Samsung’s latest flagship, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, is making waves in the tech world, and for good reason. With the power-packed Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy at its core, this device is delivering stunning performance, particularly in gaming benchmarks. While Samsung teased its superior gaming capabilities during the launch event, the full extent of its power is now coming to light through real-world testing. And the results? A major win for Samsung over Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max!
Benchmark Battle: Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max
When it comes to raw power, numbers don’t lie. According to the latest 3DMark Steel Nomad Light benchmark tests, a standard metric for measuring GPU performance, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra scored an impressive 2,617 points, leaving the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s 1,922 points far behind. That’s a massive 36% performance gap in favor of Samsung’s latest flagship.
But it doesn’t stop there. Frame rate comparisons tell an even more compelling story. The S25 Ultra achieved an average of 19.39 FPS (frames per second), whereas the iPhone 16 Pro Max could only muster 14.2 FPS. This means smoother graphics, better gameplay, and a superior overall experience for mobile gamers who demand the best performance from their devices.
Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy: A Game-Changer
So, what’s fueling this beastly performance? The Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy is not just another high-end processor; it’s a customized, fine-tuned chip designed exclusively for Samsung devices. This special optimization is allowing the Galaxy S25 Ultra to squeeze out every bit of power from the hardware, giving it an edge even over other smartphones using the same chipset.
Another critical factor? Samsung’s advanced cooling system. The S25 Ultra comes equipped with enhanced vapor chambers and high-efficiency thermal materials, ensuring that the device stays cool even during extended gaming sessions. This translates to longer sustained performance without throttling, making it an ideal choice for mobile gamers who demand consistency and reliability.
What About Apple’s A18 Pro Chip?
While the A18 Pro chip in the iPhone 16 Pro Max is still a powerhouse in its own right, these early benchmarks suggest that it may be falling behind in GPU performance. Apple’s chips have traditionally excelled in efficiency and real-world computational tasks, so there’s a chance it may still have an edge in CPU-driven performance and multitasking.
It’s also worth noting that benchmarks and real-world gaming performance aren’t always the same. Apple has already proven that its A-series chips can handle AAA gaming titles natively, something that still needs to be tested thoroughly on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. However, with these GPU benchmarks setting new records, it’s clear that Samsung is stepping up its game in a big way.
A New King of Mobile Gaming?
If these early tests are anything to go by, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is shaping up to be the ultimate gaming smartphone of 2024. With its custom Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, improved cooling system, and surprising GPU performance, it’s clear that Samsung has pulled out all the stops to deliver an unbeatable experience for mobile gamers.
However, the competition isn’t over just yet. Apple’s ecosystem, software optimization, and overall efficiency could still make the iPhone 16 Pro Max a strong contender. But for now, in the world of raw gaming power, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the undisputed champion.
Stay tuned for further real-world tests and hands-on gaming experiences as we dive deeper into what these devices have to offer!
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max – Feature Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Apple A18 Pro |
| GPU Performance | 3DMark Score: 2,617 (+36% faster) | 3DMark Score: 1,922 |
| Frame Rate | 19.39 FPS (Steel Nomad Light) | 14.2 FPS |
| Display | 6.8” Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz | 6.7” Super Retina XDR, 120Hz |
| Camera System | 200MP (Primary), 50MP (Periscope), 12MP (Ultra-wide) | 48MP (Primary), 12MP (Telephoto), 12MP (Ultra-wide) |
| Cooling System | Advanced vapor chamber cooling | Standard passive cooling |
| Battery Life | 5,500mAh (Estimated) | 4,500mAh (Estimated) |
| Charging Speed | 45W wired, 15W wireless | 27W wired, 15W MagSafe wireless |
| Operating System | One UI 6.1 (Android 15) | iOS 18 |
| Gaming Capabilities | Optimized for high FPS gaming | Supports AAA games |
| AI Features | Galaxy AI | Apple Intelligence |
| Build & Durability | Titanium frame, IP68 water resistance | Titanium frame, IP68 water resistance |
| Base Storage | 256GB | 256GB |
| Starting Price | $1,299 (Expected) | $1,199 |
Gaming Performance Breakdown
| Game | Galaxy S25 Ultra (FPS) | iPhone 16 Pro Max (FPS) |
| Genshin Impact | 90 FPS (Stable) | 60 FPS (Stable) |
| Call of Duty: Mobile | 120 FPS (Max) | 120 FPS (Max) |
| PUBG Mobile | 90 FPS (HDR) | 60 FPS (HDR) |
| Diablo Immortal | 60 FPS (Ultra) | 60 FPS (Ultra) |
Key Takeaways:
- Best for Gaming & Performance? The Galaxy S25 Ultra leads in GPU benchmarks, making it better suited for gaming.
- Best for Battery & Charging? Samsung provides a larger battery and faster wired charging, but both offer 15W wireless charging.
- AI? Samsung features Galaxy AI, while Apple introduces Apple Intelligence for iOS 18.
- Best for Photography? Depends! Samsung’s 200MP excels in detail, Apple’s 48MP shines in computational photography.
- Best for Ecosystem & Software? iPhone 16 Pro Max – Seamless integration with macOS, iPads & Apple services.
✅ Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra delivers smoother gaming performance in most demanding titles, thanks to better GPU optimization and cooling. However, iPhone 16 Pro Max still holds an edge in AAA game support, with some console-quality titles available exclusively on iOS.
