Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra and Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max are setting new standards in smartphone photography, but their approaches couldn’t be more different.

While the Galaxy S25 Ultra dazzles with vibrant detail and AI-powered creativity, the iPhone 16 Pro Max focuses on natural tones and colour accuracy.

Here’s how these flagship cameras compare. 

Camera hardware 

The Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts a versatile camera setup, including a 200MP main lens, a 50MP 5X zoom, a new 50MP ultra-wide lens, a 10MP 3X zoom, and a 12MP selfie camera. Samsung’s ProVisual engine enhances image quality across all lenses, promising sharp and vivid results. 

In contrast, the iPhone 16 Pro Max features a 48MP main lens, a 48MP ultra-wide lens, a 12MP 5X optical zoom, and a 12MP front-facing camera. Apple’s algorithms prioritise true-to-life colours, avoiding oversaturation for a more natural look. 

Daytime photography 

In tests conducted by a tech enthusiast, the Galaxy S25 Ultra excelled in capturing vibrant, detailed images. Its 50MP telephoto lens outperformed the iPhone’s 12MP equivalent, especially at higher zoom levels. However, the iPhone 16 Pro Max maintained an edge in colour accuracy, delivering images that closely matched real-life scenes. 

Samsung’s ProVisual engine occasionally introduced minor colour blooming, such as faint haloing around palm fronds. Apple’s approach, meanwhile, leaned towards understated yet faithful reproductions of natural landscapes. 

Night photography

The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s night shots were consistently brighter, thanks to its high dynamic range and new 50MP ultra-wide lens. This made low-light environments appear vivid and detailed. 

The iPhone 16 Pro Max, on the other hand, delivered more subdued and realistic night images. While Samsung’s brighter shots may appeal to some, others might prefer Apple’s authentic representation of nighttime scenes. 

Portrait mode and selfies

Samsung’s portrait mode subtly enhances subjects, smoothing out imperfections for a polished look. The iPhone 16 Pro Max, however, stays true to its ethos of realism, producing less flattering but more accurate selfies. 

AI and creativity 

Samsung’s Galaxy AI adds a creative edge to photography. Features like Sketch to Image transform simple drawings into realistic photos, blending seamlessly with existing images. This innovation highlights Samsung’s advancements in computational photography. 

The Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max cater to distinct audiences. Samsung’s flagship is ideal for those who love bold, vibrant images and creative AI features, while Apple’s device appeals to users seeking natural tones and authenticity. 

Whether you prioritise striking visuals or true-to-life accuracy, both smartphones deliver exceptional photography experiences, making the choice a matter of personal preference.