iPhone 16 vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Screen Size: Which is Bigger? (2026)
The iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S25 are the two best-selling flagship Android and iOS phones of 2025 — and screen size is one of the most important differentiators. Whether you're deciding between the two ecosystems or just want to know how they feel in-hand, this guide gives you every display measurement you need.
Bottom line: the Samsung Galaxy S25 has a 6.2-inch screen vs the iPhone 16's 6.1 inches — nearly identical in size, but the S25 is slightly taller and narrower due to Samsung's aspect ratio design. Read on for the full breakdown.
iPhone 16 vs Samsung Galaxy S25: Display Specs Compared
| Spec | iPhone 16 | Samsung Galaxy S25 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.1 inches | 6.2 inches |
| Resolution | 2556 × 1179 px | 2340 × 1080 px |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 460 PPI | 416 PPI |
| Panel Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 1–120 Hz (adaptive) |
| Peak Brightness | 2000 nits (HDR) | 2600 nits (peak) |
| Aspect Ratio | 19.5:9 | 19.5:9 |
| Always-On Display | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| ProMotion (120Hz) | ❌ No (iPhone 16 Pro only) | ✅ Yes |
Physical Size: Which Phone Is Bigger?
Despite the similar screen size, the two phones have different physical dimensions due to display design choices:
| Dimension | iPhone 16 | Samsung Galaxy S25 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 147.6 mm (5.81") | 146.9 mm (5.79") |
| Width | 71.5 mm (2.82") | 70.5 mm (2.78") |
| Thickness | 7.80 mm | 7.2 mm |
| Weight | 170 g (6.00 oz) | 162 g (5.71 oz) |
| Screen-to-Body Ratio | ~86.4% | ~91.8% |
The Galaxy S25 is actually slightly shorter and narrower than the iPhone 16 despite having a technically larger screen — a result of Samsung's tighter bezels and higher screen-to-body ratio (91.8% vs 86.4%). The S25 is also thinner (7.2mm vs 7.80mm) and lighter (162g vs 170g).
You can use Easy Compare's phone size comparison tool to see these phones overlaid to scale on your screen.
Display Quality: OLED vs AMOLED
Both phones use OLED-based panels, but they differ significantly in key quality metrics:
- Resolution & sharpness: iPhone 16 wins with 460 PPI vs S25's 416 PPI. At normal viewing distances (10–15 inches), both look sharp, but text and fine details are noticeably crisper on the iPhone.
- Refresh rate: Galaxy S25 wins with 1–120Hz adaptive refresh vs iPhone 16's fixed 60Hz. The S25 scrolling feels noticeably smoother. (Note: iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max have 120Hz ProMotion.)
- Brightness: Galaxy S25 claims 2600 nits peak vs iPhone's 2000 nits — both are excellent for outdoor visibility in direct sunlight.
- Color calibration: iPhone 16 is widely regarded as having more accurate default color calibration (True Tone). S25 defaults to a slightly saturated "Vivid" mode, but can be set to "Natural" for accurate sRGB reproduction.
- Always-on display: S25 has it; iPhone 16 does not (only iPhone Pro models get always-on).
One-Handed Use: Which Is Easier to Hold?
For one-handed use, both phones are borderline manageable for average hands. Key factors:
- Width matters most: At 71.5mm wide, the iPhone 16 is 1mm wider than the S25 (70.5mm) — making the S25 marginally easier for one-handed thumb reach.
- Weight and grip: The S25's 162g vs iPhone's 170g makes a small but noticeable difference over long sessions. The S25's flat sides and rounded corners also feel very natural in hand.
- Reachability: Both iOS (Reachability: double-tap home area) and Android/One UI (One-handed mode: swipe down) have one-handed assist modes that pull the screen down for thumb access.
For users with smaller hands or who prioritize one-handed use, the Galaxy S25 has a slight ergonomic advantage due to its narrower width, lighter weight, and slimmer profile.
