Here’s how the Galaxy S25 Ultra may beat the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s display

By Bryan M. Wolfe Published September 18, 2024

A person holding the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. — Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Every year, when new Apple iPhones are released in September, they outperform the earlier Samsung Galaxy S models. However, the iPhones will typically be overshadowed when the following year’s Galaxy S models are released a few months later. Today’s nugget about the upcoming Galaxy S25 Ultra aligns with this pattern.

According to Ice Universe, Samsung’s next flagship will have slimmer bezels than those of the Galaxy S24 Ultra. As a result, the phone’s bezels will be smaller than those on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which will be released on Friday.

Recommended Videos

Is this a significant issue? Probably not for end users. It’s hard to imagine someone deciding to buy a Samsung or Apple phone based on the size of the phone’s bezels. However, since Apple emphasized how small the bezels were on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, if this rumor is true, Samsung will likely highlight this advantage when the Galaxy S25 Ultra is announced.

S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro Max
Samsung narrowed it by 0.2mm bezel. This time, Samsung won a little more. pic.twitter.com/7GD9Nu1niL

— ICE UNIVERSE (@UniverseIce) September 17, 2024

Samsung is expected to announce the Galaxy S25 lineup early next year. Similar to the Galaxy S24 lineup, the S25 series is anticipated to include a Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra. Rumors about the Galaxy S25 Ultra have been circulating, and it is expected to feature a different design than its predecessors.

The newest Galaxy S Ultra is expected to be lighter than its predecessor and feature tweaked cameras. It will also likely ship with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor. The screen size, at 6.8 inches diagonal, is expected to remain the same despite smaller bezels.

If that last point turns out to be accurate, it’s one area where Samsung’s phone won’t outdo the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which has a 6.9-inch display. Your move, Samsung.

Former Mobile and A/V Freelancer

Bryan M. Wolfe has over a decade of experience as a technology writer. He writes about mobile.

Topics

Phones

Google may finally ditch Samsung’s modem in the Pixel 11, and Tensor G6 could be better for it

FCC paperwork for Google’s next foldable points to MediaTek, raising hopes for lower power use and a cleaner break from Tensor’s Exynos roots

AI recreation of Pixel 11's Pixel Glow feature.

Google may be preparing its biggest Tensor hardware split yet. As spotted by Android Authority, FCC testing for an unreleased foldable Google phone includes a reference to MediaTek radio-frequency software, adding weight to reports that the Pixel 11’s Tensor G6 could leave Samsung’s Exynos modem behind.

Every previous Tensor chip has used Samsung modem hardware. Changing suppliers won’t guarantee better battery life or reception, but it gives Google a fresh path after years of leaning on the same underlying technology.

Phones

Apple’s iPhone Ultra could one-up the Galaxy Z Fold 7 with a bigger battery

4,883mAh total capacity, two cells, and two screens drawing power. Somewhere between "fine" and "I hope Apple's software does the heavy lifting."

Electronics, Phone, Mobile Phone

Apple's foldable iPhone is getting closer to its September announcement. Despite rumors of a delay, a recent report claimed that Foxconn is hiring temporary workers to ramp up production of the Ultra. Now we have a number for one of its most important specs: the battery.

I'll be honest: when I saw the battery figure, my reaction was somewhere between "that works" and "I was hoping for more."

Phones

The next “flagship killer” is coming from Motorola, but it may not reach the US anytime soon.

The Motorola Edge 70 Max looks great on paper, but only India is getting it on July 15.

Electronics, Mobile Phone, Phone

Motorola is building the most ambitious phone in its Edge 70 lineup, but it might not be available in the United States.

Specs like a 7,000-nit display and MagSafe-style magnetic wireless charging belong in a conversation that often includes flagships, but it looks like Motorola wants to break that norm.