Apple iPhone 16e vs Samsung Galaxy A26
Our verdict: On contract, the Samsung Galaxy A26 works out £235.03 cheaper overall than the Apple iPhone 16e. The Samsung Galaxy A26 has a bigger 6.7" screen, but the Apple iPhone 16e is sharper at 457 PPI. If you'd rather buy outright, the Samsung Galaxy A26 starts at £239.00 SIM-free. The Apple iPhone 16e gives you more flexibility with 3 storage options to choose from.
Apple iPhone 16e
|
Samsung Galaxy A26
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.7" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 385 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 13 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A18 (3 nm) | 5nm Exynos 1280 |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | Apple iOS | Android |
| SIM Type | nano-SIM and e-SIM | Nano 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 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm | 164 x 77.5 x 7.7 mm |
| Weight | 167 grams | 200 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) |
| Contracts |
£22.29/mo
£29.00 upfront |
£11.99/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £370.00 | £239.00 |
| Deals | Deals |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 16e or Samsung Galaxy A26 cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy A26 is cheaper on contract at £328.93 over the life of the deal from £11.99 per month with £29.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 16e or Samsung Galaxy A26?
The Samsung Galaxy A26 has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 16e's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 16e has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Apple iPhone 16e uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy A26 has a Super AMOLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 16e or Samsung Galaxy A26?
The Apple iPhone 16e features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy A26 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 A26?
The Samsung Galaxy A26 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £239.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 16e and Samsung Galaxy A26?
The Apple iPhone 16e is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy A26 comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 16e and Samsung Galaxy A26 use?
The Apple iPhone 16e is powered by the Apple A18 (3 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy A26 uses the 5nm Exynos 1280 .
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 16e or Samsung Galaxy A26?
The Apple iPhone 16e is the more portable of the two — it's 33g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16e or Samsung Galaxy A26?
The Apple iPhone 16e is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy A26 is rated IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min).
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 16e and Samsung Galaxy A26 run?
The Apple iPhone 16e runs Apple iOS and the Samsung Galaxy A26 runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.