Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S26 Ultra
Starting at
£894.79£1,449.00 new
iPhone 17 Pro
Starting at
£1,074.24£1,099.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S26 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro?
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy S26 Ultra starts at £894.79, £179.45 less than the iPhone 17 Pro. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is the newer model, released in 2026.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Main camera
Front camera
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Apple A19 Pro (3 nm) on the iPhone 17 Pro.
- Battery: 5000 mAh on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, 3998 mAh, 4252 mAh on the iPhone 17 Pro.
- The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a bigger screen: 6.9 inch vs 6.3 inch.
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro specs
The Galaxy S26 Ultra and the iPhone 17 Pro are both unlocked 5G smartphones with 12 GB of RAM, USB-C connectors, and storage options from 256GB to 1TB. The Galaxy S26 Ultra offers a larger 6.9 inch screen with higher resolution, making it suitable if you want more display space for videos and apps. The iPhone 17 Pro has a smaller 6.3 inch screen with a higher front camera megapixel count, which may appeal if you prioritise selfies or video calls. The Galaxy S26 Ultra supports both physical SIM and eSIM, while the iPhone 17 Pro uses eSIM only. The Galaxy is slightly taller and wider, while the iPhone is thinner and lighter.
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro price
Colour
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro battery life and software updates
Durability covers how each phone stays up to date and the operating system it runs. The operating system is a key difference that affects user experience and app availability.
Operating System
The Galaxy S26 Ultra runs Android, which offers a wide range of customisation and app options from the Google Play Store. The iPhone 17 Pro uses iOS, known for its smooth integration with Apple services and a curated app ecosystem. Your choice here depends on your preference for Android or iOS.
Software Updates
This means you can expect ongoing support for your chosen phone.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro screen
Screen quality affects how you see content daily. The Galaxy S26 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro both have a 120 Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. Differences in screen size and resolution influence viewing comfort and clarity.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a 6.9 inch screen, offering a larger viewing area that suits watching videos, gaming, and multitasking. The iPhone 17 Pro's 6.3 inch screen is more compact, which is easier to hold and fits better in smaller pockets.
Resolution
With a resolution of 1440 x 3120, the Galaxy S26 Ultra provides very sharp and detailed images on its larger screen. The iPhone 17 Pro's resolution of 2622 x 1206 means it has a taller but narrower display with a slightly different pixel density. This influences how crisp text and images appear, especially for reading and media.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro camera
Front camera quality matters for selfies and video calls. The iPhone 17 Pro has a higher megapixel front camera than the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which can capture more detail in photos and videos.
Front Camera
The iPhone 17 Pro sports an 18 megapixel front camera, which is well suited for detailed selfies and clear video calls. The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a 12 megapixel front camera, which still delivers good quality images but with fewer pixels for detail.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro size and design
Various dimensions and connectivity details can affect how each phone feels to use and what networks or accessories they work with. These differences help you pick a phone that fits your daily needs.
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. This larger and slightly heavier phone suits those who prefer a more substantial device with a bigger screen. The iPhone 17 Pro is smaller at 150 mm tall, 71.9 mm wide, and 8.8 mm thick, weighing 206 g, making it more pocket-friendly and easier to handle with one hand.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy S26 Ultra supports both a physical SIM and an eSIM, offering flexibility if you want to use multiple numbers or switch carriers easily. The iPhone 17 Pro uses an eSIM only, which means no physical SIM slot but still supports multiple numbers digitally.
Connector
Both phones use USB-C connectors, allowing standard charging and accessory compatibility without needing different cables.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S26 Ultra or iPhone 17 Pro: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S26 Ultra if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £894.79, £179.45 less than the iPhone 17 Pro
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.3 inch)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (200 megapixels vs 48 megapixels)
Buy the iPhone 17 Pro if
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (18 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
- you want a lighter build (206 g vs 214 g)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy S26 Ultra often highlight how the phone feels like new, with excellent condition noted for screen and camera quality. Many appreciate the large, premium phone experience and report smooth performance and good battery life. Some mention minor cosmetic marks on the frame but this is not a concern for users who use a case. The phone is praised for its speed and camera, and several users like the AI tutorials available on the device.
For the iPhone 17 Pro, customers value the spotless condition and excellent battery health, which suits university or content creation use. The smaller size compared to larger models is noted positively for pocket comfort and easier handling. The screen is described as perfect and bright in sunlight. Some users appreciate the phone feeling brand new, especially when choosing premium stock. The front camera and overall quality meet expectations for those upgrading from older iPhones.
Both phones suit buyers looking for unlocked 5G devices with 12 GB of RAM and large storage options. The Galaxy S26 Ultra fits well for those who want a bigger screen and physical SIM flexibility. The iPhone 17 Pro is ideal if you prefer a compact size and iOS experience with a higher resolution front camera.
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro FAQs
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Apple A19 Pro (3 nm) on the iPhone 17 Pro. Battery: 5000 mAh on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, 3998 mAh, 4252 mAh on the iPhone 17 Pro.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is cheaper refurbished, from £894.79 compared with £1074.24 for the iPhone 17 Pro.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has 5000 mAh and the iPhone 17 Pro has 3998 mAh, 4252 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 17 Pro is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Both come in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB refurbished.
