The ultimate showdown between smartphone giants is here! We pit the iPhone 16 Pro Max against the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra in a comprehensive benchmark battle, meticulously comparing their performance across a range of demanding tests. From CPU and GPU benchmarks to AI processing and storage speeds, we leave no stone unturned in this detailed analysis. Prepare for a deep dive into the raw power and capabilities of these two flagship contenders, uncovering which device truly reigns supreme in terms of sheer performance.This head-to-head comparison utilizes industry-standard benchmark tools like Geekbench, 3DMark, and Antutu, providing a quantifiable assessment of each phone's strengths and weaknesses. We delve beyond simple score comparisons, exploring the implications of these results for real-world usage, including gaming performance, AI-powered features, and overall system responsiveness. Discover which phone offers superior multi-tasking capabilities, faster app loading times, and better sustained performance under heavy workloads. The results may surprise you!
Pros And Cons
- Faster multicore performance than iPhone 16 Pro Max in Geekbench 6.
- Significantly faster AI performance (NPU) than iPhone 16 Pro Max in Geekbench AI.
- Higher average frames per second in 3DMark Wildlife Extreme and 3DMark Speedometer tests than iPhone 16 Pro Max.
- Faster read and write speeds than iPhone 16 Pro Max.
- Slightly cooler than iPhone 16 Pro Max during sustained benchmark testing.
- Slightly lower single-core score than iPhone 16 Pro Max in Geekbench 6.
- Slightly higher single-core score than Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra in Geekbench 6.
- Slower multicore performance than Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra in Geekbench 6.
- Significantly slower AI performance (NPU) than Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra in Geekbench AI.
- Lower average frames per second in 3DMark Wildlife Extreme and 3DMark Speedometer tests than Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
- Slower read and write speeds than Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
- Slightly hotter than Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra during sustained benchmark testing.
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Geekbench 6 Performance: Single-Core and Multi-Core
The single-core performance showed a close race, with the iPhone 16 Pro Max slightly edging out the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (3457 vs 3220). Apple's consistent dominance in single-core scores is evident here, even with the powerful Snapdragon Elite chip in the S25 Ultra.
However, the multi-core results tell a different story. The S25 Ultra's multi-core score of 10223 significantly outperforms the iPhone 16 Pro Max's 8553, highlighting the Snapdragon Elite's superior multi-tasking capabilities. This difference suggests a noticeable advantage in demanding applications and games.
The Samsung S25 Ultra's multi-core performance is comparable to an M2 chip, surpassing the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which is similar to an M1 chip. This is a significant leap in processing power.
AI Performance: NPU Benchmark
The Geekbench AI test revealed a clear winner: the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Its NPU scored significantly higher than the iPhone 16 Pro Max (61240 vs 45572), demonstrating superior AI processing capabilities.
This difference is particularly noteworthy for users who rely on AI-powered features like image processing, augmented reality applications, and machine learning tasks.
The quantized score emphasizes the significant performance gap between the two devices' AI capabilities.
Graphics Performance: 3DMark Tests
The 3DMark Wildlife Extreme test, measuring standard graphics performance, revealed another strong showing for the S25 Ultra. Achieving 34.36 fps versus the iPhone's 26.5 fps, showcasing superior frame rates.
However, the more demanding 3DMark Wild Life Extreme Stress Test (which includes ray tracing) demonstrated a similar performance trend. While the difference was smaller (19.39 fps vs 14.2 fps), the S25 Ultra again demonstrated its prowess in demanding graphics tasks.
These results underscore the Snapdragon Elite's advanced GPU, outperforming the A18 Pro even under intense graphic workloads.
Overall Performance: Antutu Benchmark
The Antutu benchmark, a comprehensive test covering various aspects of performance, showed a substantial lead for the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. It achieved a score of 2,282,000, significantly higher than the iPhone 16 Pro Max's 1,700,000.
This comprehensive benchmark incorporates CPU, GPU, memory, and other system components, reaffirming the Snapdragon Elite's overall superiority.
The substantial difference demonstrates the power of the Snapdragon chipset across various performance metrics.
Storage Performance: Read/Write Speeds
The read and write speeds of the internal SSDs were also compared, revealing a clear advantage for the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The S25 Ultra demonstrated significantly faster read and write speeds for a 3GB file.
This difference suggests quicker app loading times and improved overall system responsiveness for the S25 Ultra.
The test results solidify the Samsung S25 Ultra's edge in terms of internal storage performance.
Thermal Performance: Sustained Load Temperatures
Under sustained load using the 3DMark Wildlife Extreme benchmark, both phones heated up, but the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra remained significantly cooler. The iPhone 16 Pro Max reached a peak temperature of 45°C (113°F) on the rear, while the S25 Ultra peaked at 43°C (109°F).
This difference is likely attributable to Samsung's advanced cooling system, which effectively dissipates heat under intense workloads.
The superior cooling of the S25 Ultra helps maintain consistent performance even during extended use.
Battery Life and Charging Speeds
After the benchmarking tests, both phones retained a significant battery percentage. The S25 Ultra (80%) slightly outperformed the iPhone 16 Pro Max (79%).
A separate charging test, from 20% to 40%, showed the S25 Ultra charging faster (10 minutes 25 seconds) than the iPhone 16 Pro Max (11 minutes 11 seconds), using identical 60W chargers.
While battery performance is close, the S25 Ultra shows a slight advantage in both initial battery retention and charging speed.
Conclusion: Which Phone Reigns Supreme?
Based on these comprehensive benchmarks, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra emerges as the clear winner in terms of raw processing power and performance. Its Snapdragon Elite chipset outperforms the A18 Pro in nearly every test. The superior cooling also helps sustain that performance under pressure.
However, the iPhone 16 Pro Max holds its own in certain areas, with slightly better single-core performance. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual preferences regarding the operating system and specific feature needs.
While the S25 Ultra boasts impressive benchmarks, the superior user interface and ecosystem of iOS might outweigh performance differences for many Apple enthusiasts. Both phones are top contenders, each excelling in its own areas.