Apple iPhone 13 vs Samsung Galaxy A26

Our Verdict: These two split their strengths, but Apple iPhone 13 stands out for the sharper 457 PPI display, storage options up to 512GB, and a lighter 173g body. Samsung Galaxy A26 pushes back with the larger 6.7" screen, a higher-resolution 50MP rear camera, and a larger 5,000mAh battery rating. The operating-system choice is another divider: Apple iOS for Apple iPhone 13, Android for Samsung Galaxy A26. Apple iPhone 13 is the one to shortlist first for features, while Samsung Galaxy A26 deserves a look if its strengths match your habits.

The A26 is the cheaper one to own: around £324 over a typical contract, £109 less than the iPhone 13.

Expert Rating
4.6
10 reviews
3.6
10 reviews
Screen
6.1" 6.7"
Display
OLED Super AMOLED
Resolution
2532 x 1170 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
457 385
Rear Camera
12 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 13 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A15 Bionic 5nm Exynos 1280
Battery
3,227 mAh 5,000 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB
OS
Apple iOS Android
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e- 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 7.65 mm 164 x 77.5 x 7.7 mm
Weight
173 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
£12.99/mo (£99.00 upfront) £12.29/mo (£29.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£184.00 £234.99

Prices updated 17 July 2026

Apple iPhone 13 Apple iPhone 13 Samsung Galaxy A26 Samsung Galaxy A26
Expert Rating 4.6
10 reviews
3.6
10 reviews
Screen 6.1" 6.7"
Display OLED Super AMOLED
Resolution 2532 x 1170 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 457 385
Rear Camera 12 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 13 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A15 Bionic 5nm Exynos 1280
Battery 3,227 mAh 5,000 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB
OS Apple iOS Android
SIM Type nano-SIM and e- 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 7.65 mm 164 x 77.5 x 7.7 mm
Weight 173 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 £12.99/mo
£99.00 upfront
£12.29/mo
£29.00 upfront
SIM-free £184.00 £234.99
Prices updated 17 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 13
Apple iPhone 13

24 Months

128GB

Green

Refurbished

10GB

Data

£12.99 per month, £99 upfront.

Use code: IDM10OFF (£10)

Samsung Galaxy A26
Samsung Galaxy A26

24 Months

128GB

Mint

10GB

Data

£12.29 per month, £29 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 13 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 13 or Samsung Galaxy A26?

The Samsung Galaxy A26 has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 13's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 13 has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Apple iPhone 13 uses a OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy A26 has a Super AMOLED.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 13 or Samsung Galaxy A26?

The Apple iPhone 13 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 13 or Samsung Galaxy A26?

The Apple iPhone 13 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £184.00.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 13 and Samsung Galaxy A26?

The Apple iPhone 13 is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy A26 comes in 128GB, 256GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 13 and Samsung Galaxy A26 use?

The Apple iPhone 13 is powered by the Apple A15 Bionic, while the Samsung Galaxy A26 uses the 5nm Exynos 1280 .

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 13 or Samsung Galaxy A26?

The Apple iPhone 13 is the more portable of the two: it's 27g lighter at 173 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 13 or Samsung Galaxy A26?

The Apple iPhone 13 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 13 and Samsung Galaxy A26 run?

The Apple iPhone 13 runs Apple iOS 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.