Apple iPhone 13 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 FE

Our Verdict: Apple iPhone 13 and Samsung Galaxy S26 FE take different approaches, with the iPhone holding the clearer screen sharpness advantage through a sharper 457 PPI display, a lighter 173g body, and 128GB to 512GB storage. The Samsung answers with a larger 6.7-inch screen, a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display, and a higher-resolution 50MP rear camera, so it remains the more relevant option for screen size. Software may decide it too: the iPhone keeps you in Apple's iOS ecosystem, while the Samsung is the Android choice. The decision should therefore follow whether screen sharpness or screen size is more useful to you.

Over a full contract, the iPhone 13 works out around £394 all-in, about £254 less than the S26 FE.

Screen
6.1" 6.7"
Display
OLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
2532 x 1170 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
457 385
Rear Camera
12 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A15 Bionic Exynos 2500 (3 nm)
Battery
3,227 mAh 4,900 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB
OS
Apple iOS Android 17
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 161.3 x 76.6 x 7.4 mm
Weight
173 grams 193 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) £14.99/mo (£259.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£189.00 £697.00
Apple iPhone 13 Apple iPhone 13 Samsung Galaxy S26 FE Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
Screen 6.1" 6.7"
Display OLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 2532 x 1170 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 457 385
Rear Camera 12 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A15 Bionic Exynos 2500 (3 nm)
Battery 3,227 mAh 4,900 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB
OS Apple iOS Android 17
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 161.3 x 76.6 x 7.4 mm
Weight 173 grams 193 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
£14.99/mo
£259.00 upfront
SIM-free £189.00 £697.00
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 FE
Samsung Galaxy S26 FE

24 Months

256GB

Pistachio

150GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£14.99 a month, £259 upfront.

Use code: SAVING10 (£10 off)

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 13 or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE 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 FE?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE 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 S26 FE has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

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

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

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 FE?

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

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

The Apple iPhone 13 is powered by the Apple A15 Bionic, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE uses the Exynos 2500 (3 nm).

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

The Apple iPhone 13 is the more portable of the two: it's 20g 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 S26 FE?

The Apple iPhone 13 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE 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 FE run?

The Apple iPhone 13 runs Apple iOS and the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE runs Android 17. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.