Spec cross-check · 2026-10-14
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S26+
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S26+ lines up the September 2024 iPhone 16 Pro Max with the March 2026 Samsung Galaxy S26+. The spec score is a weighted share of comparable published rows. Manufacturer spec sheets are the source.
Spec lead
6.3 / 10
Samsung Galaxy S26+ specs
Exynos 2600 (UK announcement; regional variants can differ)
Samsung Galaxy S26+ leads iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S26+ on the weighted spec sheet, ahead on chip, charging, and weight.
Spec sheet
| Spec | iPhone 16 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S26+ |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2868×1320, 460 ppi, 120Hz, 2,000 nits peak, always-onTie | 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, QHD+, 120Hz, always-onTie |
| Chip | A18 Pro | Exynos 2600 (UK announcement; regional variants can differ)Leads |
| Memory | Not published | 12GB |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TBTie | 256GB, 512GBTie |
| Camera hardware | 48MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 12MP 5x tetraprism telephotoLeads | 50MP f/1.8 main, 10MP 3x optical telephoto, 12MP ultrawide |
| Optical zoom | 5xLeads | 3x |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Battery | up to 33 hours video playback | 4,900 mAh |
| Charging | 50% in about 30 minutes with a 20W or higher adapter. MagSafe up to 25W | 45W, about 69% in 30 minutes. Super Fast Wireless Charging, Wireless PowerShareLeads |
| Weight | 227 g | 190 gLeads |
| Water resistance | IP68Tie | IP68Tie |
| Software support | Apple does not publish a fixed OS support window | 7 years of OS and security updates |
| Launch price | $1,199 launch price | £1,099 UK RRP |
| Software | iOS 18 at launch | Android 16, One UI 8.5 |
| Biometrics | Face ID | Ultrasonic fingerprint |
| Connectivity | USB-C (USB 3), 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3 | USB-C, 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0 |
Who should buy which
Choose the iPhone 16 Pro Max if you want iOS 18 at launch. It leads on camera hardware and optical zoom.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S26+ if you want Android 16, One UI 8.5. It leads on chip, charging, and weight.
Questions
Which is better, iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S26+?
Samsung Galaxy S26+ leads iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S26+ on the weighted spec sheet, ahead on chip, charging, and weight.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S26+: which has the better battery?
iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S26+ do not publish a comparable battery figure. iPhone 16 Pro Max: up to 33 hours video playback. Samsung Galaxy S26+: 4,900 mAh.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S26+: which has the better camera?
iPhone 16 Pro Max leads on camera hardware. iPhone 16 Pro Max: 48MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 12MP 5x tetraprism telephoto. Samsung Galaxy S26+: 50MP f/1.8 main, 10MP 3x optical telephoto, 12MP ultrawide. This rank is hardware class, not a photo lab test.
What did iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S26+ cost at launch?
iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S26+ do not publish a comparable launch price figure. iPhone 16 Pro Max: $1,199 launch price. Samsung Galaxy S26+: £1,099 UK RRP.
Sources
- Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max technical specifications
- Samsung Galaxy S26 newsroom specifications, February 25, 2026