Apple iPhone 13 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has a dramatically higher-resolution main camera, 200MP against the Apple iPhone 13 Pro's 12MP, and the S26 Ultra packs the bigger battery, 5000mAh against 3095mAh, though iOS and Android manage power differently, so more mAh doesn't always mean longer battery life. The S26 Ultra has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.9" against 6.1" and sharper at 498 PPI, and the iPhone 13 Pro is the lighter phone at 204g against 214g. The S26 Ultra is the one to have if you want what it adds, but the iPhone 13 Pro is the smarter buy if you'd rather keep the money.
If you'd rather pay up front, the iPhone 13 Pro is the cheaper buy at £270 SIM-free.
11 reviews 4.4
12 reviews
Prices updated 17 July 2026
Apple iPhone 13 Pro
|
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.4 11 reviews |
4.4 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.9" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 | 1440 x 3120 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 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 | 3,095 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 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 | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.7 mm | 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm |
| Weight | 204 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 | - |
£16.00/mo
£545.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £269.99 | £899.00 |
| Prices updated 17 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 13 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Apple iPhone 13 Pro's 6.1", the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the sharper display at 498 pixels per inch versus 457, and the Apple iPhone 13 Pro 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 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro 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 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £269.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 13 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 13 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra use?
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro 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 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro is the more portable of the two: it's 10g lighter at 204 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.7 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 13 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro 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 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra run?
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro 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.