Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 16
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S26
Starting at
£658.95£999.00 new
iPhone 16
Starting at
£577.65£699.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S26 and iPhone 16?
Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 16 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 16 starts at £577.65, £81.30 less than the Galaxy S26. The Galaxy S26 is the newer model, released in 2026.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Exynos 2600 on the Galaxy S26, Apple A18 (3 nm) on the iPhone 16.
- The Galaxy S26 has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- The Galaxy S26 has a bigger battery: 4300 mAh vs 3561 mAh.
Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 16 specs
The Galaxy S26 and iPhone 16 each appeal to different needs in a smartphone. The Galaxy S26 offers a larger 6.3 inch screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate, more RAM at 12 GB, and a bigger battery capacity, suiting users who value smoother visuals, multitasking, and longer battery life. The iPhone 16 features a slightly smaller screen with higher resolution and runs iOS 18, making it a good choice for those invested in the Apple ecosystem or who prefer a compact device with advanced screen detail. Storage options vary, with the Galaxy S26 starting at 256GB and the iPhone 16 offering 128GB as the base model. Overall, the Galaxy S26 fits users wanting more memory and battery, while the iPhone 16 suits those wanting a high-resolution screen and iOS experience.
Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 16 price
Colour
Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 16 battery life and software updates
Durability covers key elements like battery capacity, software updates, and operating system. These influence how long the device lasts in daily use and how current it remains with software.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S26 has a 4300 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone 16's 3561 mAh. This means the Galaxy S26 is likely to last longer between charges, suiting users who need extended battery life for busy days or heavy use.
Operating System
The Galaxy S26 runs Android, while the iPhone 16 uses iOS 18. Your choice here depends on your preference for either Android or Apple's iOS ecosystem.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 16 performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 16 screen
Screen quality affects your viewing experience for video, gaming and daily use. These phones differ in size, refresh rate, and resolution, which shape how clear and smooth visuals appear.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S26 has a 6.3 inch screen, slightly larger than the iPhone 16's 6.1 inch display. A larger screen gives more room for videos and multitasking, which may suit those who prefer a spacious display for media or work.
Refresh Rate
The Galaxy S26 offers a 120 Hz refresh rate, providing smoother motion in scrolling and gaming compared to the iPhone 16's 60 Hz. Users who value fluid visuals will notice this difference during fast-paced content or animations.
Resolution and Screen Type
The iPhone 16 has a higher resolution of 1179 x 2556 pixels, offering more detail on its Super Retina XDR OLED screen. The Galaxy S26 features a 1080 x 2340 resolution with a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X screen, which balances sharpness with energy efficiency. This suits those who want crisp visuals or adaptive display technology.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 16 camera
Camera and front camera specs inform how these devices handle photos, video calls and selfies. Differences here help choose the phone that fits your photography or video needs.
Rear Cameras
The Galaxy S26 has a triple camera setup, while the iPhone 16 has dual cameras. More cameras can mean more versatility in shooting options, which benefits users interested in varied photography styles.
Front Camera
Both phones offer a 12 megapixel front camera, suitable for clear selfies and video calls. This makes either device a solid choice for social media or remote meetings.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 16 size and design
Miscellaneous features include connectors, dimensions, network options and storage, all of which affect daily convenience and compatibility.
Connector Type
This difference may influence data transfer speeds or charging accessories depending on your needs.
Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy S26 measures 149.6 mm in height, 71.7 mm in width, and 7.2 mm in depth, weighing 167 g. The iPhone 16 is slightly smaller at 147.6 mm tall, 71.6 mm wide, and thicker at 7.8 mm, weighing 170 g. These subtle differences affect how each phone feels in hand and pocket.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S26 is stocked in 256GB and 512GB options, while the iPhone 16 offers 128GB, 256GB and 512GB. Users wanting more base storage have more choices with the iPhone 16, while the Galaxy S26 starts at a higher capacity.
Network and SIM
Both phones support 5G and include physical SIM plus eSIM options. This ensures flexible connectivity for various carriers and plans.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S26 or iPhone 16: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S26 if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4300 mAh vs 3561 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 6.1 inch)
Buy the iPhone 16 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £577.65, £81.30 less than the Galaxy S26
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy S26 often highlight its smooth performance, crisp screen, and strong battery life. Many say it feels like new and they appreciate the ample storage and responsive operation. Some mention minor cosmetic marks but overall the phone is praised for reliability in work and everyday use. The larger screen and good speakers stand out for media and video calls.
Buyers of the iPhone 16 frequently comment on the device looking and feeling like new, with excellent battery health and no visible marks. The screen is described as clear with high detail and the phone runs without issues. Many enjoy the iOS experience and are satisfied with the storage options available. The iPhone 16 is noted for its compact size and solid camera performance making it a popular choice for users who value these qualities.
In summary, the Galaxy S26 suits customers who want a larger display and more memory, especially for multitasking or media use. The iPhone 16 appeals to those who prefer a high resolution screen with iOS and a smaller form factor. Both devices receive strong approval for condition and battery reliability.
Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 16 FAQs
Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 16 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 2600 on the Galaxy S26, Apple A18 (3 nm) on the iPhone 16. The Galaxy S26 has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
The iPhone 16 is cheaper refurbished, from £577.65 compared with £658.95 for the Galaxy S26.
The Galaxy S26 has a bigger battery: 4300 mAh vs 3561 mAh.
The Galaxy S26 has a higher-resolution main camera: 50 megapixels vs 48 megapixels.
The Galaxy S26 gets updates until Mar 2033. The iPhone 16 is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S26 comes in 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 16 in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
