Apple iPhone 17 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
The Apple iPhone 17 (2025) runs on the Apple A19, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (2026) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5; launch prices were $799 and $1299. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads — 84/100 vs 76/100 (a 8-point difference). Key differences: the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 3692); the main camera is 48 MP vs 200 MP; the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is faster in AnTuTu (3,463,142 vs 2,156,126); the Apple iPhone 17 is noticeably lighter (177g vs 214g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Apple iPhone 17
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
What makes Apple iPhone 17 better?
- Better Geekbench Single: 3608 vs 3601
- Lighter: 177g vs 214g
- Cheaper at launch: $799 vs $1299
- Better portability (73/100 vs 51/100)
What makes Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 3463142 vs 2156126
- Better Geekbench Multi: 10686 vs 8810
- Bigger battery: 5000 vs 3692 mAh
- Faster charging: 60W vs 40W
- Better main camera: 200MP vs 48MP
- Higher performance (96/100 vs 88/100)
- Longer battery life (61/100 vs 29/100)
- Better display (88/100 vs 85/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Apple iPhone 17 vs the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra scores 8 points higher (84/100 vs 76/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads (61/100 vs 29/100). Value score: Apple iPhone 17 — 66/100, Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — 78/100; 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 Ultra is a bit better (96/100 vs 88/100). In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and the Apple iPhone 17 are nearly equal (88/100 vs 85/100). In the "camera" category, both devices are on the same level — 86/100. In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 17 (61/100 vs 29/100). In the "portability" category, the Apple iPhone 17 notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (73/100 vs 51/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Apple iPhone 17 | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple A19 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | |
| AnTuTu | 2156126 | 3463142 | |
| Geekbench Single | 3608 | 3601 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 8810 | 10686 | |
| Display | 6.3" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | |
| Resolution | 2622x1206 | 3120x1440 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 3692 mAh | 5000 mAh | |
| Charging | 40W | 60W | |
| Wireless charging | 25W | 25W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | 157 | 157 | |
| Main camera | 48 MP | 200 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 48 MP | 50 MP | |
| Telephoto | 0 MP | 50 MP | |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 12 MP | |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB / 16GB | |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | |
| OS | iOS 26 | Android 16 / One UI 8.5 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 3000 nits | 2600 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP68 | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 149.6×71.5×8.0 mm | 163.6×78.1×7.9 mm | |
| Weight | 177 g | 214 g | |
| Launch price | $799 | $1299 |
Camera comparison
Apple iPhone 17
- Main: 48MP f/1.6
- Ultrawide: 48MP
- Front: 12MP
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- Main: 200MP f/1.7
- Ultrawide: 50MP
- Telephoto: 50MP
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
Apple iPhone 17
- 6.3" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED
- Resolution: 2622x1206
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 3120x1440
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Apple iPhone 17
- 3692 mAh
- Wired: 40W
- Wireless: 25W
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- 5000 mAh
- NanoReview test: web browsing 10:12 hrs, total 28:50 hrs
- Wired: 60W
- Wireless: 25W
Overall performance score
We compared Apple iPhone 17 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads Apple iPhone 17 by 37.7% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $500. Apple iPhone 17 was $500 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a bit better (96/100 vs 88/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and the Apple iPhone 17 are nearly equal (88/100 vs 85/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, both devices are on the same level — 86/100.
battery
In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 17 (61/100 vs 29/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Apple iPhone 17 notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (73/100 vs 51/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Apple iPhone 17 or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra edges out the Apple iPhone 17 by just 8 points — the two devices are very close in overall level.
What is the rating of the Apple iPhone 17 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 17 has a MobileRank rating of 76/100, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — 84/100.
Which is more powerful: the Apple iPhone 17 or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on performance (96/100 vs 88/100).
Should you choose the Apple iPhone 17 over the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 17 is a better fit for gamers and power users, mobile photography enthusiasts. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a better fit for gamers and power users, mobile photography enthusiasts, budget-conscious buyers.