Galaxy S25
iPhone 16e
🏆 Verdict
Galaxy S25 is the better pick overall by 18.6 points, leading in Camera, Display and Performance. The gap is large; iPhone 16e only makes sense for a lower price or one specific feature.
By category
Performance
Galaxy S25 is faster with the Snapdragon 8 Elite (performance index 96 vs 82). You notice it in heavy games and video editing, less in daily use. Galaxy S25 has more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB), which helps multitasking.
Camera
Galaxy S25's main camera is 50 MP vs 48 MP. More pixels help cropping and digital zoom, but final quality depends on sensor size and processing. Only Galaxy S25 has an optical 3× telephoto; the other relies on digital zoom. Only Galaxy S25 has an ultrawide lens.
Battery
Both batteries are about the same size (4,003 mAh).
Charging
Charging speeds are similar.
Display
Galaxy S25 has the larger screen (6.2" vs 6.1"). Galaxy S25's display is smoother at 120Hz vs 60Hz. Galaxy S25's screen gets brighter (2,600 vs 1,200 nits), which shows outdoors. iPhone 16e's screen is sharper (457 vs 416 ppi).
Build & durability
Both are similar in durability and weight.
Updates
Galaxy S25 should get OS updates for longer (7 vs 6 years, per the maker's policy at launch).
Specifications
| Galaxy S25 | iPhone 16e | |
|---|---|---|
| Snapdragon 8 Elite | Chipset | Apple A18 |
| 12 GB | RAM | 8 GB |
| 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB | Storage | 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB |
| 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Display | 6.1" OLED |
| 120 Hz | Refresh rate | 60 Hz |
| 2340×1080 (416 ppi) | Resolution | 2532×1170 (457 ppi) |
| 2,600 nits | Peak brightness | 1,200 nits |
| 50 MP | Main camera | 48 MP |
| 12 MP | Ultrawide | None |
| 10 MP · 3× | Telephoto | None |
| 12 MP | Front camera | 12 MP |
| 4,000 mAh | Battery | 4,005 mAh |
| 25 W | Wired charging | 20 W |
| 15 W | Wireless charging | 7.5 W |
| IP68 | Water & dust rating | IP68 |
| aluminium | Frame | aluminium |
| 162 g | Weight | 167 g |
| 7 years | OS updates (estimated) | 6 years |
| $799 | Launch price | $599 |
| 2025-01 | Released | 2025-02 |
Galaxy S25
Pros
- Faster chip (Snapdragon 8 Elite)
- 12 GB RAM
- 3× optical zoom
- 120Hz display
- 2,600 nits peak
Cons
- Pricier ($799)
iPhone 16e
Pros
- Lower price ($599)
Cons
- Slower chip
- No optical telephoto
- No ultrawide lens
- 60Hz display
How is the score calculated?
Each phone gets 0–100 points in seven categories (performance, camera, battery, charging, display, build, updates), computed only from its published specs, then combined with fixed, published weights. A gap under 2.5 points counts as a tie. The performance index is an estimate based on benchmark results published at launch.
Figures come from the manufacturers’ official pages. Some specs vary by market. We do not sell devices or earn commissions.