Spec cross-check · 2026-10-14
iPhone 16 vs Samsung Galaxy S26
iPhone 16 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 lines up the September 2024 iPhone 16 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
10.0 / 10
Samsung Galaxy S26 specs
Exynos 2600 (UK announcement; regional variants can differ)
Samsung Galaxy S26 leads iPhone 16 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 on the weighted spec sheet, ahead on display, chip, storage, and camera hardware.
Spec sheet
| Spec | iPhone 16 | Samsung Galaxy S26 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2556×1179, 460 ppi, 60Hz, 2,000 nits peak | 6.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, FHD+, 120Hz, always-onLeads |
| Chip | A18 | Exynos 2600 (UK announcement; regional variants can differ)Leads |
| Memory | Not published | 12GB |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 256GB, 512GBLeads |
| Camera hardware | 48MP Fusion main, 12MP ultrawide, 2x optical-quality crop | 50MP f/1.8 main, 10MP 3x optical telephoto, 12MP ultrawideLeads |
| Optical zoom | No optical telephoto | 3xLeads |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Battery | up to 22 hours video playback | 4,300 mAh |
| Charging | 50% in about 30 minutes with a 20W or higher adapter. MagSafe up to 25W | 25W, about 55% in 30 minutes. Fast Wireless Charging 2.0, Wireless PowerShareLeads |
| Weight | 170 g | 167 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 | $799 launch price | £879 UK RRP |
| Software | iOS 18 at launch | Android 16, One UI 8.5 |
| Biometrics | Face ID | Ultrasonic fingerprint |
| Connectivity | USB-C, 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3 | USB-C, 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 |
Who should buy which
Choose the iPhone 16 if you want iOS 18 at launch.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S26 if you want Android 16, One UI 8.5. It leads on display, chip, storage, camera hardware, optical zoom, charging, and weight.
Questions
Which is better, iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy S26?
Samsung Galaxy S26 leads iPhone 16 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 on the weighted spec sheet, ahead on display, chip, storage, and camera hardware.
iPhone 16 vs Samsung Galaxy S26: which has the better battery?
iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S26 do not publish a comparable battery figure. iPhone 16: up to 22 hours video playback. Samsung Galaxy S26: 4,300 mAh.
iPhone 16 vs Samsung Galaxy S26: which has the better camera?
Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on camera hardware. iPhone 16: 48MP Fusion main, 12MP ultrawide, 2x optical-quality crop. 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 and Samsung Galaxy S26 cost at launch?
iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S26 do not publish a comparable launch price figure. iPhone 16: $799 launch price. Samsung Galaxy S26: £879 UK RRP.
Sources
- Apple iPhone 16 technical specifications
- Samsung Galaxy S26 newsroom specifications, February 25, 2026