the S24’s GPU, making the Galaxy S25’s eventual chip choice pivotal in deciding which phone leads in sheer performance this generation.
Battery
The Galaxy S25 may see a bump in battery capacity to support the power demands of its rumoured new chip, particularly if it uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. While this chip could focus on maximizing performance, it might also come with higher energy consumption, potentially affecting battery life. On the brighter side, the 3-nanometer architecture of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 (or an equivalent chip) could counterbalance this with improved efficiency, possibly even extending the already impressive battery life of the Galaxy S24.
The iPhone 16, while improved over its predecessor in battery life, still trails behind Samsung in endurance. Its slightly faster charging could be a selling point for some users. Still, for those prioritizing longevity, the Galaxy S25 might continue to hold the advantage, depending on how rumoured upgrades materialize.
Software and AI features
The Galaxy S25 may see a bump in battery capacity to support the power demands of its rumoured new chip, particularly if it uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. While this chip could focus on maximizing performance, it might also come with higher energy consumption, potentially affecting battery life. On the brighter side, the 3-nanometer architecture of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 (or an equivalent chip) could counterbalance this with improved efficiency, possibly even extending the already impressive battery life of the Galaxy S24.
The iPhone 16, while improved over its predecessor in battery life, still trails behind Samsung in endurance. Its slightly faster charging could be a selling point for some users. Still, for those prioritizing longevity, the Galaxy S25 might continue to hold the advantage, depending on how rumoured upgrades materialize.
Specs:
Here’s a specs comparison table for the Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16 based on current rumors and available details:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S25 | iPhone 16 |
| Release Date | January 2025 (Expected) | September 2024 |
| Display | 6.36-inch OLED, 120Hz | 6.1-inch OLED, 60Hz |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 / Exynos 2500 (Rumored) | Apple A18 |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB (Expected) | 6GB |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Main Cameras | Triple Cameras (Rumored: Wide, Ultra-Wide, Telephoto) | Dual Cameras (48MP Wide, 12MP Ultra-Wide) |
| Battery | Larger Battery than S24, 3nm efficiency boost expected | Slightly larger than iPhone 15 (~3279mAh) |
| Charging | Fast Wired & Wireless Charging | Wired Charging, MagSafe Wireless |
| Operating System | One UI 7 (Android 15) | iOS 18 |
| Build & Design | Gorilla Glass Victus, Aluminum Frame | Ceramic Shield, Aluminum Frame |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Satellite (Expected) | 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Emergency SOS via Satellite |
| Software Updates | 7 Years (Expected) | 5–6 Years |
| Price (Starting) | $800–$850 (Expected) | $800 |
Which one should you buy?
It’s way too early to tell which model will win this battle. The iPhone 16 boasts some impressive refinements, and while it may not bring groundbreaking innovation, it remains a strong and cohesive package. The Galaxy S25, on the other hand, is still under wraps in Samsung’s labs or warehouses, with its official debut set for early 2025.
That said, the age-old iOS vs. Android debate will undoubtedly take centre stage once again. The Galaxy S25 offers great value with its expansive screen, powerful chipset ideal for graphics-intensive tasks, and impressive battery longevity.
On the other hand, the iPhone 16, being an iPhone, holds significant appeal for existing Apple users or those intrigued by Apple’s renowned features like Apple Intelligence and advanced Camera Control, making it a popular choice for upgrades. Stay tuned to https://blog.techbazaar.pk/ for the latest tech updates and insights into this upcoming clash of titans.
