Apple iPhone 16 vs Samsung Galaxy S26
The Apple iPhone 16 (2024) runs on the Apple A18, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 (2026) runs on the Samsung Exynos 2600; launch prices were $799 and $799. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads — 74/100 vs 68/100 (a 6-point difference). Key differences: the Samsung Galaxy S26 has the bigger battery (4000 mAh vs 3561); the main camera is 48 MP vs 50 MP; the Samsung Galaxy S26 is faster in AnTuTu (2,827,538 vs 1,972,476); per DXOMark lab testing, the Apple iPhone 16 has the stronger camera (147 vs 146).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Apple iPhone 16
Samsung Galaxy S26
What makes Apple iPhone 16 better?
- Better Geekbench Single: 3100 vs 2880
- Faster charging: 27W vs 25W
- Faster wireless charging: 25W vs 15W
- Better camera (78/100 vs 77/100)
What makes Samsung Galaxy S26 better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 2827538 vs 1972476
- Better Geekbench Multi: 9100 vs 7700
- Bigger battery: 4000 vs 3561 mAh
- Better main camera: 50MP vs 48MP
- Higher refresh rate: 120Hz vs 60Hz
- Lighter: 162g vs 170g
- Higher performance (89/100 vs 84/100)
- Longer battery life (31/100 vs 24/100)
- Better display (81/100 vs 61/100)
- Better portability (89/100 vs 79/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Apple iPhone 16 vs the Samsung Galaxy S26, the Samsung Galaxy S26 scores 6 points higher (74/100 vs 68/100). Value score: Apple iPhone 16 — 50/100, Samsung Galaxy S26 — 62/100; it shows how far a model sits above or below the usual level for its price, and is not part of the overall rating. In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is a bit better (89/100 vs 84/100). In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 notably outperforms the Apple iPhone 16 (81/100 vs 61/100). In the "camera" category, the Apple iPhone 16 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 are nearly equal (78/100 vs 77/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is a bit better (31/100 vs 24/100). In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is a bit better (89/100 vs 79/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Apple iPhone 16 | Samsung Galaxy S26 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple A18 | Samsung Exynos 2600 | |
| AnTuTu | 1972476 | 2827538 | |
| Geekbench Single | 3100 | 2880 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 7700 | 9100 | |
| Display | 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED | 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | |
| Resolution | 2556x1179 | 2340x1080 | |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 3561 mAh | 4000 mAh | |
| Charging | 27W | 25W | |
| Wireless charging | 25W | 15W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | 147 | 146 | |
| Main camera | 48 MP | 50 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 12 MP | |
| Telephoto | 0 MP | 10 MP | |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 12 MP | |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB | |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | |
| OS | iOS 18 | Android 16 / One UI 8.5 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 2000 nits | 2600 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP68 | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 147.6×71.6×7.8 mm | 158.4×75.8×7.3 mm | |
| Weight | 170 g | 162 g | |
| Launch price | $799 | $799 |
Camera comparison
Apple iPhone 16
- Main: 48MP f/1.6
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Front: 12MP
Samsung Galaxy S26
- Main: 50MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Telephoto: 10MP
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
Apple iPhone 16
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED
- Resolution: 2556x1179
- Refresh rate: 60 Hz
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 2340x1080
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Apple iPhone 16
- 3561 mAh
- Wired: 27W
- Wireless: 25W
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 4000 mAh
- Wired: 25W
- Wireless: 15W
Overall performance score
We compared Apple iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S26, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Samsung Galaxy S26 leads Apple iPhone 16 by 30.2% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $0. Same launch price.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is a bit better (89/100 vs 84/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 notably outperforms the Apple iPhone 16 (81/100 vs 61/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Apple iPhone 16 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 are nearly equal (78/100 vs 77/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is a bit better (31/100 vs 24/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is a bit better (89/100 vs 79/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Apple iPhone 16 or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 edges out the Apple iPhone 16 by just 6 points — the two devices are very close in overall level.
What is the rating of the Apple iPhone 16 and the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Apple iPhone 16 has a MobileRank rating of 68/100, the Samsung Galaxy S26 — 74/100.
Which is more powerful: the Apple iPhone 16 or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on performance (89/100 vs 84/100).
Should you choose the Apple iPhone 16 over the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Apple iPhone 16 is a better fit for gamers and power users. The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a better fit for gamers and power users.