Must you purchase an iPhone 16 or look ahead to the Galaxy S25?

The iPhone 16 begins pre-orders on September thirteenth, bringing new AI options and a number of other different refinements to Apple’s acquainted formulation. Earlier than you rush out to purchase one, it’s vital to think about the competitors. The Samsung Galaxy S24 is at present one of many finest Android telephones in the marketplace and a straightforward comparability, however what about its successor? The Galaxy S25 is lower than six months away, so it’s too early to pit the 2 telephones towards each other. Nonetheless, let’s take a better have a look at what we anticipate from the Galaxy S25, and whether or not it may be value ready for.

For a lot of shoppers, there are solely two smartphone manufacturers that matter: Apple and Samsung. That is very true within the US, the place gadgets from Google, OnePlus, and Motorola exist as options however don’t maintain vital market share. The obvious distinction between an iPhone and a Galaxy system is the working system — iOS vs. Android — however that’s just the start. Whereas each corporations goal customers in search of high-end smartphones, they entice several types of clients, resulting in distinct {hardware}, software program, and help methods.

In fact, there are floor similarities. Each telephones function an analogous design with a metallic and glass construct and rounded edges, although Apple’s gadgets differ barely in button configurations. The digicam placement can also be extra aligned this 12 months, with Apple stacking two lenses aspect by aspect, though Samsung retains the benefit of three rear cameras. You gained’t mistake an iPhone for a Galaxy, however the telephones aren’t dramatically completely different by way of dimension or form.

Let’s check out a couple of key variations we are able to anticipate between the Apple iPhone 16 and the Samsung Galaxy S25:

• Efficiency: Each telephones function highly effective processors, however Apple has a bonus because of its tight {hardware} and software program integration. This enables Apple’s chips to carry out higher than rival SoCs, even when these chips might have superior specs on paper. The brand new iPhone 16 additionally introduces the Digicam Management button, providing better flexibility within the digicam expertise.
• Digicam: The Galaxy S sequence historically provides options like handbook digicam controls and extra performance, however the iPhone 16’s new sensors and enhancements make it simpler to make use of. The Digicam Management slider is a notable enchancment. Whereas Samsung’s Galaxy S25 is anticipated to retain its three-lens system, Apple is specializing in user-friendly upgrades.
• Software program and particular options: The iPhone 16 introduces new SOS satellite tv for pc options. Whereas Samsung would possibly observe swimsuit, that is still unsure for now. Each telephones provide sturdy gaming and productiveness experiences.

Samsung may be the efficiency champion within the Android world, however how effectively does it maintain up if you evaluate it to the iPhone? Should you had been to check the Galaxy S24 vs iPhone 16, you’d discover the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy compares equally on paper to the brand new Apple A18 SoC. In actuality, the iPhone 16 would nonetheless have an edge in efficiency, particularly for gaming and different larger productiveness use instances because of Apple’s full management of each the OS and the SoC that powers it. As you’d possible have inferred, this mixture ensures optimum efficiency without having practically as a lot oomph to do the identical job as an Android cellphone.

The iPhone 16 leaves behind the iPhone 15’s growing old A16 Bionic chip whereas additionally including extra RAM, bringing the entire to about 8GB. A lot of this RAM helps energy the AI experiences that drive it, however it must also guarantee buttery clean efficiency. This can be a lot much less RAM than what you’ll usually discover in a Samsung flagship, which might vary from 8GB to as a lot as 16GB in some instances however once more Apple’s deeper integration with {hardware} and software program means it could actually do much more with considerably much less RAM.

The actual world efficiency of the iPhone 16 will possible be fairly comparable or barely forward of the Galaxy S24, however what in regards to the Galaxy S25? For Qualcomm fashions, the Galaxy S25 might take the lead although maybe not by an enormous margin. Sadly, it’s onerous to say which fashions or areas will get the newest Snapdragon as effectively.

There have been early rumors suggesting that Samsung would ditch Exynos as soon as extra because of yield points with the Exynos 2500 and as a substitute provide the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 for Galaxy throughout all fashions. There was additionally a much less credible rumor claiming the corporate would possibly provide Mediatek chips in choose markets, suggesting that Samsung isn’t in love with the concept of paying Qualcomm’s excessive licensing prices to make use of the Snapdragon chip.

Extra not too long ago, there was chatter suggesting that the Exynos 2500 might enhance its yields in time, doubtlessly permitting it to function in at the very least some fashions of the Galaxy S25 household. Nonetheless, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is anticipated to be extra commonplace this time round.

Whatever the mannequin, each telephones are able to dealing with any activity thrown their manner. In fact, there’s extra to an excellent cellphone expertise than simply the SoC. Apple and Samsung take very completely different approaches to software program: Apple leans towards simplicity, whereas Samsung usually provides deeper customizations that are inclined to enchantment extra to energy customers.

