Apple iPhone 15 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on camera hardware with a 200MP main sensor to the Apple iPhone 15 Plus's 48MP, and the S26 Ultra 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 S26 Ultra has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.9" against 6.7" and sharper at 498 PPI, and storage goes higher on the S26 Ultra, up to 1TB against 512GB. The S26 Ultra 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.
Over a full contract, the iPhone 15 Plus 5G works out around £845 all-in, about £95 less than the S26 Ultra.
12 reviews 4.4
12 reviews
Prices updated 19 July 2026
Apple iPhone 15 Plus
|
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 12 reviews |
4.4 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.9" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1290 x 2796 | 1440 x 3120 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 460 | 498 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 200 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 | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| OS | Apple iOS | Android |
| 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 | 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm |
| Weight | 201 grams | 214 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| Contracts |
£67.33/mo
£30.00 upfront |
£16.00/mo
£545.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £349.00 | £899.00 |
| Prices updated 19 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 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 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Apple iPhone 15 Plus's 6.7", the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the sharper display at 498 pixels per inch versus 460, and the Apple iPhone 15 Plus uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has a 200 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 Ultra?
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 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 15 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra use?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is powered by the Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 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 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is the more portable of the two: it's 13g lighter at 201 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 S26 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is rated IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min).
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 15 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra run?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus runs Apple iOS and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.