Apple iPhone 15 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy A26
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy A26 has the better camera on paper, 50MP versus 48MP, and the A26 packs the bigger battery, 5000mAh against 4383mAh, though iOS and Android manage power differently, so more mAh doesn't always mean longer battery life. The Apple iPhone 15 Plus offers up to 512GB of storage versus 256GB on the A26, and the iPhone 15 Plus 5G has the sharper display at 460 PPI to 385. The iPhone 15 Plus 5G is the one to have if you want what it adds, but the A26 is the smarter buy if you'd rather keep the money.
Over a full contract, the A26 works out around £324 all-in, about £522 less than the iPhone 15 Plus 5G.
12 reviews 3.6
10 reviews
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Apple iPhone 15 Plus
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Samsung Galaxy A26
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 12 reviews |
3.6 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.7" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1290 x 2796 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 460 | 385 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 13 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) | 5nm Exynos 1280 |
| Battery | 4,383 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 | 5.3 with A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm | 164 x 77.5 x 7.7 mm |
| Weight | 201 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 |
£67.33/mo
£30.00 upfront |
£12.29/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £349.00 | £194.99 |
| Prices updated 25 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 15 Plus 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 15 Plus or Samsung Galaxy A26?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", the Apple iPhone 15 Plus has the sharper display at 460 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Apple iPhone 15 Plus uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy A26 has a Super AMOLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Samsung Galaxy A26?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus features a 48 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 15 Plus or Samsung Galaxy A26?
The Samsung Galaxy A26 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £194.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 15 Plus and Samsung Galaxy A26?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy A26 comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 15 Plus and Samsung Galaxy A26 use?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is powered by the Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy A26 uses the 5nm Exynos 1280 .
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Samsung Galaxy A26?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is the more portable of the two: they weigh about the same (201 grams vs 200 grams), it's also the more compact phone at 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Samsung Galaxy A26?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus 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 15 Plus and Samsung Galaxy A26 run?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus 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.