Software program help is one other space the place the 2 manufacturers diverge. Whereas Apple has historically led with about 5 years of OS replace help (although with out ensures), it has not too long ago been overtaken by Google’s and Samsung’s extra beneficiant pledges of seven years for each updates and safety patches.

Past that, there are additionally vital variations within the digicam expertise, which we’ll deal with subsequent.

The iPhone 16 has a brand new 48MP fusion digicam with a 2x telephoto choice and a 12MP ultrawide digicam which provides an enchancment over the iPhone 15 and will truthful comparably to the Galaxy S25. The latter will possible have the benefit of three lenses over two, nonetheless.

The Galaxy S25 can also be anticipated to function at the very least one new sensor, very presumably the ISCOELL GNJ. This sensor is roughly on par with what’s contained in the Galaxy S24 so far as dimension and it even helps one-micron pixels, similar to the previous system.  Whether or not it is a main improve is difficult to say, however given historical past we’d say that Apple and Samsung will deal with picture processing, coloration, and different particulars in another way and Samsung provides you with handbook controls, one thing Apple nonetheless doesn’t provide.

It’s value mentioning the iPhone 16 launched a brand new Digicam Management key, which works like a sensible digicam shutter key with help for gestures that allow you to zoom out and in, and rather more, together with the power to mild press for a cleaner viewfinder. It’s no Professional or handbook mode, however for many informal photographers it’s in all probability a extra helpful addition I’d say.

Each cameras ought to be incredible, although Apple tends to take a slight edge on the subject of post-processing and its dealing with of colours. The Galaxy S household can usually overexpose photographs, leading to washed-out particulars by comparability. It’s too early to say if the Galaxy S25 will make enhancements right here, besides we are able to anticipate it to have the most effective digicam experiences of 2025.

Different particular options value mentioning

Whereas the SoC and digicam are a few of the greater variations, there are many different methods you’ll be able to anticipate the Galaxy S25 to vary from the iPhone 16. The iPhone 16 may need related show sizes because the Galaxy S sequence throughout its base and Plus variants, however the Galaxy S remains to be the superior selection on the subject of refresh charge and common show high quality.

You’ll additionally discover barely completely different button configurations than the Galaxy S24, together with a brand new customizable motion button. Lastly, whereas each telephones make the most of USB-C expertise, Apple helps MagSafe expertise for simpler twine administration.

As a lot because the iPhone 16 and Galaxy S25 expertise are completely different, there are definitely a couple of points which are fairly related. This consists of customization. Whereas Samsung nonetheless has dramatically higher customization choices, the great is iOS continues to make inroads right here by providing options like an app drawer, widget help, and even the power to vary app permission within the UK. All these modifications are bridging what was as soon as a a lot wider hole between the 2 platforms.

It’s additionally value noting rumors recommend the Samsung Galaxy S25 Professional might be a factor, which might imply that Apple and Samsung each would have bigger and smaller variations of their base and higher-end flagships. The identical rumor claims the Extremely might be renamed the Galaxy S25 Be aware. Whereas we’d take this complete report with a grain of salt, it’s definitely fascinating.

Some other anticipated similarities? Sure, listed here are simply three extra:

• Each telephones will push AI expertise. Whereas Samsung beat Apple to the punch with its Galaxy AI options, Apple Intelligence is a giant a part of the brand new iPhone 16 expertise and provides numerous related options. There’s one caveat right here, as a few of its finest options gained’t roll out for weeks or months to return. Ultimately, Samsung nonetheless has a slight edge right here however Apple is rapidly catching up.
• Each telephones may have related prices. The iPhone 16 begins at $799 and the iPhone 16 Plus is ready at $899, in the meantime the Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus are available in at $799.99 and $999.99, respectively. The iPhone 16 Plus is admittedly a bit cheaper than the S24 Plus, although you’ll discover related worth throughout the road except for that.
• Each telephones may have sturdy designs and waterproofing. You’ll discover prime quality metals and sturdy glass on each telephones, in addition to the identical stage of water and dirt resistance.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is just a bit lower than a half 12 months away, however do you have to look ahead to it or get the iPhone 16 now? Should you’re annoyed by Android and fascinated about switching, it’s unlikely that the Galaxy S25 will change your thoughts. If that’s the case, there’s no cause to attend, particularly since Apple gadgets don’t normally see huge value cuts in response to new cellphone launches the way in which many Android gadgets do.

For individuals who are fairly certain the iPhone 16 isn’t for them, ready for a Galaxy S25 in all probability makes extra sense than going for a Galaxy S24 at this stage except you desperately want a brand new system now. In that case, you would possibly truly be higher served by the brand new Pixel 9 ($799 at Amazon), because the cellphone is a bit newer and provides a extra iPhone-like expertise in some ways due to the Google Pixel’s related philosophy of simplicity and minimalism.