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 score

0.6 / 10

iPhone 16 specs

A18

Spec lead

9.4 / 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

iPhone 16 vs Samsung Galaxy S26+ published specs. Display lead uses refresh rate, pixel density, peak brightness, and always-on when both phones publish them. Camera lead is a hardware class, not a photo test. Battery is scored only when both phones publish the same kind of figure.
Spec	iPhone 16	Samsung Galaxy S26+
Display	6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2556×1179, 460 ppi, 60Hz, 2,000 nits peak	6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, QHD+, 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	4,900 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	170 gLeads	190 g
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	£1,099 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 6.0

Who should buy which

Choose the iPhone 16 if you want iOS 18 at launch. It leads on weight.

Choose the Samsung Galaxy S26+ if you want Android 16, One UI 8.5. It leads on display, chip, storage, camera hardware, optical zoom, and charging.

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.