Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Plus
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S26 Ultra
Starting at
£894.79£1,449.00 new
iPhone 15 Plus
Starting at
£439.65£799.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S26 Ultra and iPhone 15 Plus?
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 15 Plus starts at £439.65, £455.14 less than the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is the newer model, released in 2026.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Refresh rate
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15 Plus.
- The Galaxy S26 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
- The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4383 mAh.
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Plus specs
The Galaxy S26 Ultra and iPhone 15 Plus differ mainly in screen size, memory, and refresh rate. The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a larger 6.9 inch screen with a higher 120 Hz refresh rate, making it suited for users who want a smoother and more spacious display for video and gaming. It also offers more RAM with 12 GB, which benefits users who multitask heavily or use demanding apps. The iPhone 15 Plus has a slightly smaller 6.7 inch screen with 60 Hz refresh rate and 6 GB RAM, fitting users who prefer iOS and a simpler setup. Both phones are unlocked, support 5G, and share USB-C connectors. Storage options vary, with the Galaxy providing up to 1TB and the iPhone up to 512GB. Choose the Galaxy S26 Ultra for a bigger, smoother screen and more memory or the iPhone 15 Plus for iOS and a proven design.
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Plus price
Colour
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Plus battery life and software updates
Durability includes software updates, operating systems, and physical design features. Your choice here depends on whether you prefer Android or iOS.
Operating System
The Galaxy S26 Ultra runs on Android, which offers a wide range of customisation and app options. The iPhone 15 Plus uses iOS, known for its smooth integration with Apple services and regular updates. Your preference for one or the other will influence your overall experience.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Plus performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Plus screen
Screen quality affects your viewing experience for videos, gaming, and everyday use. Differences in size, resolution, and refresh rate mean each device suits different needs.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S26 Ultra offers a 6.9 inch screen, giving more room for watching videos, browsing, and multitasking. The iPhone 15 Plus has a 6.7 inch screen, which is slightly more compact and may be easier to handle for one-handed use.
Resolution
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a resolution of 1440 by 3120 pixels, providing sharp and detailed images, particularly noticeable in high-definition content. The iPhone 15 Plus has a resolution of 1290 by 2796 pixels, which still delivers clear visuals but with slightly fewer pixels.
Refresh Rate
The Galaxy S26 Ultra supports a 120 Hz refresh rate, making animations and scrolling appear smoother. This benefits users who want fluid motion in games or enjoy a responsive interface. The iPhone 15 Plus has a 60 Hz refresh rate, which is suitable for everyday use and watching video content at standard frame rates.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Plus camera
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Plus size and design
Other physical and connectivity features include size, weight, carrier compatibility, and storage options. These affect daily handling, connectivity flexibility, and how much content you can store.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy S26 Ultra measures 163.6 mm in height, 78.1 mm in width, and 7.9 mm in depth, weighing 214 g. The iPhone 15 Plus is slightly smaller at 160.9 mm tall, 77.8 mm wide, and 7.8 mm deep, weighing 201 g. The Galaxy is a bit larger and heavier, which may suit users who prefer a substantial feel and bigger display area, while the iPhone fits better for those wanting a lighter phone.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is stocked with 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options, catering to users who need ample space for apps, files, and media. The iPhone 15 Plus comes in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB capacities, providing solid choices for everyday use and moderate storage needs.
Network and SIM
Both phones are unlocked and support 5G networks, offering flexibility to use any carrier with compatible plans. Each device supports a physical SIM plus an eSIM, giving options for dual SIM setups or travel.
Connector Type
Both devices use USB-C connectors, simplifying charging and data transfer with widely available cables and accessories.
No SD Card Slot
Neither phone includes an SD card slot, so storage expansion via memory cards is not possible. Selecting the right built-in storage option is important based on your usage.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S26 Ultra or iPhone 15 Plus: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S26 Ultra if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4383 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.7 inch)
Buy the iPhone 15 Plus if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £439.65, £455.14 less than the Galaxy S26 Ultra
- you want a lighter build (201 g vs 214 g)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Galaxy S26 Ultra appreciate its condition and performance, often noting that the phone feels like brand new even when refurbished. Many mention the excellent screen and camera quality, with some enjoying the new AI tutorials on the device. Battery life is praised for lasting through heavy use, and overall the phone is described as solid and fun to use. A few customers point out minor cosmetic flaws that do not affect functionality, especially when used with a case.
Users of the iPhone 15 Plus highlight the phone's excellent condition and smooth operation. Battery life commonly lasts all day, and the switch to USB-C is welcomed. The screen size is appreciated for making viewing easier, particularly by those who wear glasses. Customers note the phone works well with their carriers and that transferring data was mostly straightforward. The iPhone's camera and audio quality receive positive remarks, and many report being happy with the device's appearance and reliability.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra suits users who want a larger, sharper, and more responsive screen with higher memory for multitasking, while the iPhone 15 Plus is ideal for those who prefer iOS, a slightly lighter phone, and solid everyday performance with balanced storage options.
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Plus FAQs
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15 Plus. The Galaxy S26 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
The iPhone 15 Plus is cheaper refurbished, from £439.65 compared with £894.79 for the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4383 mAh.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a higher-resolution main camera: 200 megapixels vs 48 megapixels.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra gets updates until Mar 2033. The iPhone 15 Plus is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S26 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone 15 Plus in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
