Spec cross-check · 2026-10-14
Samsung Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max
Samsung Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max lines up the March 2026 Samsung Galaxy S26 with the September 2024 iPhone 16 Pro Max. 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 Samsung Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max on the weighted spec sheet, ahead on chip, charging, and weight.
Spec sheet
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy S26 | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, FHD+, 120Hz, always-onTie | 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2868×1320, 460 ppi, 120Hz, 2,000 nits peak, always-onTie |
| Chip | Exynos 2600 (UK announcement; regional variants can differ)Leads | A18 Pro |
| Memory | 12GB | Not published |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GBTie | 256GB, 512GB, 1TBTie |
| Camera hardware | 50MP f/1.8 main, 10MP 3x optical telephoto, 12MP ultrawide | 48MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 12MP 5x tetraprism telephotoLeads |
| Optical zoom | 3x | 5xLeads |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Battery | 4,300 mAh | up to 33 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 | 227 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 | $1,199 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 (USB 3), 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 chip, charging, and weight.
Choose the iPhone 16 Pro Max if you want iOS 18 at launch. It leads on camera hardware and optical zoom.
Questions
Which is better, Samsung Galaxy S26 or iPhone 16 Pro Max?
Samsung Galaxy S26 leads Samsung Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max on the weighted spec sheet, ahead on chip, charging, and weight.
Samsung Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: which has the better battery?
Samsung Galaxy S26 and iPhone 16 Pro Max do not publish a comparable battery figure. Samsung Galaxy S26: 4,300 mAh. iPhone 16 Pro Max: up to 33 hours video playback.
Samsung Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: which has the better camera?
iPhone 16 Pro Max leads on camera hardware. Samsung Galaxy S26: 50MP f/1.8 main, 10MP 3x optical telephoto, 12MP ultrawide. iPhone 16 Pro Max: 48MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 12MP 5x tetraprism telephoto. This rank is hardware class, not a photo lab test.
What did Samsung Galaxy S26 and iPhone 16 Pro Max cost at launch?
Samsung Galaxy S26 and iPhone 16 Pro Max do not publish a comparable launch price figure. Samsung Galaxy S26: £879 UK RRP. iPhone 16 Pro Max: $1,199 launch price.
Sources
- Samsung Galaxy S26 newsroom specifications, February 25, 2026
- Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max technical specifications