Spec cross-check · 2026-10-14
Samsung Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max
Samsung Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max lines up the March 2026 Samsung Galaxy S26 with the September 2025 iPhone 17 Pro Max. The spec score is a weighted share of comparable published rows. Manufacturer spec sheets are the source.
Spec score
4.7 / 10
Samsung Galaxy S26 specs
Exynos 2600 (UK announcement; regional variants can differ)
iPhone 17 Pro Max leads Samsung Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max on the weighted spec sheet, ahead on camera hardware, optical zoom, and charging.
Spec sheet
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy S26 | iPhone 17 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, 3,000 nits peak, always-onTie |
| Chip | Exynos 2600 (UK announcement; regional variants can differ)Leads | A19 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 f/1.78 main, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP 4x optical telephoto (8x optical-quality)Leads |
| Optical zoom | 3x | 4xLeads |
| Front camera | 12MP | 18MP Center Stage |
| Battery | 4,300 mAh | up to 39 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 g | Not published |
| 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 (USB 3), 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.
Choose the iPhone 17 Pro Max if you want iOS 27. It leads on camera hardware, optical zoom, and charging.
Questions
Which is better, Samsung Galaxy S26 or iPhone 17 Pro Max?
iPhone 17 Pro Max leads Samsung Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max on the weighted spec sheet, ahead on camera hardware, optical zoom, and charging.
Samsung Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max: which has the better battery?
Samsung Galaxy S26 and iPhone 17 Pro Max do not publish a comparable battery figure. Samsung Galaxy S26: 4,300 mAh. iPhone 17 Pro Max: up to 39 hours video playback.
Samsung Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max: which has the better camera?
iPhone 17 Pro Max leads on camera hardware. Samsung Galaxy S26: 50MP f/1.8 main, 10MP 3x optical telephoto, 12MP ultrawide. iPhone 17 Pro Max: 48MP f/1.78 main, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP 4x optical telephoto (8x optical-quality). This rank is hardware class, not a photo lab test.
What did Samsung Galaxy S26 and iPhone 17 Pro Max cost at launch?
Samsung Galaxy S26 and iPhone 17 Pro Max do not publish a comparable launch price figure. Samsung Galaxy S26: £879 UK RRP. iPhone 17 Pro Max: Not listed.
Sources
- Samsung Galaxy S26 newsroom specifications, February 25, 2026
- Apple iPhone 17 Pro technical specifications