Apple iPhone 13 vs Samsung Galaxy S26+

Our Verdict: This comparison is less one-sided than the names suggest: the Apple iPhone 13 brings the lighter 173g body versus 190g, but the Samsung Galaxy S26+ counters with the larger 6.7" screen versus 6.1", the higher-resolution 50MP rear camera against 12MP, the larger 4900mAh battery, with the usual caveat that capacity is not the whole battery-life story. The Apple iPhone 13 is currently cheaper on the lowest total contract cost at about £200, roughly £596 less than the Samsung Galaxy S26+. There is also much wider deal availability for the Samsung Galaxy S26+, with 14,029 active deals versus 1,558. Software preference matters as well, because this is an iOS versus Android choice as much as a hardware comparison. That makes the Apple iPhone 13 the value-led pick, unless the larger 6.7" screen versus 6.1" on the Samsung Galaxy S26+ is worth paying extra for.

The iPhone 13 is the cheaper one to own: around £387 over a typical contract, £477 less than the S26+.

Expert Rating
4.6
10 reviews
3.9
10 reviews
Screen
6.1" 6.7"
Display
OLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
2532 x 1170 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch
457 513
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 4,900 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 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm
Weight
173 grams 190 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP 68
Contracts
£13.99/mo (£29.00 upfront) £12.00/mo (£565.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£199.00 £799.00

Prices updated 25 July 2026

Apple iPhone 13 Apple iPhone 13 Samsung Galaxy S26+ Samsung Galaxy S26+
Expert Rating 4.6
10 reviews
3.9
10 reviews
Screen 6.1" 6.7"
Display OLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 2532 x 1170 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch 457 513
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 4,900 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 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm
Weight 173 grams 190 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP 68
Contracts £13.99/mo
£29.00 upfront
£12.00/mo
£565.00 upfront
SIM-free £199.00 £799.00
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 13
Apple iPhone 13

24 Months

128GB

Midnight

Refurbished

50GB

Data

£13.99 per month, £29 upfront.

Use code: SAVING10 (£10)

Samsung Galaxy S26+
Samsung Galaxy S26+

24 Months

256GB

Sky Blue

300GB

Data

£12 per month, £565 upfront.

Use code: 30JNOFF (£30)

Related Comparisons

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 £387.16 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 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 13's 6.1", the Samsung Galaxy S26+ has the sharper display at 513 pixels per inch versus 457, 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 £199.00.

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+?

The Apple iPhone 13 is the more portable of the two: it's 17g lighter at 173 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ is slimmer at 7.3mm 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 IP 68.

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.