Spec cross-check · 2026-10-14
Samsung Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 16 Plus
Samsung Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 16 Plus lines up the March 2026 Samsung Galaxy S26 with the September 2024 iPhone 16 Plus. 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 Samsung Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 16 Plus on the weighted spec sheet, ahead on display, chip, storage, and camera hardware.
Spec sheet
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy S26 | iPhone 16 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, FHD+, 120Hz, always-onLeads | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2796×1290, 460 ppi, 60Hz, 2,000 nits peak |
| Chip | Exynos 2600 (UK announcement; regional variants can differ)Leads | A18 |
| Memory | 12GB | Not published |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GBLeads | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Camera hardware | 50MP f/1.8 main, 10MP 3x optical telephoto, 12MP ultrawideLeads | 48MP Fusion main, 12MP ultrawide, 2x optical-quality crop |
| Optical zoom | 3xLeads | No optical telephoto |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Battery | 4,300 mAh | up to 27 hours video playback |
| Charging | 25W, about 55% in 30 minutes. Fast Wireless Charging 2.0, Wireless PowerShareLeads | 50% in about 30 minutes with a 20W or higher adapter. MagSafe up to 25W |
| Weight | 167 gLeads | 199 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 | £879 UK RRP | $899 launch price |
| Software | Android 16, One UI 8.5 | iOS 18 at launch |
| Biometrics | Ultrasonic fingerprint | Face ID |
| Connectivity | USB-C, 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | USB-C, 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3 |
Who should buy which
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.
Choose the iPhone 16 Plus if you want iOS 18 at launch.
Questions
Which is better, Samsung Galaxy S26 or iPhone 16 Plus?
Samsung Galaxy S26 leads Samsung Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 16 Plus on the weighted spec sheet, ahead on display, chip, storage, and camera hardware.
Samsung Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 16 Plus: which has the better battery?
Samsung Galaxy S26 and iPhone 16 Plus do not publish a comparable battery figure. Samsung Galaxy S26: 4,300 mAh. iPhone 16 Plus: up to 27 hours video playback.
Samsung Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 16 Plus: which has the better camera?
Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on camera hardware. Samsung Galaxy S26: 50MP f/1.8 main, 10MP 3x optical telephoto, 12MP ultrawide. iPhone 16 Plus: 48MP Fusion main, 12MP ultrawide, 2x optical-quality crop. This rank is hardware class, not a photo lab test.
What did Samsung Galaxy S26 and iPhone 16 Plus cost at launch?
Samsung Galaxy S26 and iPhone 16 Plus do not publish a comparable launch price figure. Samsung Galaxy S26: £879 UK RRP. iPhone 16 Plus: $899 launch price.
Sources
- Samsung Galaxy S26 newsroom specifications, February 25, 2026
- Apple iPhone 16 Plus technical specifications