Refined Design: Rounded Corners and Sleeker Sides
Rumors of a design overhaul began swirling with hints that Samsung might swap the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s signature boxy, sharp-edged design for a softer, rounder look. However, new leaks from trusted source Roland Quandt reveal that while the S25 Ultra will indeed sport slightly more rounded corners, the change won’t be as drastic as initially speculated. Instead, Samsung is focusing on the details: the Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to have flat sides, which will give the phone a sleeker, more polished look and make the side bezels appear slimmer. These updates give the S25 Ultra a refined feel, while staying true to the design that Galaxy Ultra fans know and love.
For those interested in the standard Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus models, don’t expect major design changes. Reports suggest these models will maintain nearly identical aesthetics to their predecessors, with only slight tweaks in dimensions. Samsung’s design philosophy this year seems to be about refining rather than reinventing, delivering a familiar look with modern adjustments.
Power and Performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite and One UI 7
Under the hood, the Galaxy S25 family — including the S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra — will be powered by Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset across all regions, promising significant improvements in speed and efficiency. There are, however, whispers of potential overheating issues with the Snapdragon 8 Elite, though for now, it’s only speculation. Samsung is expected to thoroughly test the chipset’s performance to ensure that the S25 Ultra remains cool under heavy use.
In terms of software, Samsung will be launching its new One UI 7, based on Android 15, alongside the Galaxy S25 lineup. Notably, the Galaxy S25 Ultra could become Samsung’s first flagship to support seamless software updates, a welcome addition that allows users to install updates without needing to restart their devices — making the Galaxy experience even smoother and more user-friendly.
Display Quality: Competing with the Best
Though the Galaxy S25 series may not feature the same high-end display material as Apple’s latest iPhone 16 Pro, Samsung’s display quality remains among the best in the business. Known for vibrant colors and crisp clarity, Samsung’s AMOLED screens are expected to continue delivering outstanding visuals on the S25 Ultra.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra: A Flagship Showdown
With the Galaxy S25 Ultra soon to enter the market, let’s look at how its predecessor, the Galaxy S24 Ultra, stacks up against Apple’s latest offering, the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Design and Build
The iPhone 16 Pro Max stays true to its iconic design with soft corners, flat sides, and a rectangular form, while upping the screen size from 6.7 inches to a massive 6.9 inches, making it the largest display ever on an iPhone. Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra is slightly smaller, making it a bit easier to handle, especially for fans of the built-in S Pen. The S Pen is still unique to Samsung, offering precision for note-taking and creative tasks, which Apple has yet to rival in a similar form.
Display Differences
Both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S24 Ultra come with 120Hz refresh rates and always-on displays. Samsung, however, takes an edge with its anti-reflective coating, which improves outdoor visibility. Although the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s display performs well, it struggles with reflections in direct sunlight. Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra also maintains a slight lead in color accuracy, with more neutral hues compared to the iPhone's tendency for a warmer tone.
Performance and Software: Powering Ahead
Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max runs on the new A18 Pro chip, which, with its 3-nanometer architecture, promises improved performance and efficiency, particularly in demanding applications. Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra isn’t far behind with its custom-tuned Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, which holds up well in both everyday tasks and intense gaming sessions. Apple and Samsung are also diving deeper into AI features, with Samsung already offering live translation, generative image editing, and more. Meanwhile, Apple’s AI-driven features are expected to roll out gradually.
Cameras: A Battle of Megapixels and Processing
The iPhone 16 Pro Max brings upgrades to its cameras, with a new 48-megapixel ultrawide lens and improved main and telephoto lenses. Meanwhile, Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra wows with a staggering 200-megapixel main camera and an impressive 5x zoom lens. The Galaxy’s zoom capabilities remain among the best in the industry, though the iPhone holds its own in fine detail capture and night shots, thanks to its refined lens coating that reduces lens flare.
Battery and Charging: Samsung Leads in Speed
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is powered by a 4,685mAh battery, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra packs a larger 5,000mAh battery. Samsung also leads in charging speed, offering 45W wired charging compared to Apple’s 20W. However, Apple’s MagSafe provides a higher 25W for wireless charging, making it a close contest overall.
Conclusion: What’s Your Pick?
Choosing between these two flagship phones boils down to personal preference and brand loyalty. The iPhone 16 Pro Max excels in design and processing power, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers the S Pen, higher megapixel count, and faster charging speeds. Whether you’re an Apple enthusiast or a Samsung fan, both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S24 Ultra offer top-tier experiences that continue to push the boundaries of smartphone technology.
Are you excited about the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s rumored design and features, or are you hoping for even bigger changes? Share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to stay tuned for more tech news, leaks, and reviews.