Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 16
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S26 Ultra
Starting at
£894.79£1,449.00 new
iPhone 16
Starting at
£577.65£699.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S26 Ultra and iPhone 16?
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 16 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 16 starts at £577.65, £317.14 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 A18 (3 nm) on the iPhone 16.
- The Galaxy S26 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3561 mAh.
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 16 specs
The Galaxy S26 Ultra and iPhone 16 differ mainly in screen size, camera setup, and operating system. The Galaxy S26 Ultra offers a larger, higher resolution screen with a faster refresh rate, suited to those who want a more immersive viewing experience. It also has more RAM and a quadruple rear camera, catering to users who need extra multitasking power and more versatile photography. The iPhone 16 has a smaller screen and dual cameras but runs iOS 18, which appeals to those who prefer Apple's ecosystem.
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 16 price
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 16 battery life and software updates
Durability covers software support and basic design features.
Operating System
The Galaxy S26 Ultra runs Android, which offers flexibility and customisation options for users who prefer that environment. The iPhone 16 runs iOS 18, which is known for its integration with Apple services and consistent software updates. Your choice depends on which operating system suits your daily needs and preferences.
Software Updates
This means either device will keep your software fresh and supported for the foreseeable future.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 16 performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 16 screen
Screen quality affects how you view content and interact with your device. The Galaxy S26 Ultra offers a larger, sharper, and smoother display, while the iPhone 16 has a smaller screen with lower resolution and refresh rate.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a 6.9 inch screen, making it well suited for watching videos, gaming, or multitasking with more room to see details. The iPhone 16's 6.1 inch screen is more compact, fitting more comfortably in one hand and pockets.
Resolution and Refresh Rate
With a resolution of 1440 by 3120 and a 120 Hz refresh rate, the Galaxy S26 Ultra delivers sharp images and smoother motion, which benefits gaming and scrolling. The iPhone 16 has a resolution of 1179 by 2556 and a 60 Hz refresh rate, which is suitable for everyday use and provides a clear, consistent display.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 16 camera
Audiovisual features include cameras and front-facing sensor quality. The Galaxy S26 Ultra offers more camera versatility, while both phones share the same front camera megapixel count.
Rear Cameras
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a quadruple rear camera setup, which allows for more varied photography options like wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto shots. The iPhone 16 uses a dual camera system, suitable for solid everyday photography but with fewer options for different styles.
Front Camera
Both devices have a 12 megapixel front camera, delivering comparable quality for selfies and video calls. This means both phones should perform similarly for front-facing photography.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 16 size and design
Miscellaneous features include physical design, connectors, network compatibility and storage options that impact daily use and compatibility with accessories.
Connector Type
Both phones use USB-C connectors. This may affect data transfer speeds if you often connect to other devices.
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 grams. This larger size suits users who prefer a bigger device. The iPhone 16 is smaller at 147.6 mm tall, 71.6 mm wide, and 7.8 mm deep, weighing 170 grams, making it easier to hold and carry.
Storage Options
Galaxy S26 Ultra models available here come with 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage, offering more space for apps, media, and files. The iPhone 16 options are 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, which may suit users with lighter storage needs.
Network and SIM
Both phones support 5G and come unlocked, with a combination of physical SIM and eSIM. This provides flexibility in choosing carriers and managing mobile plans.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S26 Ultra or iPhone 16: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S26 Ultra if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 3561 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.1 inch)
Buy the iPhone 16 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £577.65, £317.14 less than the Galaxy S26 Ultra
- you want a lighter build (170 g vs 214 g)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy S26 Ultra appreciate its condition, often describing it as like new or brand new even when refurbished. They note the phone's excellent speed, camera quality, and battery life, with some enjoying the device's larger screen and AI tutorials. Most mention the phone feels premium and solid, with a few noting minor cosmetic imperfections easily covered by a case. Overall, buyers find the Galaxy S26 Ultra to be a reliable, high-performance device suitable for those who want a larger screen and multiple camera options.
Buyers of the iPhone 16 frequently describe their devices as looking like new or brand new, with excellent battery health and no noticeable defects. Many highlight the smooth experience of using the phone and satisfaction with its condition, even when choosing good condition models. Users appreciate the smaller size and the iOS system, with comments noting reliable battery life and a pleasant user experience.
Both phones attract customers who value condition and performance in refurbished devices. The Galaxy S26 Ultra suits those wanting a larger device with more cameras and storage options, while the iPhone 16 appeals to users who prefer a smaller phone running iOS with solid everyday performance.
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 16 FAQs
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 16 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Apple A18 (3 nm) on the iPhone 16. The Galaxy S26 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
The iPhone 16 is cheaper refurbished, from £577.65 compared with £894.79 for the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3561 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 16 is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S26 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone 16 in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
