Apple iPhone 15 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy S26+
Our Verdict: The S26+ has a marginally higher-resolution main camera, 50MP against the Apple iPhone 15 Plus's 48MP, and the S26+ has the bigger battery of the two, 4900mAh against 4383mAh, but capacity doesn't compare cleanly across iOS and Android, so it isn't a battery-life verdict on its own. The S26+ has the sharper display at 513 PPI to 460, and the S26+ is the lighter phone at 190g against 201g. The S26+ is the one to have if you want what it adds, but the iPhone 15 Plus 5G is the smarter buy if you'd rather keep the money.
Total contract costs are about level, around £845 for either phone.
12 reviews 3.9
10 reviews
Prices updated 19 July 2026
Apple iPhone 15 Plus
|
Samsung Galaxy S26+
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 12 reviews |
3.9 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.7" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1290 x 2796 | 1440 x 3120 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 460 | 513 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) |
| Battery | 4,383 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 | 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm | 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm |
| Weight | 201 grams | 190 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP 68 |
| Contracts |
£67.33/mo
£30.00 upfront |
£12.00/mo
£565.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £349.00 | £799.00 |
| Prices updated 19 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
Cheapest Deals
Related Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26+ cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus is cheaper on contract at £845.46 over the life of the deal from £67.33 per month with £30.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26+?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", the Samsung Galaxy S26+ has the sharper display at 513 pixels per inch versus 460, and the Apple iPhone 15 Plus 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 15 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26+?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus features a 48 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 15 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26+?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £349.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 15 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S26+?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26+ comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 15 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S26+ use?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is powered by the Apple A16 Bionic (4 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 15 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26+?
The Samsung Galaxy S26+ is the more portable of the two: it's 11g lighter at 190 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm, and is slimmer at 7.3mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26+?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus 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 15 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S26+ run?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus 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.