Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Plus
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S26 Ultra
Starting at
£894.79£1,449.00 new
iPhone 16 Plus
Starting at
£588.00£799.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S26 Ultra and iPhone 16 Plus?
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 16 Plus starts at £588, £306.79 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 on the iPhone 16 Plus.
- The Galaxy S26 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4674 mAh.
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Plus specs
The Galaxy S26 Ultra suits those who prefer a larger, higher resolution screen with a smoother 120 Hz refresh rate and more RAM for keeping apps active. The iPhone 16 Plus is a good fit for those who want a slightly smaller, lighter phone running iOS 18 with a familiar user experience. Storage options differ with the Galaxy offering up to 1TB, while the iPhone goes up to 512GB. Overall, the choice depends on your preference for screen size, operating system, and storage needs.
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Plus price
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Plus battery life and software updates
Durability covers software updates and operating systems, which are key for device longevity and user experience.
Latest Software Support
This means you can expect ongoing security patches and new features that keep your phone up to date for the foreseeable future.
Operating Systems
The Galaxy S26 Ultra runs Android, offering a wide range of customisation and app options, which suits users familiar with or preferring Android. The iPhone 16 Plus uses iOS 18, known for its smooth integration with other Apple devices and a consistent user interface.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Plus performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Plus screen
Screen quality impacts how you view content and interact with your phone daily. Differences in size, resolution, and refresh rate affect clarity and smoothness of visuals.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a 6.9 inch screen with a resolution of 1440 by 3120 pixels, providing more space and sharper detail for videos, reading, and gaming. The iPhone 16 Plus offers a slightly smaller 6.7 inch screen at 1290 by 2796 pixels, which suits users wanting a more compact display while still maintaining good clarity.
Refresh Rate
The Galaxy S26 Ultra features a 120 Hz refresh rate, which results in smoother scrolling and animations, particularly noticeable when gaming or browsing. The iPhone 16 Plus has a 60 Hz refresh rate, which is standard for everyday use and works well for typical apps and media viewing.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Plus camera
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Plus size and design
Miscellaneous features include connectivity, size, weight, and storage options. These influence portability, compatibility with accessories, and how much data or media you can keep on your device.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S26 Ultra offers storage options of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, making it suitable for users who need large capacity for apps, photos, and videos. The iPhone 16 Plus comes in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, which works well for everyday use and moderate storage needs.
Connector Type
This may matter if you frequently transfer large files via cable.
Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy S26 Ultra measures 163.6 mm in height, 78.1 mm wide, and 7.9 mm deep, weighing 214 g. The iPhone 16 Plus is slightly smaller at 160.9 mm high, 77.8 mm wide, and 7.8 mm deep, weighing 199 g. The iPhone's smaller size and lighter weight might suit those preferring a more compact and easier to handle device.
SIM and Network
Both phones support 5G and use a combination of physical SIM and eSIM, providing flexibility for network connections and travel.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S26 Ultra or iPhone 16 Plus: 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 4674 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.7 inch)
Buy the iPhone 16 Plus if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £588, £306.79 less than the Galaxy S26 Ultra
- you want a lighter build (199 g vs 214 g)
What our customers say
Customers who have chosen the Galaxy S26 Ultra often praise its premium feel and excellent condition, with many saying it looks or feels like new. They highlight the camera quality, long battery life, and smooth performance. Some mention the large screen and the fun of new AI features. A few note minor cosmetic issues that do not affect use, and some have found the fingerprint sensor incompatible with certain screen protectors. Overall, users seem very satisfied with the Galaxy S26 Ultra's speed, camera, and condition.
Reviews for the iPhone 16 Plus show a mix of highly satisfied customers who say the phone looks and works like new, with good battery life and a pleasant design. Some users report glitches, screen repairs, or problems updating the software initially. Several customers appreciate the immaculate condition and enjoy using iOS 18 on this model. The iPhone 16 Plus appears to suit those who want a reliable Apple device with good battery performance and a familiar interface.
Both phones attract buyers looking for high-quality refurbished or like-new devices. The Galaxy S26 Ultra appeals to those wanting a larger screen and more RAM, while the iPhone 16 Plus suits users who prefer iOS and a slightly lighter, smaller phone.
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Plus FAQs
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Apple A18 on the iPhone 16 Plus. The Galaxy S26 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
The iPhone 16 Plus is cheaper refurbished, from £588 compared with £894.79 for the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4674 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 Plus is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S26 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone 16 Plus in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
