Samsung and Apple continue to dominate the premium smartphone market, and if you’re considering a switch or an upgrade in 2025, two names likely top your list: the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge and the Apple iPhone 16. While these devices share some surface-level similarities, they’re ultimately designed for very different users.

If you find you are used to Android and finding yourself switching to an iOS environment or vice versa, this comprehensive review reveals exactly how the S25 Edge and iPhone 16 compare – across design, performance, display, cameras, among other areas.

Galaxy S25 Edge vs. iPhone 16

Design

Visually these two phones are very different. The iPhone 16 has the classic Apple curves plus a large cut-out front, and the Galaxy S25 Edge opts for ultra-slim stylized comfort, with minimalism and flatness. Instead of aluminum, Samsung used titanium for the Edge, making its weight 163g and height 5.8mm, which is lighter and slimmer compared to the iPhone 16’s weight of 170g and 7.8mm thick.

In display specs, the S25 edge has the upper hand, its display is 6.7-inches on an AMOLED panel with a 1440 x 3120 resolution at 120Hz, as compared to the iPhone 16’s 6.1-inch OLED and 60Hz. The iPhone 16 looks great, and labelled as retina display, it maxes out at 60Hz, and a lower resolution.

Both phones have color options. The iPhone is available in a bright color palette of Pink, Teal, and Ultramarine, to name a few. The S25 Edge is available in premium color options of Titanium Icyblue, Silver, and Jet black.

Galaxy S25 edge. Source: The Output

iPhone 16 design. Source: MacRumors

Camera

Samsung flaunts numbers with a 200MP main sensor alongside a 12MP ultra-wide and a 12MP front camera. The Edge also has support for 8K video, taking it to essentially pro-level.

Apple counters with a 48MP main sensor, a comparable 12MP ultra-wide, and a little better front camera aperture for low-light selfies. While it only supports 4K video, the Apple includes a new Camera Control button for the first time for better photography ease.

While Samsung has more megapixels, but image quality has plenty to do with processing. Apple’s regularity in photo realism and color accuracy remains the industry-level standard.

Apple iPhone 16 camera

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge Source: CNET

Performance and Software

When we look under the hood, we see the Galaxy S25 Edge sporting the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and 12GB of RAM – a supremely fast Android experience, storage options maxing out at 512GB, like the iPhone 16, with the Apple A18 chipset and 8GB of ram.

From a pure processing speed range the two chips are both fast, but since Samsung offers more RAM with a higher screen refresh rate, it may be ahead for multitasking needs and gaming.

Where the operating systems also differ greatly is in the dividing lines of Android 15 – when combined with One UI 7 – and iOS 18. Which is where your overall satisfaction for the long-term most hinges, because these two ecosystem apps, UI design, and ecosystems such as AirDrop and Samsung DeX, are all considerably different.

Battery

While neither phone has a particularly large battery on paper – 3,900mAh in the S25 Edge vs 3,561mAh in the iPhone 16 – both promise all day battery performance. Samsung’s test results indicate its capable of up to 24 hours of video playback, while Apple’s estimates demonstrate 22 hours.

The charging speeds diverge quite a bit. Samsung is charging wired at 25W, whereas Apple can have 25W of charging via wireless and Samsung can only have 15W. If you are someone that utilizes MagSafe or uses wireless pads, Apple wins again.

Price

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge went on sale internationally at the end of May 2025, and the phone starts at $1,099 for 256GB and 12GB of RAM. The 512GB is listed for $1,219.

In comparison, the iPhone 16 launched in September 2024, and it has more storage options. The iPhone 16 starts at $799 for 128GB, increases to $899 for 256GB storage, and ends at $1,099 for the 512GB version.

The Galaxy S25 Edge is more expensive overall, although the difference is not as great at comparable storage tiers. However, for most consumers the iPhone 16 presents a more consumer-friendly price option.

Final Decision: Which Is Best For You?

Fundamentally, it appears the decision between the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge and iPhone 16 is one of which software one prefers to use. Do you identify as an Android user, and enjoy a bleeding edge design with high refresh rates in an ultrathin body? If so, the Galaxy S25 Edge represents the high end of what new smart phones will offer, and that premium experience will come at a premium cost.

On the other hand, if you’re entrenched in Apple’s ecosystem, want guaranteed longevity with iOS updates, or simply prefer a more compact and user-friendly device, the iPhone 16 is a compelling option — and significantly more affordable at the entry level.

In either case, both the Galaxy S25 Edge and iPhone 16 are excellent flagship offerings as one comes in taking consideration those who are pursuing bleeding edge tech and design, while for the phone, functionally speaking the iPhone 16 is still a good device in every category (and cheaper).