Bigger Options: Plus and Ultra Models
If 6.1"–6.2" feels too small, both Apple and Samsung offer larger variants:
| Model | Screen Size | Starting Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 | 6.1" | $799 |
| iPhone 16 Plus | 6.7" | $899 |
| iPhone 16 Pro | 6.3" | $999 |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | 6.9" | $1,199 |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 | 6.2" | $799 |
| Samsung Galaxy S25+ | 6.7" | $999 |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | 6.9" | $1,299 |
The 6.7" Plus/S25+ models offer a significantly larger viewing area — ideal for media consumption, gaming, and productivity. The 6.9" Pro Max/S25 Ultra are the biggest mainstream phones of 2025. See our S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro Max screen comparison for the full breakdown.
Which Should You Choose?
The display decision between iPhone 16 and Galaxy S25 comes down to what matters most to you:
- Choose iPhone 16 if: You're already in the Apple ecosystem (Mac, iPad, AirPods), value color accuracy out of the box, prefer the slightly wider screen real estate, or need seamless iMessage/FaceTime integration.
- Choose Galaxy S25 if: You want 120Hz smooth scrolling at the base model price, prefer a slightly lighter and thinner phone, want always-on display, or prefer Android's customization flexibility and Google ecosystem integration.
- Screen quality winner: iPhone 16 for pixel density and color accuracy; Galaxy S25 for refresh rate and brightness.
- Size winner: Neither — they're essentially identical in screen and body size, with the S25 being marginally more compact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Samsung Galaxy S25 bigger than iPhone 16?
The Galaxy S25 has a 6.2" screen vs iPhone 16's 6.1" — technically larger but barely noticeable in real use. Interestingly, the iPhone 16 has a slightly bigger physical footprint (147.6×71.5mm vs 146.9×70.5mm) because it has thicker bezels and a lower screen-to-body ratio.
Which has a better display: iPhone 16 or Galaxy S25?
It depends on what you value. iPhone 16 has sharper resolution (460 PPI vs 416 PPI) and more accurate color calibration. Galaxy S25 has 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (vs iPhone's 60Hz), higher peak brightness, and always-on display. For silky-smooth scrolling, S25 wins. For sharpness and color accuracy, iPhone 16 wins.
Does iPhone 16 have a 120Hz display?
No — the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are capped at 60Hz. Only the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max have ProMotion 1–120Hz adaptive refresh rate. This is a notable disadvantage of the base iPhone 16 vs Galaxy S25, which has 120Hz at the same $799 price point.
Which is better for gaming: iPhone 16 or Galaxy S25?
For gaming, the Galaxy S25's 120Hz display gives smoother gameplay visuals at the same price. However, iPhone 16's A18 chip delivers superior sustained gaming performance. For mobile gaming at the base model, S25 for display; iPhone 16 for raw performance — the Pro models of either are better for serious mobile gaming.
Which phone is easier to use with one hand?
The Galaxy S25 is marginally easier one-handed: it's 1mm narrower (70.5mm vs 71.5mm), 8g lighter, and 0.6mm thinner. Both phones are similar and challenging for one-handed use for users with smaller hands. Consider the iPhone 16 Plus or Galaxy S25+ if you want a bigger screen but sacrifice one-handed usability.
Conclusion
The iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S25 are remarkably similar in screen size — 6.1" vs 6.2" — with both phones being nearly identical in physical dimensions. The Galaxy S25 actually fits in a slightly more compact body despite the larger screen, thanks to thinner bezels.
Display quality differences are more meaningful than size differences: S25 leads on refresh rate (120Hz vs 60Hz) and brightness; iPhone 16 leads on pixel density (460 PPI) and out-of-box color accuracy. For most users, the choice will come down to ecosystem preference (iOS vs Android) rather than screen size alone.
Want to see how these phones stack up physically? Try Easy Compare's phone size visualization tool to see the iPhone 16, Galaxy S25, and any other phones overlaid to actual scale.