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Discover the ultimate speed test comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Explore performance, app loading, gaming, and multitasking insights!

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is now available for pre-order, and it’s taking on the iPhone 16 Pro Max in a comprehensive speed test. Let’s dive into how these two flagship devices stack up in performance, usability, and overall speed.

Boot-Up Time

The Galaxy S25 Ultra, powered by a 3nm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset with an octa-core GPU, booted up significantly faster than the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which houses a 3nm A18 Pro chip with a hexa-core GPU. This highlights Samsung’s quicker start-up performance right out of the gate.

Unlocking Speed

The Galaxy S25 Ultra excels in unlocking speed with its ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and fast Face Unlock. It offers flexibility with touch-free unlocking, even with the screen off, making it more convenient than the swipe-based Face ID on the iPhone. While the iPhone maintains its secure unlocking method, its animations make it feel slightly slower in comparison.

User Interface and Navigation

Samsung’s One UI 7 feels incredibly snappy, thanks to smooth animations and optimized navigation. The Galaxy S25 Ultra pops through menus and apps faster than iOS, which prioritizes visual aesthetics but often sacrifices speed. While both operating systems are polished, the Galaxy S25 Ultra has a noticeable edge in fluidity and responsiveness.

App Launch Speeds

In a side-by-side comparison of several apps, the Galaxy S25 Ultra consistently launched them faster than the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Samsung’s higher RAM (12GB vs. 8GB) and faster animations gave it an edge in most scenarios, including apps like Amazon, Instagram, and games such as Subway Surfers and Jetpack Joyride. However, the iPhone did secure occasional wins, like with Real Racing.

Gaming Performance

Gaming performance is another area where the Galaxy S25 Ultra pulls ahead. Its superior GPU and advanced cooling system handle extended gaming sessions better than the iPhone. In tests with graphically intense games, Samsung consistently loaded titles faster and maintained smoother performance.

RAM Management

Both devices excel in RAM management, keeping apps active and functional in the background without issues. However, Samsung’s multitasking capabilities, such as split-screen and pop-up view, allow it to better utilize its RAM compared to the iPhone. iOS still lacks true multitasking, which limits its utility despite its efficiency.

Benchmark Scores

In Geekbench 6 tests, the Galaxy S25 Ultra led in multi-core performance, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max had slightly higher single-core scores. In 3DMark’s Wildlife Extreme benchmark, Samsung achieved a significantly higher score, indicating better GPU performance and gaming capabilities.

Camera Performance

The iPhone consistently launched its camera app faster than the Galaxy S25 Ultra. However, Samsung offers more extensive camera features, including higher zoom levels, expert RAW capabilities, and advanced video modes like Pro Video and Log recording. While the iPhone delivers excellent camera quality, Samsung provides more versatility for power users.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra edges out the iPhone 16 Pro Max in most speed and performance tests, from app launches to gaming and multitasking. The iPhone holds its own in areas like single-core performance and ecosystem integration but falls slightly behind in raw speed and feature set.

Which device is better for you will ultimately depend on your preferences, but for those prioritizing speed, versatility, and cutting-edge features, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is an impressive choice.

Stay tuned for a full review of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, coming soon!