Samsung S25 series vs iPhone 16 series...LET'S DISCUSS.

[Gino76ph]

This is not going to be another "complaint" of a thread. 

FACT: Samsung's popularity and profits are down. I have one theory: Samsung is not listening to user feedback.

Apple's iPhone and iOS have it's fair share of issues (mainly delays in Apple Intelligence & better Siri) but being 6-7 months late for Android 15 update to older devices is unforgiving to some. And myself.

Looking past the glitz and shine of overall looks, specs and AI you also have to look on why you need a phone. In the past 5 years the type of tasks and the number of apps I have been doing remains fairly stale and stable. Being "fed up" is an overstatement. I wanted something different. Something more simpler and better in other ways.

I've always updated myself on iOS and how it has improved since. Just iOS & iPhone but not the ecosystem. So, i bought a 16 Plus. It could be a bit more compact, customisations could be better (e.g. just one clock style in the lockscreen, still no rounded app icons, etc. ), no universal back button but everything else i was able to accomplish with not a very steep learning curve. And coming from a Pixel 8 and Galaxy S23 the photos are better. I still can use Google Gemini on iOS. I can also make use of AI features on Google Photos. So, I'm not missing a lot. And the 16 Plus' battery life is so much better.

I understand Samsung is trying it's best with offers here and there (especially buying using the app)+ trade-ins but why would i need to buy a £899 S25 where i can get a mint/barely used 16 Plus and be able to do what i want to do?

So, What would help us return to the motherland of Samsung? 

[Tourbillon De La Vie]

I have no brand loyalty. As long as I like what Samsung has to offer I stay. So far I like what it is on offer 

[Gino76ph]

May I ask if you had used an iPhone in the past? And if yes what do you make of their phones and iOS in general?

[Star_girl]

I just find Samsung more versatile and easier to use, before almost everything you wanted to install and use on IPhone you had to pay for, while on android was for free, by the time Apple gave up on charging for everything, I was a long time fan and user of Android and Samsung conquered me with the software stability and the fact that if the device had a bug I was able to fix it myself, sturdy phones, even the midrange ones that survived water and falls without a scratch and no effect on the speakers quality, yes, Samsung were pioneers on software updates before, but some nowadays the phones are more performant and come with more features out of the box so probably that is why they don't need updates every so often. The only brands that felt really nice and friendly to use that I would go for, would be Sony and HTC, but Sony needs to use larger screens on their phones, and HTC idk, I haven't used one recently so I can't really give an opinion, but Samsung's got all I need and I personally believe they hit a peak in phone technology with the S24U and S25U, I believe these phones are perfect as regarding what you can achieve in today's world technology advancements, that can be offered to any average customer who wants one, who says these phones are other but technology wonders, they underestimating these devices, and I will ad the S23U in this category as well as a last touch. I believe that Samsung did their absolute best in the last 3 years. Of course, there can be improvements, but I believe therr is no better on the market at the moment. I really don't want Samsung to fall as a company.

[Gino76ph]

Well, with the way it's going Samsung is headed on a downward spiral. And you don't have to look at the figures and statistics.

You see i am not in the "Ultra" crowd. I've had base, midrange and flagship Android phones in the past 15 years. The most hi-spec phone i've had was the OnePlus 10T, Samsung S23 and Pixel 8. If you can call them that.  

When i set up my 16 Plus and downloaded my apps more than 95% of them I DID NOT pay, needed or required to pay,  had a Google sign-in option and were found on the App Store. Support is just an app and call away similar to what you get with Samsung and Google. Maybe slightly even longer hours. Have Community Forum pages where you can seek advice and discuss things with users (albeit the odd "rude" and sarcastic user). 

I can use my third-party 1-year old earbuds on my 16 Plus with no issues. That is the very basic thing i need and it just works. As mentioned earlier there are things that the iPhone and iOS can be better. But companies such as Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Motorola, Sony are digging their own graves by sometimes "copying" Apple's phone strategy, not innovating much and simply not listening to it's user base.  

