Compare Apple’s iOS 26 with Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra in this in-depth 2025 flagship showdown. Explore design, AI, camera, battery, and ecosystem—what’s new, what’s best, and what’s right for you.

iOS 26 vs Galaxy S25 Ultra – Which Reigns Supreme in 2025?

Table of Contents

1. iOS 26 – What’s New?
2. Galaxy S25 Ultra – Specs & Features
3. Design & Display
4. AI, Camera & Real‑World Performance
5. Battery & Charging
6. Ecosystem & User Experience
7. Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
8. FAQ

1. iOS 26 – What’s New?

Apple announced iOS 26 at its June 2025 WWDC keynote, introducing the sweeping **Liquid Glass design language**. This brings layered translucency, floating widgets, new color palettes, and a 3D app icon style across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Watch, and Apple TV .

The visual overhaul is supported by new system-wide features:

• **Apple Intelligence** – real‑time translation in messages and phone calls, Visual Intelligence for images (detect objects, label scenes), Genmoji sticker creation, and Smart Summaries generated by Siri .
• **Messages, Phone, and FaceTime** – integrated group chat polls, manually screened call blocking, elevated Hold Assist features .
• **iPad and CarPlay Ultra** – iPads gain windowed multitasking and floating app standbys; CarPlay Ultra integrates deeper into vehicle systems, adjusting climate and vehicle controls .

An iOS 26 public beta launched in July, with the full release expected in September 2025 .

2. Galaxy S25 Ultra – Specs & Features

Unveiled February 7, 2025, the **Galaxy S25 Ultra** is Samsung’s 2025 flagship, blending top-tier hardware with AI features:

• Display: 6.9″ QHD+ Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, up to 2600 nits peak brightness, 120 Hz refresh rate .
• Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm), 12 GB RAM, and up to 1 TB storage .
• Cameras: Quad-lens system with 200 MP wide, 50 MP ultra-wide, 50 MP 5× telephoto, and 10 MP 3× lenses .
• Battery: 5000 mAh, with 45 W wired and wireless charging plus reverse wireless functionality .
• Build: Titanium frame, Gorilla Glass Armor 2, ~218 g, but the Bluetooth-capable S Pen has been removed to cut costs .
• Software: Android 15 + One UI 7, and Samsung promises 7 years of major OS updates and security support .
• AI system: Galaxy AI includes on-device translation, image editing, call assistance, and a “Now Bar” widget suite .

3. Design & Display

Apple’s Liquid Glass brings depth, responsiveness, and visual fluidity—with transparency options adjustable for performance or accessibility .

Meanwhile, Samsung delivers the brightest and most resilient hardware—a large, punchy AMOLED display backed by a titanium chassis .

Samsung’s titanium build is notably lightweight yet durable, contrasting Apple's strength in software-defined design aesthetics.

4. AI, Camera & Real‑World Performance

**iOS 26’s Apple Intelligence** includes translation in messages, image recognition, contextual info overlay, and emoji creation from your expressions .

Samsung’s **Galaxy AI** offers powerful on-device editing, live captioning, multitasking controls, and voice-to-text conversion—all locally executed .

Camera-wise, S25 Ultra delivers flagship results: detailed low-light captures, 5× optical zoom, and software-driven optimizations. In benchmark tests, it competes well against top-tier iPhones .

5. Battery & Charging

• **iOS 26 Adaptive Power** intelligently manages battery use during heavy tasks .
• S25 Ultra’s 5000 mAh cell and 45 W charging ensure fast top-ups—typically within an hour .

Everyday use: both phones last a full day. S25 charges faster, but iPhones benefit from longer device life and tighter energy optimization.

6. Ecosystem & User Experience

Apple’s ecosystem is unparalleled: seamless handoff between iPhone, iPad, Mac, Watch, and CarPlay—now even more stylish with Liquid Glass .

Samsung’s ecosystem is more open: DeX desktop interface, stylus (now simplified), Galaxy AI tools, and industry-leading update support—offering both power users and casual buyers real value .

7. Final Verdict

• Choose iOS 26 if: you want aesthetic UI, cohesive ecosystem, CarPlay depth, and future-ready AI features.
• Choose S25 Ultra if: you value leading hardware specs, camera versatility, fast charging, stylus input, and seven years of updates.

Ultimately, both are 2025's flagship pinnacles: Apple sets the standard in software elegance, while Samsung delivers powerhouse hardware and productivity.

8. FAQ

• Q: Which iPhones support iOS 26?
  A: iPhone 11 and newer models with A13 or better are compatible .

• Q: Is the Bluetooth-capable S Pen removed permanently?
  A: Yes—Samsung removed it from S25 Ultra to reduce cost, though basic stylus functions remain .
• Q: Does Liquid Glass slow down older devices?
  A: No—performance stays smooth, with Reduced Transparency accessible to ease visual complexity.

• Q: Are AI features on-device?
  A: Apple uses both device and cloud AI; Samsung’s Galaxy AI is designed to run largely locally .