Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
Over a full contract, the S26 FE works out around £566 all-in, about £746 less than the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
11 reviews 3.8
9 reviews
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
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Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | 18 September 2026 | 1 September 2026 |
| Expert Rating |
4.5 11 reviews |
3.8 9 reviews |
| Screen | 6.9" | 6.7" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1320 x 2868 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 458 | 385 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 18 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A20 Pro (2 nm) | Exynos 2500 (3 nm) |
| Battery | 5,391 mAh | 4,900 mAh |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | Apple iOS | Android 17 |
| 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/6e/7 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 |
| Bluetooth | 6.0, A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 163.4 x 78.0 x 8.75 mm | 161.3 x 76.6 x 7.4 mm |
| Weight | 249 grams | 193 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts |
£11.95/mo
£1055.00 upfront |
£11.95/mo
£309.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £1297.00 | £649.00 |
| Deals | Deals |
Cheapest Deals
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
£11.95 a month, £1055 upfront.
No mid-contract price increases.
Use code: 30JNOFF (£30 off)
Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
£11.95 a month, £309 upfront.
No mid-contract price increases.
Use code: 30JNOFF (£30 off)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is cheaper on contract at £565.80 over the life of the deal from £11.95 per month with £309.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE's 6.7", the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max has the sharper display at 458 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE 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 18 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £649.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S26 FE use?
The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A20 Pro (2 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE uses the Exynos 2500 (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is the more portable of the two: it's 56g lighter at 193 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 161.3 x 76.6 x 7.4 mm, and is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S26 FE run?
The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max runs Apple iOS and the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE runs Android 17. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.