Apple iPhone 17 vs Samsung Galaxy S26
The Apple iPhone 17 (2025) runs on the Apple A19, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 (2026) runs on the Samsung Exynos 2600; launch prices were $799 and $799. By overall MobileRank rating, the Apple iPhone 17 leads — 76/100 vs 74/100 (a 2-point difference). Key differences: the Samsung Galaxy S26 has the bigger battery (4000 mAh vs 3692); the main camera is 48 MP vs 50 MP; the Samsung Galaxy S26 is faster in AnTuTu (2,827,538 vs 2,156,126); per DXOMark lab testing, the Apple iPhone 17 has the stronger camera (157 vs 146); the Samsung Galaxy S26 is noticeably lighter (162g vs 177g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Apple iPhone 17
Samsung Galaxy S26
What makes Apple iPhone 17 better?
- Better Geekbench Single: 3608 vs 2880
- Faster charging: 40W vs 25W
- Faster wireless charging: 25W vs 15W
- Better camera (86/100 vs 77/100)
- Better display (85/100 vs 81/100)
What makes Samsung Galaxy S26 better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 2827538 vs 2156126
- Better Geekbench Multi: 9100 vs 8810
- Bigger battery: 4000 vs 3692 mAh
- Better main camera: 50MP vs 48MP
- Lighter: 162g vs 177g
- Higher performance (89/100 vs 88/100)
- Longer battery life (31/100 vs 29/100)
- Better portability (89/100 vs 73/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Apple iPhone 17 vs the Samsung Galaxy S26, the Apple iPhone 17 scores 2 points higher (76/100 vs 74/100). Value score: Apple iPhone 17 — 66/100, 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 17 are nearly equal (89/100 vs 88/100). In the "display" category, the Apple iPhone 17 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 are nearly equal (85/100 vs 81/100). In the "camera" category, the Apple iPhone 17 is a bit better (86/100 vs 77/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 and the Apple iPhone 17 are nearly equal (31/100 vs 29/100). In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 notably outperforms the Apple iPhone 17 (89/100 vs 73/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Apple iPhone 17 | Samsung Galaxy S26 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple A19 | Samsung Exynos 2600 | |
| AnTuTu | 2156126 | 2827538 | |
| Geekbench Single | 3608 | 2880 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 8810 | 9100 | |
| Display | 6.3" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | |
| Resolution | 2622x1206 | 2340x1080 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 3692 mAh | 4000 mAh | |
| Charging | 40W | 25W | |
| Wireless charging | 25W | 15W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | 157 | 146 | |
| Main camera | 48 MP | 50 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 48 MP | 12 MP | |
| Telephoto | 0 MP | 10 MP | |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 12 MP | |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB | |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | |
| 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 | 158.4×75.8×7.3 mm | |
| Weight | 177 g | 162 g | |
| Launch price | $799 | $799 |
Camera comparison
Apple iPhone 17
- Main: 48MP f/1.6
- Ultrawide: 48MP
- Front: 12MP
Samsung Galaxy S26
- Main: 50MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Telephoto: 10MP
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
Apple iPhone 17
- 6.3" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED
- Resolution: 2622x1206
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 2340x1080
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Apple iPhone 17
- 3692 mAh
- Wired: 40W
- Wireless: 25W
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 4000 mAh
- Wired: 25W
- Wireless: 15W
Overall performance score
We compared Apple iPhone 17 and Samsung Galaxy S26, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Samsung Galaxy S26 leads Apple iPhone 17 by 23.7% 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 and the Apple iPhone 17 are nearly equal (89/100 vs 88/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Apple iPhone 17 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 are nearly equal (85/100 vs 81/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Apple iPhone 17 is a bit better (86/100 vs 77/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 and the Apple iPhone 17 are nearly equal (31/100 vs 29/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 notably outperforms the Apple iPhone 17 (89/100 vs 73/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Apple iPhone 17 or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Apple iPhone 17 edges out the Samsung Galaxy S26 by just 2 points — the two devices are very close in overall level.
What is the rating of the Apple iPhone 17 and the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Apple iPhone 17 has a MobileRank rating of 76/100, the Samsung Galaxy S26 — 74/100.
Which has the better camera: the Apple iPhone 17 or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Apple iPhone 17 leads on camera score (86/100 vs 77/100).
Should you choose the Apple iPhone 17 over the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Apple iPhone 17 is a better fit for gamers and power users, mobile photography enthusiasts. The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a better fit for gamers and power users.