Apple iPhone 13 mini vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Our Verdict: Comparing Apple iPhone 13 Mini 5G and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, the choice mostly comes down to display quality versus portability. The Samsung gives you a larger 6.9-inch screen, its Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel, and a higher-resolution 200MP rear camera, while the iPhone is more appealing for its Super Retina XDR OLED panel and a lighter 141g body. A bigger mAh figure is useful context, but real battery life still depends on software and chipset efficiency. Software may decide it too: the iPhone keeps you in Apple's iOS ecosystem, while the Samsung is the Android choice. Choose the Samsung for display quality; choose the iPhone if portability matters more.

Over a full contract, the iPhone 13 Mini works out around £549 all-in, about £375 less than the S26 Ultra.

Expert Rating
4.3
10 reviews
4.4
12 reviews
Screen
5.4" 6.9"
Display
Super Retina XDR OLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1080 x 2340 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch
477 498
Rear Camera
12 Megapixels 200 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A15 Bionic Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery
2,406 mAh 5,000 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
OS
Apple iOS Android
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e- SIM nano-SIM and e-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/6e/7
Bluetooth
5.0 with A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
131.5 x 64.2 x 7.7 mm 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm
Weight
141 grams 214 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts
£20.00/mo (£19.00 upfront) £37.29/mo (£29.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£189.00 £899.00
Apple iPhone 13 mini Apple iPhone 13 mini Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Expert Rating 4.3
10 reviews
4.4
12 reviews
Screen 5.4" 6.9"
Display Super Retina XDR OLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch 477 498
Rear Camera 12 Megapixels 200 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A15 Bionic Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery 2,406 mAh 5,000 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
OS Apple iOS Android
SIM Type nano-SIM and e- SIM nano-SIM and e-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/6e/7
Bluetooth 5.0 with A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.7 mm 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm
Weight 141 grams 214 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts £20.00/mo
£19.00 upfront
£37.29/mo
£29.00 upfront
SIM-free £189.00 £899.00
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 13 mini
Apple iPhone 13 mini

24 Months

128GB

(PRODUCT) RED

100GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£20 per month, £19 upfront.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

24 Months

256GB

Black

Refurbished

10GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£37.29 per month, £29 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 13 mini or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 13 mini is cheaper on contract at £549.00 over the life of the deal from £20.00 per month with £19.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 13 mini or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Apple iPhone 13 mini's 5.4", the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the sharper display at 498 pixels per inch versus 477, and the Apple iPhone 13 mini uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 13 mini or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The Apple iPhone 13 mini features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has a 200 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 13 mini or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The Apple iPhone 13 mini is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £189.00.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 13 mini and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The Apple iPhone 13 mini is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 13 mini and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra use?

The Apple iPhone 13 mini is powered by the Apple A15 Bionic, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra uses the Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 13 mini or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The Apple iPhone 13 mini is the more portable of the two: it's 73g lighter at 141 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.7 mm.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 13 mini or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The Apple iPhone 13 mini is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is rated IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min).

What operating system do the Apple iPhone 13 mini and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra run?

The Apple iPhone 13 mini runs Apple iOS and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.