Spec cross-check · 2026-10-14

Samsung Galaxy S26+ vs iPhone 18 Pro Max

Samsung Galaxy S26+ vs iPhone 18 Pro Max lines up the March 2026 Samsung Galaxy S26+ with the September 2026 iPhone 18 Pro Max. The spec score is a weighted share of comparable published rows. Manufacturer spec sheets are the source.

Spec score

1.9 / 10

Samsung Galaxy S26+ specs

Exynos 2600 (UK announcement; regional variants can differ)

Spec lead

8.1 / 10

iPhone 18 Pro Max specs

A20 Pro

iPhone 18 Pro Max leads Samsung Galaxy S26+ vs iPhone 18 Pro Max on the weighted spec sheet, ahead on chip, camera hardware, optical zoom, and charging.

Spec sheet

Samsung Galaxy S26+ vs iPhone 18 Pro Max 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	Samsung Galaxy S26+	iPhone 18 Pro Max
Display	6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, QHD+, 120Hz, always-onTie	6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2868×1320, 460 ppi, 120Hz, 3,000 nits peak, always-onTie
Chip	Exynos 2600 (UK announcement; regional variants can differ)	A20 ProLeads
Memory	12GB	Not published
Storage	256GB, 512GBTie	256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TBTie
Camera hardware	50MP f/1.8 main, 10MP 3x optical telephoto, 12MP ultrawide	48MP main with variable aperture f/1.48–f/4, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP 4x optical telephoto (8x optical-quality)Leads
Optical zoom	3x	4xLeads
Front camera	12MP	18MP Center Stage
Battery	4,900 mAh	up to 45 hours video playback
Charging	45W, about 69% in 30 minutes. Super Fast Wireless Charging, Wireless PowerShare	50% in about 15 minutes wired. 50% in 30 minutes wirelessLeads
Weight	190 gLeads	249 g
Water resistance	IP68Tie	IP68Tie
Software support	7 years of OS and security updates	Apple does not publish a fixed OS support window
Launch price	£1,099 UK RRP	$1,299 launch price
Software	Android 16, One UI 8.5	iOS 27
Biometrics	Ultrasonic fingerprint	Face ID
Connectivity	USB-C, 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0	USB-C, 5G (C2 modem), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread

Who should buy which

Choose the Samsung Galaxy S26+ if you want Android 16, One UI 8.5. It leads on weight.

Choose the iPhone 18 Pro Max if you want iOS 27. It leads on chip, camera hardware, optical zoom, and charging.

Questions

Which is better, Samsung Galaxy S26+ or iPhone 18 Pro Max?

iPhone 18 Pro Max leads Samsung Galaxy S26+ vs iPhone 18 Pro Max on the weighted spec sheet, ahead on chip, camera hardware, optical zoom, and charging.