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Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 16e

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Galaxy S26

Starting at

£658.95£999.00 new
See options

iPhone 16e

Starting at

£478.75£599.00 new
See options
(48 reviews)
(271 reviews)

What's the difference between the Galaxy S26 and iPhone 16e?

Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 16e comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 16e starts at £478.75, £180.20 less than the Galaxy S26. The Galaxy S26 is the newer model, released in 2026.

Refurbished from

£658.95£478.75

Chipset

Exynos 2600Apple A18 (3 nm)

RAM

12 GB8 GB

Battery

4300 mAh4005 mAh

Screen size

6.3 inch6.1 inch

Screen type

Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2XSuper Retina XDR OLED
  • Chipset: Exynos 2600 on the Galaxy S26, Apple A18 (3 nm) on the iPhone 16e.
  • The Galaxy S26 has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
  • The Galaxy S26 has a bigger battery: 4300 mAh vs 4005 mAh.

Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 16e specs

The Galaxy S26 and iPhone 16e offer solid performance and modern features suited to different users. The Galaxy S26 has a larger screen and more RAM, making it a good fit if you want a roomier display and smoother multitasking. The iPhone 16e has a higher screen resolution on a slightly smaller display, which suits those who prefer sharper visuals in a compact size. Both phones use USB-C connectors and support 5G. Storage options vary, with the iPhone 16e offering a wider range including 128GB. Your choice depends on whether you prefer Android or iOS and which features matter most for your daily use.

Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 16e price

Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 16e battery life and software updates

Durability covers battery size, operating system, and basic design features that affect daily reliability and usage. Each phone has its own strengths in this area that suit different user needs.

Battery Capacity

The Galaxy S26 has a 4300 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone 16e's 4005 mAh. This means the Galaxy S26 may offer longer use between charges under similar conditions, which benefits users who need extended battery life during a busy day.

Operating System Choice

The Galaxy S26 runs on Android, offering flexibility and customisation, while the iPhone 16e uses iOS, known for its integration within the Apple ecosystem. Your preference here depends on which system you are more comfortable with and which apps or services you use regularly.

Battery

4300 mAh4005 mAh

Fast charging

25 WN/A

Foldable

NoNo

Ip rating

IP68IP68

Software updates

Until Mar 2033Supported, up to iOS 27

Wireless charging

YesYes

Year of release

20262025

Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 16e performance

Chipset

Exynos 2600Apple A18 (3 nm)

RAM

12 GB8 GB

Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 16e screen

Screen quality affects how you experience media, apps, and daily interactions. The Galaxy S26 and iPhone 16e differ in size, resolution, and screen technology, which shape viewing comfort and clarity.

Screen Size

The Galaxy S26 has a 6.3 inch screen, which provides a bit more space for watching videos and browsing compared to the iPhone 16e's 6.1 inch display. This extra size can be helpful for users who prefer a larger viewing area.

Screen Resolution

The iPhone 16e features a resolution of 2532 by 1170 pixels, which is sharper on its smaller 6.1 inch screen, delivering a crisp image. The Galaxy S26 has a resolution of 1080 by 2340 pixels, offering a tall and clear display that suits those who want a wide view for scrolling and multitasking.

Screen Technology

The Galaxy S26 uses Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X technology, which can improve power efficiency and display smoothness. The iPhone 16e has a Super Retina XDR OLED screen known for vibrant colours and brightness. Each screen type enhances viewing in different ways depending on your preferences.

Refresh rate

120 HzN/A

Resolution

1080 x 23402532x1170

Screen size

6.3 inch6.1 inch

Screen type

Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2XSuper Retina XDR OLED

Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 16e camera

Camera type

Triple (3x)N/A

Front camera

12 megapixels12 megapixels

Main camera

50 megapixels48 megapixels

Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 16e size and design

Various design and connectivity details can influence your daily handling and compatibility with accessories and networks.

Physical Dimensions

The Galaxy S26 is slightly larger and thinner than the iPhone 16e, measuring 149.6 mm tall and 7.2 mm deep compared to the iPhone's 146.7 mm height and 7.8 mm depth. This means the Galaxy S26 may feel a bit bigger but also slimmer in hand.

Storage Options

The Galaxy S26 is stocked with 256GB and 512GB options, which suit users who want ample space for apps, media, and files. The iPhone 16e offers 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, giving more flexibility for different storage needs and budgets.

SIM and Connectivity

Both devices support 5G and come unlocked with physical SIM and eSIM options. They also use USB-C connectors, making them compatible with many modern chargers and accessories.

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedUnlocked

Connector

USB-CUSB-C

Depth

7.2 mm7.8 mm

Height

149.6 mm146.7 mm

Mobile network

5G5G

Release date

11 March 202628 February 2025

SD card slot

NoNo

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIMPhysical SIM + eSIM

Weight

167 g167 g

Width

71.7 mm71.5 mm

Galaxy S26 or iPhone 16e: 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 4005 mAh)
  • you want a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 6.1 inch)

Buy the iPhone 16e if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £478.75, £180.20 less than the Galaxy S26

What our customers say

Customers who bought the Galaxy S26 often comment on its smooth performance and sharp screen, which helps with work emails and video calls. Many find the battery life reliable for a full day of moderate use. The phone's condition is described as nearly new or brand new, with only minor marks reported occasionally. Its larger storage and solid feel in hand are also appreciated.

iPhone 16e customers praise the phone for looking and working like new, with some noting zero charging cycles and premium condition. The speed, battery life, camera, and screen quality are highlighted as improvements over older iPhones. Some users experienced straightforward data transfer within the Apple ecosystem, while others found switching from Android required manual steps. The eSIM feature is seen as convenient, and the phone's compact size suits those who prefer a smaller device.

Both devices attract users seeking reliable refurbished phones with good condition and performance. The Galaxy S26 suits those wanting a larger screen and more memory, while the iPhone 16e appeals to users who prefer a sharper display and the iOS experience.

Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 16e FAQs

Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 16e comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 2600 on the Galaxy S26, Apple A18 (3 nm) on the iPhone 16e. The Galaxy S26 has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.

The iPhone 16e is cheaper refurbished, from £478.75 compared with £658.95 for the Galaxy S26.

The Galaxy S26 has a bigger battery: 4300 mAh vs 4005 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 16e is still supported and can run iOS 27.

Refurbished, the Galaxy S26 comes in 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 16e in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.

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