Spec cross-check · 2026-10-14
Samsung Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 17
Samsung Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 17 lines up the March 2026 Samsung Galaxy S26 with the September 2025 iPhone 17. The spec score is a weighted share of comparable published rows. Manufacturer spec sheets are the source.
Spec lead
7.5 / 10
Samsung Galaxy S26 specs
Exynos 2600 (UK announcement; regional variants can differ)
Samsung Galaxy S26 leads Samsung Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 17 on the weighted spec sheet, ahead on chip, camera hardware, optical zoom, and weight.
Spec sheet
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy S26 | iPhone 17 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, FHD+, 120Hz, always-onTie | 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2622×1206, 460 ppi, 120Hz, 3,000 nits peak, always-onTie |
| Chip | Exynos 2600 (UK announcement; regional variants can differ)Leads | A19 |
| Memory | 12GB | Not published |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GBTie | 256GB, 512GBTie |
| Camera hardware | 50MP f/1.8 main, 10MP 3x optical telephoto, 12MP ultrawideLeads | 48MP f/1.6 main, 48MP ultrawide, 2x optical-quality crop |
| Optical zoom | 3xLeads | No optical telephoto |
| Front camera | 12MP | 18MP Center Stage |
| Battery | 4,300 mAh | up to 30 hours video playback |
| Charging | 25W, about 55% in 30 minutes. Fast Wireless Charging 2.0, Wireless PowerShare | 50% in 20 minutes with a 40W or higher adapter. MagSafe, 50% in 30 minutes with a 30W adapterLeads |
| Weight | 167 gLeads | 177 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 | Not listed |
| Software | Android 16, One UI 8.5 | iOS 27 |
| Biometrics | Ultrasonic fingerprint | Face ID |
| Connectivity | USB-C, 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | USB-C, 5G, Wi-Fi 7 (Apple N1), Bluetooth |
Who should buy which
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S26 if you want Android 16, One UI 8.5. It leads on chip, camera hardware, optical zoom, and weight.
Choose the iPhone 17 if you want iOS 27. It leads on charging.
Questions
Which is better, Samsung Galaxy S26 or iPhone 17?
Samsung Galaxy S26 leads Samsung Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 17 on the weighted spec sheet, ahead on chip, camera hardware, optical zoom, and weight.
Samsung Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 17: which has the better battery?
Samsung Galaxy S26 and iPhone 17 do not publish a comparable battery figure. Samsung Galaxy S26: 4,300 mAh. iPhone 17: up to 30 hours video playback.
Samsung Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 17: 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 17: 48MP f/1.6 main, 48MP ultrawide, 2x optical-quality crop. This rank is hardware class, not a photo lab test.
What did Samsung Galaxy S26 and iPhone 17 cost at launch?
Samsung Galaxy S26 and iPhone 17 do not publish a comparable launch price figure. Samsung Galaxy S26: £879 UK RRP. iPhone 17: Not listed.
Sources
- Samsung Galaxy S26 newsroom specifications, February 25, 2026
- Apple iPhone 17 technical specifications