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The Galaxy S25 Ultra starts at $1,299.99 before trade-in on Samsung’s U.S. product page, while Apple announced a $1,199 U.S. starting price for the iPhone 18 Pro with 256GB. That makes Samsung $100 higher at the stated starting prices—not necessarily at checkout, where promotions, trade-ins, storage and stock affect the amount you pay. The bigger decision is whether you want Samsung’s larger screen and built-in S Pen or Apple’s smaller Pro phone, variable-aperture main camera and 2TB storage option.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 18 Pro: key specs
These specifications are manufacturer-published, not results from an independent head-to-head test. Screen measurements also use each maker’s stated convention.
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | Apple iPhone 18 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. starting price | $1,299.99 before trade-in on Samsung’s U.S. product page, accessed October 7, 2026. Samsung U.S. product page | $1,199 U.S. starting price for 256GB, announced September 9, 2026. Apple launch announcement |
| Display | 6.9 inches diagonally across the full rectangle; Samsung says the viewable area is 6.8 inches accounting for rounded corners and camera opening. | 6.3-inch OLED; Apple specifies 6.27 inches when measured as a standard rectangle. |
| Dimensions and weight | 8.2 mm thick; 218 g, according to Samsung’s product-page size comparison. | 150.0 × 71.9 × 8.75 mm; 211 g. Apple technical specifications |
| Rear cameras | 200MP wide, 50MP ultra-wide, 10MP 3x optical telephoto and 50MP 5x optical telephoto; Samsung also describes 10x optical-quality zoom. | 48MP Fusion Main with variable aperture. Apple’s launch materials highlight the main-camera feature; camera specifications and controls are not directly equivalent to Samsung’s listed lens and zoom figures. |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy. | A20 Pro. |
| Battery claims | 5,000mAh; Samsung claims up to 31 hours of video playback. | Apple claims up to 36 hours of video playback for the eSIM-only iPhone 18 Pro. Apple says testing used preproduction devices and that battery life varies with use and other factors. |
| Storage options | 256GB, 512GB or 1TB. | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB or 2TB. |
| Distinctive hardware | Built-in S Pen, titanium frame and IP68 rating. | Aluminum unibody, Ceramic Shield front and back, and IP68 rating. |
| Software | One UI 7 and Galaxy AI features. | iOS 27, Apple Intelligence and Siri AI; availability of features and languages varies. |
Sources: Samsung U.S. Galaxy S25 Ultra product page, Apple iPhone 18 Pro announcement and Apple technical specifications. Prices, offers, availability and regional configurations can change.
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What is the price difference between the Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 18 Pro?
At the stated U.S. starting prices, the S25 Ultra costs $100 more: $1,299.99 before trade-in versus $1,199 for the iPhone 18 Pro with 256GB. Samsung’s figure is the price shown on its U.S. product page when accessed October 7, 2026; Apple announced its price on September 9, 2026. This is a comparison of those official starting prices, not a live retailer-price check or a like-for-like final checkout quote. Promotions, eligible trade-ins, storage configuration and stock can change what either phone costs you.
#1 Best Overall
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Is the S25 Ultra bigger than iPhone 18 Pro?
Yes. The Galaxy S25 Ultra has the larger display: Samsung lists 6.9 inches measured diagonally across the full rectangle and says the viewable area is 6.8 inches after accounting for rounded corners and the camera opening. Apple lists a 6.3-inch OLED display, or 6.27 inches measured as a standard rectangle. The measurement descriptions differ slightly, but the S25 Ultra is plainly the larger-screen phone.
The iPhone 18 Pro is shorter and narrower at 150.0 × 71.9 mm, and weighs 211 g. Samsung lists the S25 Ultra at 218 g and 8.2 mm thick; Apple lists the iPhone at 8.75 mm thick. In practice, the iPhone is the more compact and lighter device, while Samsung gives you more screen area.
Rank #2
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How do their cameras differ?
The S25 Ultra’s listed rear system includes a 200MP main wide camera, a 50MP ultra-wide, a 10MP 3x optical telephoto and a 50MP 5x optical telephoto. Samsung also describes 10x optical-quality zoom. Apple highlights the iPhone 18 Pro’s 48MP Fusion Main camera with variable aperture, a feature designed to give users control over aperture.
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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Those specifications describe different strengths, not a reliable camera-quality verdict. Megapixel counts do not determine which phone takes better photos, and the specifications alone do not establish how their images compare in detail, low light, motion, video or zoom. A camera winner would require controlled comparative testing and sample images.
Rank #3
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Which has the better battery life?
The published playback claims cannot settle that question. Samsung lists a 5,000mAh battery and estimates up to 31 hours of video playback. Apple claims up to 36 hours for the eSIM-only iPhone 18 Pro, based on tests with preproduction devices; it notes battery life varies with use and other factors. Because the manufacturers’ test conditions are not presented as a controlled cross-device comparison, those figures should not be read as proof that one phone lasts longer in everyday use.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What else separates the phones?
S Pen and screen size
The S25 Ultra has a built-in S Pen, which makes it the more direct fit if you often handwrite notes, mark up documents or draw on your phone. The iPhone 18 Pro’s smaller display may suit you better if you prefer a more compact handset.
Rank #4
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- [Durable and Portable Material] Premium rust-resistant stainless steel material with good flexibility, which not only avoids scratching the phone case, but also has excellent anti rust and anti fading performance
- [Multi scenario Practical] Paired with a lanyard or wristband, hands-free use can be achieved. The phone is within reach and not easily dropped, ideal for daily commuting and outdoor activities. Suitable for full coverage phone cases, does not support half coverage phone cases
- [Quality Service] If you find any damage or other issues with the product upon receipt, please contact us immediately. We will handle it quickly
Storage ceiling
Samsung lists the S25 Ultra in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB configurations. Apple lists an additional 2TB iPhone 18 Pro tier. If you need more than 1TB of internal storage, Apple’s listed range reaches higher.
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Performance claims
The S25 Ultra uses Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy; the iPhone 18 Pro uses A20 Pro. Apple says its A20 Pro and vapor-chamber system deliver up to 40 percent better sustained performance than the previous-generation iPhone 17 Pro. That is Apple’s own comparison with an earlier iPhone, not a benchmark against Samsung. The available specifications do not establish which phone is faster in comparable real-world workloads.
Best Value
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Software and ecosystem
The S25 Ultra runs One UI 7 and includes Galaxy AI features; the iPhone 18 Pro runs iOS 27 and includes Apple Intelligence and Siri AI. AI features depend on software, region and language, and may change over time. Your preferred operating system and the devices or services you already use are practical considerations that specifications alone cannot resolve.
Quick Recap
Which phone should you choose?
- Choose the Galaxy S25 Ultra if the built-in S Pen, larger display or its listed 3x and 5x optical telephoto cameras are central to how you use a phone.
- Choose the iPhone 18 Pro if you prefer a smaller, lighter device, want Apple’s variable-aperture main camera or need a listed storage option above 1TB.
- Compare your actual checkout prices after checking eligible trade-ins and current offers; the $100 difference applies only to the stated official U.S. starting prices.
- Do not choose on a claimed performance or battery winner based only on these manufacturer specifications. They do not establish a controlled cross-brand result.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
