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| Specification | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | iPhone 18 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Premiere | 2025 | 2026 |
| System | Android | iOS |
| Dimensions | 162.8 × 77.6 × 8.2 mm | 150.0 × 71.9 × 8.75 mm |
| Weight | 218 g | 211 g |
| Screen | 6.9″, Dynamic AMOLED 2X | 6.3″, Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 3120 × 1440 | 2622 × 1206 |
| Refresh Rate | up to 120 Hz | up to 120 Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | A20 Pro |
| Main Camera | 200 MP | 48 MP, variable aperture |
| Telephoto lens | 3x and 5x optical | 4x |
| Max. digital zoom | up to 100x | up to 24x |
| Video | up to 8K/30 fps | up to 4K Dolby Vision/120 fps |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 4,056 mAh |
| Storage | 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB | 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB / 2 TB |
| Additional Features | S Pen, Samsung DeX | Face ID, ProRes RAW, Apple Log 2 |
| Parameter | Galaxy S25 Ultra | iPhone 18 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 162.8 mm | 150.0 mm |
| Width | 77.6 mm | 71.9 mm |
| Thickness | 8.2 mm | 8.75 mm |
| Weight | 218 g | 211 g |
| Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is 12.8 mm taller and 5.7 mm wider, so it’s a better fit for people who prefer large phones. It also features a distinctive design with titanium elements and a built-in S Pen. The iPhone 18 Pro is smaller and weighs 7 g less, and Apple has used an aluminum unibody design and Ceramic Shield 2 on the front.
If you often use your phone with one hand, the compact design of the iPhone 18 Pro may be more practical. On the other hand, when taking notes, editing documents, or working on a large screen, the S25 Ultra offers a functional advantage.
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | iPhone 18 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Diagonal | 6.9″ | 6.3″ |
| Resolution | 3120 × 1440 px | 2622 × 1206 px |
| Refresh rate | up to 120 Hz | up to 120 Hz |
| Maximum brightness | 2,600 nits | 3,000 nits |
The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a larger, 6.9-inch screen with a resolution of 3120 × 1440 px and a maximum brightness of 2,600 nits. The iPhone 18 Pro is smaller—it features a 6.3-inch display with a resolution of 2622 × 1206 px, but its maximum brightness reaches 3000 nits. Both smartphones have a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz, so scrolling through pages, animations, and transitions between apps remain smooth.
If you often use your smartphone outdoors, the iPhone 18 Pro’s 3,000 nits give it an edge in terms of maximum brightness. Samsung, on the other hand, offers a larger screen—6.9″ instead of 6.3″—which may be more important when watching movies, playing games, or working on your phone.
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | iPhone 18 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | A20 Pro |
| CPU | 8 cores | 6 cores |
| GPU | Adreno | 7 cores |
| NPU / AI | Hexagon NPU | 16-core Neural Engine |
| Manufacturing Process | 3 nm | 2 nm |
| Cooling | larger steam chamber | steam chamber |
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, manufactured using a 3-nm process. The chip features an 8-core CPU, an Adreno GPU, and a Hexagon unit responsible for AI-related tasks. Samsung has also incorporated a larger vapor chamber to help maintain performance during prolonged heavy use, such as when gaming or editing video.
The iPhone 18 Pro uses the A20 Pro, manufactured using a 2-nm process. The chip features a 6-core CPU, a 7-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. However, the number of cores alone does not directly determine which smartphone will be faster in every use case. In this comparison, the results of specific benchmarks and the phone’s performance during gaming, photo and video editing, and when using AI features are more indicative.
| Parameter | Galaxy S25 Ultra | iPhone 18 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 200 MP | 48 MP |
| Ultra-wide | 50 MP | 48 MP |
| Telephoto lens | 50 MP + 10 MP | 48 MP |
| Optical zoom | 3x and 5x | 4x |
| Digital zoom | up to 100x | up to 24x |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 18 MP |
The Galaxy S25 Ultra features a very extensive quad-camera setup on the back: 200 MP + 50 MP + 50 MP + 10 MP, with 3x and 5x optical zoom and Space Zoom up to 100x. The iPhone 18 Pro has three 48 MP cameras, and the main camera features a variable aperture for the first time, with settings ranging from ƒ/1.48 to ƒ/4.0.
