Apple iPhone 16e vs Samsung Galaxy S26+
Our verdict: When it comes to contract value, the Apple iPhone 16e wins — it's £442.00 less than the Samsung Galaxy S26+ overall. On the other hand, both screen size and sharpness go to the Samsung Galaxy S26+, with a 6.7" display at 513 PPI. With 50MP on the rear, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ has the higher-resolution camera. For a lighter carry, the Apple iPhone 16e wins at 167g.
Apple iPhone 16e
|
Samsung Galaxy S26+
|
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 48 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A18 (3 nm) | Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) |
| 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, 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 | 167 grams | 190 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP 68 |
| Contracts |
£20.99/mo
£19.00 upfront |
£38.99/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £368.00 | £944.10 |
| Deals | Deals |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 16e or Samsung Galaxy S26+ cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 16e is cheaper on contract at £535.40 over the life of the deal from £20.99 per month with £19.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 16e or Samsung Galaxy S26+?
The Samsung Galaxy S26+ has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 16e's 6.1", the Samsung Galaxy S26+ has the sharper display at 513 pixels per inch versus 457, and the Apple iPhone 16e 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 16e or Samsung Galaxy S26+?
The Apple iPhone 16e 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 16e or Samsung Galaxy S26+?
The Apple iPhone 16e is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £368.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 16e and Samsung Galaxy S26+?
The Apple iPhone 16e is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26+ comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 16e and Samsung Galaxy S26+ use?
The Apple iPhone 16e is powered by the Apple A18 (3 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 16e or Samsung Galaxy S26+?
The Apple iPhone 16e is the more portable of the two — it's 23g lighter at 167 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 16e or Samsung Galaxy S26+?
The Apple iPhone 16e 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 16e and Samsung Galaxy S26+ run?
The Apple iPhone 16e 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.