Apple iPhone 17e vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
The Apple iPhone 17e (2026) runs on the Apple A19, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (2026) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5; launch prices were $599 and $1299. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads — 84/100 vs 59/100 (a 25-point difference). Key differences: the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 3600); 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 17e is noticeably lighter (163g vs 214g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Apple iPhone 17e
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
What makes Apple iPhone 17e better?
- Better Geekbench Single: 3692 vs 3601
- Lighter: 163g vs 214g
- Cheaper at launch: $599 vs $1299
- Better portability (83/100 vs 51/100)
What makes Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 3463142 vs 2156126
- Better Geekbench Multi: 10686 vs 9454
- Bigger battery: 5000 vs 3600 mAh
- Faster charging: 60W vs 20W
- Better main camera: 200MP vs 48MP
- Higher refresh rate: 120Hz vs 60Hz
- Faster wireless charging: 25W vs 15W
- Higher performance (96/100 vs 89/100)
- Better camera (86/100 vs 34/100)
- Longer battery life (61/100 vs 21/100)
- Better display (88/100 vs 61/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Apple iPhone 17e vs the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra scores 25 points higher (84/100 vs 59/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads (86/100 vs 34/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads (61/100 vs 21/100). Value score: Apple iPhone 17e — 32/100, 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 89/100). In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra notably outperforms the Apple iPhone 17e (88/100 vs 61/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 17e (86/100 vs 34/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 17e (61/100 vs 21/100). In the "portability" category, the Apple iPhone 17e significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (83/100 vs 51/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Apple iPhone 17e | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple A19 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | |
| AnTuTu | 2156126 | 3463142 | |
| Geekbench Single | 3692 | 3601 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 9454 | 10686 | |
| Display | 6.1" OLED | 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | |
| Resolution | 2556x1179 | 3120x1440 | |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 3600 mAh | 5000 mAh | |
| Charging | 20W | 60W | |
| Wireless charging | 15W | 25W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | — | 157 | |
| Main camera | 48 MP | 200 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 0 MP | 50 MP | |
| Telephoto | 0 MP | 50 MP | |
| Front camera | 24 MP | 12 MP | |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB / 16GB | |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | |
| OS | iOS 19 | 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 | 163.6×78.1×7.9 mm | |
| Weight | 163 g | 214 g | |
| Launch price | $599 | $1299 |
Camera comparison
Apple iPhone 17e
- Main: 48MP f/1.6
- Front: 24MP
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- Main: 200MP f/1.7
- Ultrawide: 50MP
- Telephoto: 50MP
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
Apple iPhone 17e
- 6.1" OLED
- Resolution: 2556x1179
- Refresh rate: 60 Hz
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 3120x1440
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Apple iPhone 17e
- 3600 mAh
- Wired: 20W
- Wireless: 15W
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 17e and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads Apple iPhone 17e by 37.7% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $700. Apple iPhone 17e was $700 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a bit better (96/100 vs 89/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra notably outperforms the Apple iPhone 17e (88/100 vs 61/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 17e (86/100 vs 34/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 17e (61/100 vs 21/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Apple iPhone 17e significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (83/100 vs 51/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Apple iPhone 17e or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 17e by 25 points (84/100 vs 59/100).
What is the rating of the Apple iPhone 17e and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 17e has a MobileRank rating of 59/100, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — 84/100.
Which has the better camera: the Apple iPhone 17e or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on camera score (86/100 vs 34/100).
Which is more powerful: the Apple iPhone 17e or the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on performance (96/100 vs 89/100).
Should you choose the Apple iPhone 17e over the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 17e is a better fit for gamers and power users. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a better fit for gamers and power users, mobile photography enthusiasts, budget-conscious buyers.