Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 16e
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S26 Ultra
Starting at
£894.79£1,449.00 new
iPhone 16e
Starting at
£478.75£599.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S26 Ultra and iPhone 16e?
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 16e comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 16e starts at £478.75, £416.04 less than the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is the newer model, released in 2026.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Main camera
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Apple A18 (3 nm) on the iPhone 16e.
- The Galaxy S26 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4005 mAh.
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 16e specs
The Galaxy S26 Ultra and the iPhone 16e differ in several key areas that suit different users. The Galaxy S26 Ultra offers a larger screen and more RAM, which benefits those who want more space for videos and multitasking. The iPhone 16e has a smaller, more compact screen and runs on iOS, which suits users who prefer Apple's system and a lighter phone. Both devices support 5G and use USB-C connectors with unlocked carrier compatibility. Storage options vary, with the Galaxy S26 Ultra offering up to 1TB and the iPhone 16e up to 512GB. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is bigger and heavier, which might appeal to users who like large phones, while the iPhone 16e fits better in smaller hands or pockets.
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 16e price
Colour
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 16e battery life and software updates
Durability covers the operating system and design basics. Both phones are not foldable and come unlocked but they run different software and were released in separate years.
Operating System
The Galaxy S26 Ultra runs Android, which offers wide customisation options and a broad range of apps. The iPhone 16e runs iOS, known for its smooth integration with other Apple products and a consistent user experience. Your preference for either Android or iOS will be a key factor in choosing your phone.
Release Year
The Galaxy S26 Ultra was released in 2026 while the iPhone 16e came out in 2025.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 16e performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 16e screen
Screen quality is important for watching videos, browsing, and daily use. These two phones differ in size and resolution which affects how much you see and how sharp images look.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a large 6.9 inch screen giving you a roomy display that suits watching videos, gaming, or multitasking with apps. The iPhone 16e has a smaller 6.1 inch screen which makes it easier to hold and use one-handed, ideal if you prefer a compact device.
Resolution
The Galaxy S26 Ultra offers a resolution of 1440 x 3120 delivering sharp and detailed images on its big screen. The iPhone 16e has a resolution of 2532 x 1170 which is well suited for its smaller screen size, providing clear visuals with good detail for everyday use.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 16e camera
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 16e size and design
Other features include size, weight, network compatibility, connectors, and storage options. These details influence how the phones feel, how you connect them, and how much data you can store.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is larger and heavier, measuring 163.6 mm tall, 78.1 mm wide, and weighing 214 g. This makes it more substantial in hand and pocket. The iPhone 16e is smaller and lighter at 146.7 mm tall, 71.5 mm wide, and 167 g, suiting users who want a more compact and lightweight phone.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is available with 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage which suits users needing extra space for apps, photos, and files. The iPhone 16e comes with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB options fitting those who want solid storage but with fewer high-capacity choices.
Connectivity and Network
Both phones support 5G networks and come unlocked so you can use them with any compatible UK carrier. Both use USB-C connectors allowing for standard charging and data transfer cables.
SIM Options
Each phone supports a physical SIM plus eSIM giving you flexibility to use multiple mobile plans or switch carriers without changing SIM cards.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S26 Ultra or iPhone 16e: 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 4005 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.1 inch)
Buy the iPhone 16e if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £478.75, £416.04 less than the Galaxy S26 Ultra
- you want a lighter build (167 g vs 214 g)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy S26 Ultra praise its like-new condition and excellent camera performance. Many note it feels very close to a brand-new phone with long battery life and fast speed. Users enjoy the large screen and AI tutorials. Some mention minor cosmetic marks but find them unnoticeable with a case. Overall, buyers find it a solid, premium device that lives up to expectations.
Buyers of the iPhone 16e report it looks and works like new with excellent battery health and screen condition. Transferring data from older iPhones is generally smooth though some found transferring from Android required manual steps. The phone's speed, camera, and screen quality are appreciated especially compared to older Apple models. A few users noted issues with international models and SIM setups but most found the experience positive.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra suits those who want a large, high-resolution screen and more RAM for multitasking. The iPhone 16e is better suited for users who prefer iOS, a smaller phone, and solid storage options with a lighter device.
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 16e FAQs
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 16e 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 16e. The Galaxy S26 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
The iPhone 16e is cheaper refurbished, from £478.75 compared with £894.79 for the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4005 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 16e is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S26 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone 16e in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
