Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs iPhone 16: Battle of the giants
The record-thin Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge takes on the compact iPhone 16. Will design or ecosystem decide the winner?
Compare Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge and iPhone 16 configuration
| Configuration | Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge | Apple iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Size: | 158.2 x 75.6 x 5.8mm | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8mm |
| Weight: | 163g | 170g |
| Screen: | 6.7-inch AMOLED | 6.1-inch OLED |
| Resolution: | 1440 x 3120 | 1179 x 2556 |
| Frequency: | 120Hz | 60Hz |
| Chipset: | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Apple A18 |
| Rear camera: | 200MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide | 48MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide |
| Front camera: | 12MP | 12MP |
| RAM: | 12GB | 8GB |
| Storage: | 256GB / 512GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB |
| Battery: | 3,900mAh | 3,561mAh |
| Charging: | 25W wired, 15W wireless | 20W wired, 25W wireless |
Price and release date
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge was announced in May and will be available from May 30, starting at $1,099 (256GB, 12GB RAM) and $1,219 (512GB, 12GB RAM).
Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 has been launched since September 2024, currently available globally with prices starting at $799 (128GB, 8GB RAM), $899 (256GB) and $1,099 (512GB).
Comparing the 256GB model, the S25 Edge is about $200 (£200 or AU$250) more expensive than the iPhone 16. Despite the higher price, the S25 Edge offers double the storage at the starting level.
Design and display
In terms of design, the two phones are quite different. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge has a premium titanium frame, impressively thin (5.8mm), measuring 158.2 x 75.6mm, weighing 163g. The iPhone 16 uses an aluminum frame, thicker (7.8mm), measuring 147.6 x 71.6mm, weighing 170g.
Both have glass backs, flat screens and are IP68 certified (water and dust resistant at a depth of 1.5m for 30 minutes).
The rear camera block of both has an oval design, but the flash of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is located inside the camera block, while the iPhone 16 is located outside.
The S25 Edge comes in Titanium Ice Blue, Titanium Silver, and Titanium Black; the iPhone 16 comes in Black, White, Pink, Blue, and Ocean Blue.
Regarding the screen, the S25 Edge has a 6.7-inch AMOLED screen, 1440 x 3120 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, 513 PPI pixel density. The iPhone 16 has a 6.1-inch OLED screen, 1179 x 2556 resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, 460 PPI density.
The S25 Edge's display is larger, sharper, and smoother, but the iPhone 16 is still rated as having a "brilliant display that's suitable for a variety of indoor and outdoor tasks."
Camera
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is equipped with a 200MP f/1.7 main camera, 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide camera and 12MP f/2.2 front camera, supporting 8K video recording. iPhone 16 has a 48MP f/1.6 main camera, 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide camera, 12MP f/1.9 front camera and records video up to 4K.
The S25 Edge's main camera is superior in resolution, but real-world quality remains to be seen. The iPhone 16 is noted for having an "excellent main camera and a good ultra-wide", with a convenient Camera Control button for taking photos, recording videos, and adjusting settings.
Performance and software
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge uses Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, 12GB RAM, maximum memory of 512GB, providing powerful performance. iPhone 16 uses A18 chip, 8GB RAM, also supports maximum memory of 512GB.
The S25 Edge has the advantage in RAM and chip, but the iPhone 16 is still rated "powerful enough for many years of use".
In terms of software, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge runs Android 15 with One UI 7, while the iPhone 16 uses iOS 18. The difference between the two operating systems depends on personal preference, with separate app stores for each platform.
Battery
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge's battery is 3,900mAh, which is slightly larger than the iPhone 16's 3,561mAh. However, due to the larger screen, the S25 Edge only gets 24 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 16 gets 22 hours.
Both have enough battery to last a full day of use. The S25 Edge supports 25W wired charging and 15W wireless; the iPhone 16 supports 20W wired charging and 25W wireless.
Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge and the iPhone 16 comes down to operating system preference. The S25 Edge stands out with its big, smooth display, 200MP camera, and superior performance, but it costs more.
The iPhone 16 is smaller, more affordable, has a quality camera, and a unique Camera Control button. If you want a super-slim design and powerful specs, the S25 Edge is the choice; if value and the iOS ecosystem are your priorities, the iPhone 16 is a strong candidate.
