Apple iPhone 12 vs Samsung Galaxy A26
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy A26 has a massively higher-resolution main camera, 50MP against the Apple iPhone 12's 12MP, and the A26 has the bigger battery of the two, 5000mAh against 2815mAh, but capacity doesn't compare cleanly across iOS and Android, so it isn't a battery-life verdict on its own. The A26 has the bigger screen at 6.7" against 6.1", while the iPhone 12 has the sharper one at 457 PPI, and the iPhone 12 is the lighter phone at 164g against 200g. Get the iPhone 12 if those extras are worth it to you; otherwise the A26 covers the basics for less.
The A26 is the cheaper one to own: around £324 over a typical contract, £35 less than the iPhone 12.
18 reviews 3.6
10 reviews
Prices updated 10 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12
|
Samsung Galaxy A26
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 18 reviews |
3.6 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.7" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 385 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 13 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | 5nm Exynos 1280 |
| Battery | 2,815 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | iOS 14.1 | Android |
| SIM Type | Standard SIM | Nano SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm | 164 x 77.5 x 7.7 mm |
| Weight | 164 grams | 200 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) |
| Contracts |
£11.99/mo
£49.00 upfront |
£12.29/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £134.96 | £239.00 |
| Prices updated 10 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy A26 cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy A26 is cheaper on contract at £323.96 over the life of the deal from £12.29 per month with £29.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy A26?
The Samsung Galaxy A26 has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 12's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 12 has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Apple iPhone 12 uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy A26 has a Super AMOLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy A26?
The Apple iPhone 12 features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy A26 has a 50 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy A26?
The Apple iPhone 12 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £134.96.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 and Samsung Galaxy A26?
The Apple iPhone 12 is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy A26 comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 and Samsung Galaxy A26 use?
The Apple iPhone 12 is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic, while the Samsung Galaxy A26 uses the 5nm Exynos 1280 .
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy A26?
The Apple iPhone 12 is the more portable of the two: it's 36g lighter at 164 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy A26?
The Apple iPhone 12 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy A26 is rated IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min).
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 12 and Samsung Galaxy A26 run?
The Apple iPhone 12 runs iOS 14.1 and the Samsung Galaxy A26 runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.