If you often photograph distant subjects, the Samsung’s specs offer more options for shooting at high zoom levels. Apple, on the other hand, is making significant strides in light control, depth of field, and computational photography, which may appeal to those who want more control over their photos.
| Feature | Galaxy S25 Ultra | iPhone 18 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum resolution | 8K | 4K |
| Max. frame rate of the main camera | 30 fps in 8K | 120 fps in 4K Dolby Vision |
| ProRes | None | Yes |
| ProRes RAW | None | Yes |
| Log | None | Apple Log 2 |
| Spatial recording | None | Yes |
Samsung allows for 8K recording at 30 fps and also offers high-frame-rate 4K recording. The iPhone 18 Pro records 4K Dolby Vision at up to 120 fps and supports ProRes, ProRes RAW, Apple Log 2, and genlock.
This is one of the most noticeable differences between the devices. The S25 Ultra offers 8K video and great camera flexibility, while the iPhone 18 Pro is heavily geared toward professional video production and post-production editing.
| Parameter | Galaxy S25 Ultra | iPhone 18 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5,000 mAh | 4,056 mAh |
| Video playback | up to 31 hours | up to 34 hours |
| Charging | USB-C fast charging | up to 50% in about 15 minutes with the appropriate power adapter |
The S25 Ultra has a 5,000 mAh battery and, according to Samsung, offers up to 31 hours of video playback. The iPhone 18 Pro has a 4056 mAh battery, but Apple claims up to 34 hours of video playback and the ability to fast-charge to 50% in about 15 minutes using a 60 W power adapter or higher.
It’s not worth comparing battery capacity alone. A 4056 mAh battery in an iPhone doesn’t automatically mean a shorter battery life than a 5000 mAh battery in a Samsung, because the processor, screen, and system optimization also play a role.
| Version | Galaxy S25 Ultra | iPhone 18 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | 256 GB | 256 GB |
| Next | 512 GB | 512 GB |
| Higher | 1 TB | 1 TB |
| Maximum | 1 TB | 2 TB |
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is available in 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB models, while the iPhone 18 Pro also offers a 2 TB model.
For most users, 256 GB will be enough, especially if you store your photos and videos in the cloud. However, if you shoot a lot of 4K footage, use ProRes, or rely on your phone to handle some of the tasks normally performed by a computer, you may quickly find that you need more storage.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra if:
Choose the iPhone 18 Pro if:
The release of the next generation of phones doesn’t always mean that the older model suddenly stops being a good choice. Not every user needs the latest processor, yet another AI feature, or an additional camera mode—especially if their current phone still performs well.
That’s exactly why, after new models are released, it’s worth checking the prices of previous-generation smartphones as well. Refurbished Galaxy S25 Ultra, iPhone 17 Pro, or iPhone 16 Pro models can still offer very high performance, good cameras, and long battery life, and their prices may be lower than those of the latest-generation devices.
When it comes to refurbished devices, however, what matters most is exactly what was checked before they were resold. At SWOPiFY, smartphones undergo a 44-point inspection, which helps alleviate concerns about hidden issues and the device’s condition before purchase.
Choosing a refurbished phone also has an environmental aspect. Instead of replacing a fully functional device with yet another new one, you can extend the life cycle of electronics that have already been manufactured. This approach aligns with the concept of the circular economy: fewer unnecessary replacements and greater use of products that can still serve their purpose well.
Yes. The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a 6.9-inch screen and a body measuring 162.8 × 77.6 mm, while the iPhone 18 Pro has a 6.3-inch screen and a body measuring 150.0 × 71.9 mm. So the Samsung will be the better choice for people who prefer a larger screen.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra features four rear cameras, a 200 MP main sensor, 3x and 5x optical zoom, and up to 100x digital zoom. The iPhone 18 Pro has three 48 MP cameras, but its main camera is equipped with a variable aperture, which provides greater control over photography.
Yes. Among other things, it supports 4K Dolby Vision at up to 120 fps, ProRes, ProRes RAW, Apple Log 2, and genlock. It’s a comprehensive set of features designed for creators who edit their footage later.
If you don’t need the features available only in the latest generation, a refurbished smartphone from the previous generation may be a way to get high performance at a lower price. Before buying, it’s a good idea to check, first and foremost, the device’s technical condition, the scope of the inspection, and the warranty terms.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
I’m passionate about refurbished electronics – I show that you can have great equipment without overpaying and without adding more electronics junk. On the blog, I share my knowledge and experience to inspire smarter and more informed technology choices.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
I’m passionate about refurbished electronics – I show that you can have great equipment without overpaying and without adding more electronics junk. On the blog, I share my knowledge and experience to inspire smarter and more informed technology choices.