I agree having a versatile OS with lots of customizations is a major advantage of Android as a whole. As a user of 15 years I can attest to that. But each has it's own downsides. Even Apple. 

[facu1ty]

The horrible, extremely intrusive camera cut-out on the iPhones is enough to make me buy something different. It's an unnecessary loss of screen. I think you'll be happy with the S25+. I use the S23 ultra, which is flawless. Only thing I don't like is the weight. I have constantly been looking at the plus variant. I was using the S105g for 4 years. I still use it for work. The size and weight are pretty much the same as the plus variant. I stayed away from the ultras as I was never convinced about having something that heavy. This S23 ultra is my very first ultra phone. Again, I wouldn't hesitate going for the plus. I bet you'll be very content owning one. For me, it's like the perfect size and weight with everything you'd need for watching content and daily activities. I love my tech and would always want the very best of the best, but comparing the ultra and Plus today, really not much in it. I'm holding onto my S23 ultra and looking forward to ui7. I believe the S26 models will have better hardware, which I'm happy holding out for. You mention getting something used for less cash. Maybe just have a look at the S24 models. They're a lot cheaper now with plenty going for them, especially with 6 years of support left. Samsung makes better phones, period. I've used iPhones (never owned), and not nearly as good an experience as Samsung.

[BandOfBrothers]

Hello 👋 @Gino76ph 

I think I've just about used every manufacturer of phone's, iPhones included over the years. 

Samsung for me provide true innovation,  superb materials ,and top quality workmanship. 

I don't use a phone because it has a particular branding name upon it. 

Customisation and even more importantly quality of software is paramount. 

😎

[smiley]

You started this thread with a comment ' This is not going to be another complaint of a thread'. However a few members have added their comments on why they believe that samsung is their choice and you have simply attempted to shut down all their reasoning.

If you have a preference for IOS and Apple then that is good for you. I have some family members that all prefer the ecosystem and have ipads, Macs and apple buds. I dont try and convince them otherwise... just leave them to it.

For me, I like the customisation of android in general, the freedom to install and use whatever I want.

I did own an apple iPhone 6 once, for a 2 year contract term, and I vouched not to use one again. Just the inability to drag and drop files and all the music and video needing to be installed through iTunes was enough of a headache for me, back in those days.

The truth is that IOS is the same for pretty much all of the past 5 or 6 generations. You can pick up anything from an iPhone 11 through to any model up to the latest 16.. and they all look and feel the same with the hardware and UI.

Everyone to their own at the end of the day. Apple is not for me, although they have a very large following.

Finally this is a samsung forum. Obviously there will be a bias here. It is like me going onto the Apple forums and trying to justify why Samsung and android is better.

For this reason I assume you are just doing a bit of trolling today with the members here.

I hold no remorse. Good luck with the iPhone 16. You look like a regular member on this community so I am sorry to see you go to Apple.

I bought my son a 16 pro a few months ago and he loves it. Again I believe he can make his own choices on what tech he wants to use. He is a 20 year old adult of course.

Cheers 🍻
Smiley

[Piper123]

I had an Ipad once, absolutely despised it.

Every time I turned it on......

Sign into I This,
Sign into I That,
Don't forget to sign into I blah blah blah

Had to sign in about 10 times to different things every time. Got rid of the blooming thing and refused to ever consider Apple since.

Android and Samsung is so much far advanced. Why anyone buys apple I don't know.

[JAMES4578]

Whilst Samsung may face some challenges and they do have a range of products sure they will develop a strategy moving forward and in the mobile market sales of the S25 series look to be encouraging. I have owned a variety of Devices throughout the years but have found Samsung to be more attractive its the modern era with innovation, quality, design and customisation.

Whilst I have enjoyed more Android Devices I did have a few iphones at one point but last one was the iphone7) along with ipads a while ago but when I returned to Samsung have never looked back , just an overall better experience. could not imagine considering the fruit company now 😀, yes company has a perfect record but Samsung/Android meets my needs and the stars align in a mystical way.

Aware Apple have their fanatics but generally are not highly favoured on this community. sorry you have decided to move away but hope it works out.