Apple iPhone 14 vs Samsung Galaxy S26+

Our Verdict: Hardware priorities split the decision here, with the Apple iPhone 14 strongest for the lighter 172g body versus 190g and the Samsung Galaxy S26+ stronger for 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 14 is currently cheaper on the lowest total contract cost at about £234, roughly £562 less than the Samsung Galaxy S26+. There is also much wider deal availability for the Samsung Galaxy S26+, with 14,029 active deals versus 1,004. Software preference matters as well, because this is an iOS versus Android choice as much as a hardware comparison. That makes the Apple iPhone 14 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 14 5G is the cheaper one to own: around £457 over a typical contract, £407 less than the S26+.

Expert Rating
4.0
10 reviews
3.9
10 reviews
Screen
6.1" 6.7"
Display
Super Retina XDR OLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1170 x 2532 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch
457 513
Rear Camera
12 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery
3,279 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
5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm
Weight
172 grams 190 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP 68
Contracts
£16.75/mo (£10.00 upfront) £12.00/mo (£565.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£229.95 £799.00

Prices updated 25 July 2026

Apple iPhone 14 Apple iPhone 14 Samsung Galaxy S26+ Samsung Galaxy S26+
Expert Rating 4.0
10 reviews
3.9
10 reviews
Screen 6.1" 6.7"
Display Super Retina XDR OLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1170 x 2532 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch 457 513
Rear Camera 12 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery 3,279 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 5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm
Weight 172 grams 190 grams
Water Resistance IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP 68
Contracts £16.75/mo
£10.00 upfront
£12.00/mo
£565.00 upfront
SIM-free £229.95 £799.00
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 14
Apple iPhone 14

24 Months

128GB

Midnight

Refurbished

1GB

Data

£16.75 per month, £10 upfront.

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 14 or Samsung Galaxy S26+ cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 14 is cheaper on contract at £457.00 over the life of the deal from £16.75 per month with £10.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 14 or Samsung Galaxy S26+?

The Samsung Galaxy S26+ has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 14's 6.1", the Samsung Galaxy S26+ has the sharper display at 513 pixels per inch versus 457, and the Apple iPhone 14 uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26+ has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 14 or Samsung Galaxy S26+?

The Apple iPhone 14 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 14 or Samsung Galaxy S26+?

The Apple iPhone 14 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £229.95.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 14 and Samsung Galaxy S26+?

The Apple iPhone 14 is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26+ comes in 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 14 and Samsung Galaxy S26+ use?

The Apple iPhone 14 is powered by the Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm), 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 14 or Samsung Galaxy S26+?

The Apple iPhone 14 is the more portable of the two: it's 18g lighter at 172 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ is slimmer at 7.3mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 14 or Samsung Galaxy S26+?

The Apple iPhone 14 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy S26+ is rated IP 68.

What operating system do the Apple iPhone 14 and Samsung Galaxy S26+ run?

The Apple iPhone 14 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.