Comparing the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge and iPhone 16: A battle between the giants.
The record-breakingly thin Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge goes head-to-head with the compact iPhone 16. Will design or ecosystem determine the winner?
Comparing the specifications of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge and the iPhone 16.
| 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 |
| Desire: | 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 go on sale from May 30th, with a starting price of $1,099 (256GB, 12GB RAM) and $1,219 (512GB, 12GB RAM).
Meanwhile, the iPhone 16, which launched in September 2024, is now available globally with prices starting at $799 (128GB, 8GB RAM), $899 (256GB), and $1,099 (512GB).
Compared to the 256GB model, the S25 Edge is about $200 more expensive than the iPhone 16 (equivalent to £200 or AUD 250). Despite the higher price, the S25 Edge offers double the storage capacity at the base.
Design and display
In terms of design, the two phones are quite different. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge has a premium titanium frame, is impressively thin (5.8mm), measures 158.2 x 75.6mm, and weighs 163g. The iPhone 16 uses an aluminum frame, is thicker (7.8mm), measures 147.6 x 71.6mm, and weighs 170g.
Both have glass backs, flat screens, and are IP68 rated (water and dust resistant at a depth of 1.5m for 30 minutes).
Both phones have an oval-shaped rear camera module, but the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge's flash is located inside the module, while the iPhone 16's is 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.
In terms of display, the S25 Edge features a 6.7-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1440 x 3120, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a pixel density of 513 PPI. The iPhone 16 has a 6.1-inch OLED screen with a resolution of 1179 x 2556, a 60Hz refresh rate, and a pixel density of 460 PPI.
The S25 Edge's screen is larger, sharper, and smoother, but the iPhone 16 is still praised for its "vibrant display, suitable for a variety of indoor and outdoor tasks."
Camera
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge features a 200MP f/1.7 main camera, a 12MP f/2.2 ultrawide camera, and a 12MP f/2.2 front camera, supporting 8K video recording. The iPhone 16 has a 48MP f/1.6 main camera, a 12MP f/2.2 ultrawide camera, a 12MP f/1.9 front camera, and can record video up to 4K.
The S25 Edge's main camera boasts superior resolution, but its actual quality needs further detailed evaluation. The iPhone 16 is noted for its "excellent main camera and good ultrawide," along with a convenient Camera Control button for taking photos, recording videos, and adjusting settings.
Performance and software
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge uses a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, 12GB of RAM, and up to 512GB of storage, delivering powerful performance. The iPhone 16 uses an A18 chip, 8GB of RAM, and also supports up to 512GB of storage.
The S25 Edge has an advantage in RAM and chip, but the iPhone 16 is still considered "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 differences between the two operating systems depend on personal preference, with separate app stores for each platform.
Battery
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge's battery is 3,900mAh, slightly larger than the iPhone 16's 3,561mAh. However, due to its larger screen, the S25 Edge only achieves 24 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 16 achieves 22 hours.
Both phones have enough battery life for a full day of use. The S25 Edge supports 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging; the iPhone 16 supports 20W wired charging and 25W wireless charging.
Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge and the iPhone 16 largely depends on operating system preference. The S25 Edge stands out with its large, smooth screen, 200MP camera, and superior performance, but it comes at a higher price.
The iPhone 16 is more compact, more affordable, has a quality camera, and a unique Camera Control button. If you want an ultra-slim design and powerful specifications, the S25 Edge is the choice; if you prioritize value and the iOS ecosystem, the iPhone 16 is a strong contender.
