Apple iPhone 16e vs Samsung Galaxy S26
The Apple iPhone 16e (2025) runs on the Apple A18, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 (2026) runs on the Samsung Exynos 2600; launch prices were $599 and $799. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads — 74/100 vs 56/100 (a 18-point difference). Key differences: the Samsung Galaxy S26 has the bigger battery (4000 mAh vs 3279); the main camera is 48 MP vs 50 MP; the Samsung Galaxy S26 is faster in AnTuTu (2,827,538 vs 1,972,476).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Apple iPhone 16e
Samsung Galaxy S26
What makes Apple iPhone 16e better?
- Better Geekbench Single: 3254 vs 2880
- Cheaper at launch: $599 vs $799
- Overall rating 56/100
What makes Samsung Galaxy S26 better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 2827538 vs 1972476
- Better Geekbench Multi: 9100 vs 8070
- Bigger battery: 4000 vs 3279 mAh
- Faster charging: 25W vs 20W
- Better main camera: 50MP vs 48MP
- Higher refresh rate: 120Hz vs 60Hz
- Faster wireless charging: 15W vs 7W
- Lighter: 162g vs 167g
- Higher performance (89/100 vs 85/100)
- Better camera (77/100 vs 30/100)
- Longer battery life (31/100 vs 19/100)
- Better display (81/100 vs 61/100)
- Better portability (89/100 vs 80/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Apple iPhone 16e vs the Samsung Galaxy S26, the Samsung Galaxy S26 scores 18 points higher (74/100 vs 56/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads (77/100 vs 30/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads (31/100 vs 19/100). Value score: Apple iPhone 16e — 26/100, 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 and the Apple iPhone 16e are nearly equal (89/100 vs 85/100). In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 notably outperforms the Apple iPhone 16e (81/100 vs 61/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 16e (77/100 vs 30/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is a bit better (31/100 vs 19/100). In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is a bit better (89/100 vs 80/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Apple iPhone 16e | Samsung Galaxy S26 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple A18 | Samsung Exynos 2600 | |
| AnTuTu | 1972476 | 2827538 | |
| Geekbench Single | 3254 | 2880 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 8070 | 9100 | |
| Display | 6.1" OLED | 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | |
| Resolution | 2532x1170 | 2340x1080 | |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 3279 mAh | 4000 mAh | |
| Charging | 20W | 25W | |
| Wireless charging | 7W | 15W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | — | 146 | |
| Main camera | 48 MP | 50 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 0 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) | 1200 nits | 2600 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP68 | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 146.7×71.5×7.8 mm | 158.4×75.8×7.3 mm | |
| Weight | 167 g | 162 g | |
| Launch price | $599 | $799 |
Camera comparison
Apple iPhone 16e
- Main: 48MP f/1.6
- Front: 12MP
Samsung Galaxy S26
- Main: 50MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Telephoto: 10MP
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
Apple iPhone 16e
- 6.1" OLED
- Resolution: 2532x1170
- Refresh rate: 60 Hz
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 2340x1080
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Apple iPhone 16e
- 3279 mAh
- Wired: 20W
- Wireless: 7W
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 4000 mAh
- Wired: 25W
- Wireless: 15W
Overall performance score
We compared Apple iPhone 16e and Samsung Galaxy S26, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Samsung Galaxy S26 leads Apple iPhone 16e by 30.2% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $200. Apple iPhone 16e was $200 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 and the Apple iPhone 16e are nearly equal (89/100 vs 85/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 notably outperforms the Apple iPhone 16e (81/100 vs 61/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 16e (77/100 vs 30/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is a bit better (31/100 vs 19/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is a bit better (89/100 vs 80/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Apple iPhone 16e or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is noticeably better than the Apple iPhone 16e — the overall rating gap is 18 points.
What is the rating of the Apple iPhone 16e and the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Apple iPhone 16e has a MobileRank rating of 56/100, the Samsung Galaxy S26 — 74/100.
Which has the better camera: the Apple iPhone 16e or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on camera score (77/100 vs 30/100).
Should you choose the Apple iPhone 16e over the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Apple iPhone 16e is a better fit for gamers and power users. The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a better fit for gamers and power users.