Apple iPhone 16 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Our verdict: On contract, the Apple iPhone 16 works out £326.51 cheaper overall than the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra wins on display with a bigger 6.9" screen and a sharper 498 PPI. If you'd rather buy outright, the Apple iPhone 16 starts at £481.00 SIM-free.
Apple iPhone 16
|
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.9" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2556 x 1179 | 1440 x 3120 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 461 | 498 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 200 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, 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/6e/7 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm | 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm |
| Weight | 170 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 |
£26.99/mo
£19.00 upfront |
£22.00/mo
£649.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £481.00 | £1016.10 |
| Deals | Deals |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 16 is cheaper on contract at £678.93 over the life of the deal from £26.99 per month with £19.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Apple iPhone 16's 6.1", the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the sharper display at 498 pixels per inch versus 461, and the Apple iPhone 16 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 16 or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 16 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 16 or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 16 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £481.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 16 is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra use?
The Apple iPhone 16 is powered by the Apple A18 (3 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 16 or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 16 is the more portable of the two — it's 44g lighter at 170 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 16 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 16 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra run?
The Apple iPhone 16 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.