Samsung Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 17: Which to Buy?

Samsung has unveiled its new Galaxy S26 family, comprising three models poised to compete with Apple’s recently released iPhone 17 lineup. The new devices aim to offer a range of options for consumers, catering to different needs and budgets within the high-end smartphone market.

Technical Specifications: iPhone 17 vs. Samsung Galaxy S26

Following a detailed look at the models in the table above, we will delve into their differences. We will compare equivalent categories from both brands to provide a clear understanding of how the basic, intermediate, and premium models of the latest Samsung and Apple families differ.

Samsung Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 17: Basic Models Compared

Although the iPhone 17 has been on the market for a few months, it remains a solid phone. The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a newer release, so consumers must weigh the stability of the Apple device against the latest innovations from Samsung. If you’re considering the entry-level model from each brand, here are the key differences.

• Display: Apple abandoned 60 Hz with the iPhone 17 in favor of the 120 Hz ProMotion display, a move celebrated by fans due to its excellent fluidity. The Samsung Galaxy S26 also offers a fluid display. However, both models feature a 6.3-inch screen that is bright and sharp. The new Samsung also introduces a new anti-reflective coating, making the screen look great even in direct sunlight, surpassing the Apple device in this regard.
• Performance: The Apple iPhone 17 is equipped with the A19 chip, which prevents overheating and extends battery life by 15% compared to the iPhone 16. This processor ensures the phone runs quickly for approximately five years. The Samsung S26 features the Exynos 2600 processor and 12 GB of RAM, allowing for more apps to run in the background. This year, Samsung only uses Qualcomm in the Ultra model. The Exynos has historically performed worse in battery life and generated more heat than the Qualcomm, so this may continue to be the case, or something similar. The iPhone, however, has 8 GB of RAM, which could potentially limit the functionality of AI features in the future.
• Camera: The iPhone 17 features a dual-camera system (48 MP main and ultra-wide) and excels in video quality and color consistency. The Samsung S26, however, stands out with its dedicated telephoto lens (3x optical), making it ideal for capturing photos of distant monuments or at concerts. If you primarily grab close-up portraits or record videos, the iPhone is the better choice.
• Battery: Despite the battery capacity of both models not being particularly high, the difference lies in charging. The iPhone 17 charges at 40 W, while the Samsung charges at 25 W, giving the Apple model a faster charging advantage.

👉 Buy the iPhone 17 if: You value simplicity, high-quality video recording, and resale value.

👉 Buy the Galaxy S26 if: You want a camera with excellent zoom capabilities and prefer a more powerful system with a screen that looks much better thanks to the anti-reflective coating.

iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Top-Tier Models Compared

These models represent the pinnacle of smartphone technology from both companies. Both utilize titanium construction for enhanced durability, but several key differences set them apart.

• Display: Both screens measure 6.9 inches, but differ in features. The Samsung model boasts Gorilla Armor protection, eliminating reflections and providing excellent visibility. The iPhone 17 Pro Max reaches a peak brightness of 3,000 nits and offers accurate color reproduction. However, Samsung’s display also features a privacy screen, allowing only the user to view the content, a feature not currently available on any other mobile device.
• Battery: The Samsung model has a 5,000 mAh battery with 60 W fast charging, while the iPhone has a lower capacity and slower 40 W charging. Apple’s optimization of power consumption and the improved efficiency of the A19 Pro chip, however, are notable.
• Performance and Power: The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, making it a multitasking powerhouse. The iPhone features the A19 Pro chip, known for its speed in single-threaded tasks like photo editing and app launching. Samsung excels in productivity, while the iPhone offers a smoother experience and superior performance in demanding games.
• Productivity: Samsung’s S-Pen is a key advantage for productivity, offering precise control. Apple’s productivity relies on its ecosystem, with the continuity feature allowing seamless transitions between iPhone, iPad, and Mac – a feature Samsung has yet to fully replicate.
• 👉 Choose the S26 Ultra if: You need a phone for perform, enjoy nature or concert photography with its superior zoom, and value the privacy screen.
• 👉 Choose the iPhone 17 Pro Max if: You are loyal to the Apple ecosystem and appreciate the ability to seamlessly continue tasks across devices.