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.
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.
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.