Apple iPhone 13 vs Samsung Galaxy S26

Our Verdict: The clearest split between Apple iPhone 13 and Samsung Galaxy S26 is display quality against simplicity. For the Samsung, that means its Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel, a higher-resolution 50MP rear camera, and a larger 4,300 mAh battery. The iPhone is easier to recommend for a sharper 457 PPI display, its OLED panel, and a 4.6/5 expert-review average from 10 reviews. 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. Go with the Samsung for display quality; lean toward the iPhone if simplicity is higher on your list.

Over a full contract, the iPhone 13 works out around £394 all-in, about £294 less than the S26.

Expert Rating
4.6
10 reviews
3.9
11 reviews
Screen
6.1" 6.3"
Display
OLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
2532 x 1170 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
457 409
Rear Camera
12 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A15 Bionic Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery
3,227 mAh 4,300 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB 256GB, 512GB
OS
Apple iOS Android 16
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 7.65 mm 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm
Weight
173 grams 167 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts
£13.99/mo (£29.00 upfront) £28.29/mo (£9.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£189.00 £579.00
Apple iPhone 13 Apple iPhone 13 Samsung Galaxy S26 Samsung Galaxy S26
Expert Rating 4.6
10 reviews
3.9
11 reviews
Screen 6.1" 6.3"
Display OLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 2532 x 1170 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 457 409
Rear Camera 12 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A15 Bionic Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery 3,227 mAh 4,300 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 256GB, 512GB
OS Apple iOS Android 16
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 7.65 mm 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm
Weight 173 grams 167 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts £13.99/mo
£29.00 upfront
£28.29/mo
£9.00 upfront
SIM-free £189.00 £579.00
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 13
Apple iPhone 13

24 Months

128GB

Blue

Refurbished

50GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£13.99 a month, £29 upfront.

Use code: SAVING10 (£10 off)

Samsung Galaxy S26
Samsung Galaxy S26

24 Months

256GB

White

Refurbished

10GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£28.29 a month, £9 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 13 is cheaper on contract at £394.36 over the life of the deal from £13.99 per month with £29.00 upfront.

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

The Samsung Galaxy S26 has the bigger screen at 6.3" compared to the Apple iPhone 13's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 13 has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 409, and the Apple iPhone 13 uses a OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26 has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

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

The Apple iPhone 13 features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 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 S26?

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

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

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

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

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

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

It's a trade-off: the Samsung Galaxy S26 is lighter but the Apple iPhone 13 is more compact. It's 6g lighter at 167 grams, though the Apple iPhone 13 is actually the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is slimmer at 7.2mm thick.

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

The Apple iPhone 13 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy S26 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.

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

The Apple iPhone 13 runs Apple iOS and the Samsung Galaxy S26 runs Android 16. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.