Head to head · New Zealand
iPhone 16 Pro vs Galaxy S25 Ultra: the NZ flagship comparison
These are both excellent and the honest answer is that your existing ecosystem should decide it. The S25 Ultra has the better hardware sheet — a larger higher-resolution screen, a genuinely useful 5× periscope zoom, a bigger battery, faster charging and an S Pen nobody else ships. The iPhone counters with better video recording, longer real-world software support in practice, stronger resale value in New Zealand, and a size most people find easier to live with. If you already own AirPods, an Apple Watch and a Mac, switching costs you more than the phone. If you are on Android, the S25 Ultra is the most complete phone you can buy.
Source·Retailer listings, read by a person·Reviewed AUG 2026·Method
Spec by spec
| Spec | Apple iPhone 16 Pro (256GB) | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (256GB) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.3in Super Retina XDR, 120Hz | 6.9in QHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz✓ |
| Chip | A18 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| Storage | 256GB | 256GB |
| Cameras | 48MP main + 48MP ultrawide + 12MP 5× tele | 200MP main + 50MP ultrawide + 50MP 5× + 10MP 3×✓ |
| Battery | Up to 27h video | 5000mAh✓ |
| Charging | USB-C, MagSafe 25W | 45W wired, 15W wireless✓ |
| Water rating | IP68 | — |
| Extras | — | S Pen included |
A tick marks the stronger spec on that row — not necessarily the one that matters to you.
Source·Manufacturer specification sheets·Reviewed AUG 2026·Method
Which one should you buy?
Buy the Apple iPhone 16 Pro (256GB) if…
You are inside the Apple ecosystem, you shoot a lot of video, or you want the best resale value.
Prices & specsBuy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (256GB) if…
You are on Android and want the best zoom, the biggest screen and a stylus.
Prices & specsCommon questions
Which has better battery life?
The S25 Ultra, on both capacity and real-world testing — 5000mAh versus Apple's smaller cell, and it charges considerably faster at 45W.
Does resale value really differ?
Yes, noticeably in New Zealand. iPhones typically hold a higher percentage of their value after two years, which narrows the real cost gap between these two.