The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has set a new benchmark in the smartphone industry, surpassing the performance of Apple's iPhone 16 Pro Max in recent multi-core processor tests. This revelation comes from the latest Geekbench scores, which serve as a critical metric for evaluating the processing power of top-tier smartphones.

Objective Comparisons Reveal Superior Performance
While the aesthetics of smartphones can be subjective, with preferences varying between the sleek design of the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the softer contours of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, performance metrics offer a more objective basis for comparison. The Geekbench results, which measure both single-core and multi-core capabilities, have highlighted a significant lead for the Galaxy S25 Ultra in multi-core applications.Single-Core Scores: A Close Contest
In single-core performance, the competition remains tight, with Apple's A18 Pro application processor slightly outperforming the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip of the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The scores were 3457 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max and 3220 for the Galaxy, showcasing the continual excellence of Appleâs A-series processors.
Multi-Core Dominance by Galaxy S25 Ultra
The real story, however, is in the multi-core performance where the Galaxy S25 Ultra's score of 10,223 far surpasses the 8553 scored by the iPhone 16 Pro Max. This demonstrates the Galaxy's superior capability in handling complex tasks and applications that leverage multiple processor cores simultaneously.Technological Edge in Processor Design
Both smartphones use chips manufactured by TSMC, employing the foundry's advanced second-generation 3nm node technology. The Galaxy S25 Ultra features performance cores that clock up to 4.47GHz, edging out the 4.32GHz cores in the iPhone. This slight edge in clock speed may contribute to its enhanced performance metrics.
Implications for Users
For consumers, these benchmark results are more than just numbers. They reflect a device's ability to handle everything from daily tasks to the most demanding applications, impacting user experience regarding speed and responsiveness. The Galaxy S25 Ultraâs lead in multi-core performance suggests it may offer a smoother experience in multi-threaded applications and multitasking scenarios.The Takeaway: A Shifting Power Dynamic
As Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra demonstrates its prowess in the latest benchmark tests, the dynamics of smartphone performance leadership are evidently shifting. Users and enthusiasts looking to get the most out of their technology might find the Galaxy S25 Ultra a compelling choice, especially those who prioritize power and efficiency for applications that push the hardware to its limits. This competitive landscape continues to drive innovation in the smartphone industry, with each new release promising better and more efficient technology. As these devices become central to personal and professional productivity, the importance of understanding their capabilities through objective metrics like Geekbench becomes increasingly relevant.Apple vs Samsung, Galaxy S25 Ultra, Geekbench scores, iPhone 16 Pro Max, multi-core performance, smartphone benchmarks, Snapdragon 8