iPhone 16 (2026) offers a closed ecosystem with iOS 18 and a premium build focused on seamless integration, while Samsung Galaxy S26 provides customizable Android with advanced AI features and higher display resolution options. The choice depends on whether you prioritize ecosystem lock-in and simplicity (iPhone) or flexibility and feature variety (Galaxy).
iPhone vs Samsung Galaxy — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Proprietary iOS-based smartphone by Apple with 29% market share and premium positioning
Premium Android flagship line with industry-leading displays and 7-year software support
Operating System. Display Resolution. Starting Price (2026). Processor. AI Integration. Camera System. Foldable Option. Ecosystem Integration
Both iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S26 are excellent flagship devices in 2026, each excelling in different areas. iPhone wins on ecosystem cohesion and privacy-first design, while Galaxy S26 offers superior display technology, more affordable entry point, and more advanced AI capabilities. Your choice should align with your existing device ecosystem and priorities regarding customization versus simplicity.
iPhone: iOS 18: 82% adoption (88% on 4-year devices) | Samsung Galaxy: OneUI adoption varies by region
iPhone: Apple Neural Engine (optimized) | Samsung Galaxy: 39% boost vs Gen 4
iPhone: A18 Pro optimization | Samsung Galaxy: 24% greater processing
iPhone: Dual rear (vertical alignment) | Samsung Galaxy: Triple rear camera
iPhone: 6-7 years | Samsung Galaxy: 4-5 years typical
iPhone: 1 manufacturer | Samsung Galaxy: N/A
iPhone: 2.2 million (App Store) | Samsung Galaxy: N/A
iPhone: Same day iOS release | Samsung Galaxy: N/A
iPhone: Not available | Samsung Galaxy: N/A
iPhone: Apple Intelligence processes on-device | Samsung Galaxy: N/A
iPhone: Annual major releases | Samsung Galaxy: N/A
iPhone: 15+ Apple Intelligence features | Samsung Galaxy: N/A
iPhone: A18 Pro (6-core CPU, 6-core GPU) | Samsung Galaxy: N/A
iPhone: Yes (standard, 5G on all models) | Samsung Galaxy: N/A
iPhone: Limited split-view on iPhone 16 Plus/Pro Max only | Samsung Galaxy: N/A
iPhone: 7+ years | Samsung Galaxy: 4-5 years
iPhone: 48MP (iPhone 16) | Samsung Galaxy: 108MP (Galaxy S24 Ultra)
iPhone: 4,685 mAh (iPhone 16 Pro Max) | Samsung Galaxy: 5,000 mAh (Galaxy S24 Ultra)
iPhone: 2,850,000 (A18 Pro) | Samsung Galaxy: 2,380,000 (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3)
iPhone: No microSD slot | Samsung Galaxy: MicroSD up to 1TB
iPhone: $429 (iPhone 16) | Samsung Galaxy: N/A
iPhone: $72.3 billion | Samsung Galaxy: N/A
iPhone: Limited (lock screen, home screen layout only) | Samsung Galaxy: N/A
iPhone: N/A | Samsung Galaxy: $899 (Galaxy S25)
iPhone: N/A | Samsung Galaxy: All major carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile)
iPhone: N/A | Samsung Galaxy: $800 (Galaxy S25)
iPhone: N/A | Samsung Galaxy: 200MP (S25 Ultra)
iPhone: N/A | Samsung Galaxy: 18 apps (One UI)
iPhone: N/A | Samsung Galaxy: 4000 mAh (A55)
iPhone: N/A | Samsung Galaxy: 45 days (varies by carrier)
iPhone: N/A | Samsung Galaxy: 50MP-200MP
iPhone: N/A | Samsung Galaxy: 50-60 minutes
Processor Performance (Geekbench 6 Multi-core)
iPhone: N/A | Samsung Galaxy: Snapdragon 8 Elite: 3,218
iPhone: N/A | Samsung Galaxy: Galaxy S25 Ultra: 3,000 nits
iPhone: N/A | Samsung Galaxy: 5x optical (Galaxy S25 Ultra)
Battery Capacity (Pixel 9 Pro / Galaxy S25)
iPhone: N/A | Samsung Galaxy: Galaxy S25: 4,000 mAh
iPhone: N/A | Samsung Galaxy: 7 years OS + 7 years security
iPhone: N/A | Samsung Galaxy: 1440 x 3120 (AMOLED)
iPhone: N/A | Samsung Galaxy: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Version (3.4 GHz)
iPhone: N/A | Samsung Galaxy: 7 years (S24/S25)
iPhone: N/A | Samsung Galaxy: 120Hz AMOLED
iPhone: N/A | Samsung Galaxy: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Version
iPhone: N/A | Samsung Galaxy: 50+ apps with OneUI
iPhone: N/A | Samsung Galaxy: 45-60 days after Google
iPhone: N/A | Samsung Galaxy: 144Hz AMOLED
iPhone: N/A | Samsung Galaxy: 3,000 nits
iPhone: N/A | Samsung Galaxy: 200MP f/1.7
iPhone: N/A | Samsung Galaxy: 7 years (Galaxy S24+)
iPhone: N/A | Samsung Galaxy: 6.8" (Galaxy S24 Ultra)
iPhone: N/A | Samsung Galaxy: 256GB (Galaxy S24)
iPhone: N/A | Samsung Galaxy: 2,600 (Dynamic AMOLED 2X)
iPhone: N/A | Samsung Galaxy: 1.5m (IP68)
iPhone: N/A | Samsung Galaxy: 45-60 days
iPhone: N/A | Samsung Galaxy: 4.4/5 (2.3M reviews)
Gaming Performance Benchmark (Geekbench 6)
iPhone: N/A | Samsung Galaxy: 2,890 (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3)
iPhone: N/A | Samsung Galaxy: 3,000 nits (Vision Booster)
iPhone: N/A | Samsung Galaxy: 45-65W standard
iPhone: N/A | Samsung Galaxy: 66% average
iPhone: N/A | Samsung Galaxy: 50MP (S25) with OIS
iPhone: N/A | Samsung Galaxy: 120Hz standard, 144Hz on select
How to choose between iPhone and Samsung Galaxy
iPhone vs Samsung Galaxy — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for iPhone vs Samsung Galaxy. Contains 112 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
iPhone vs Samsung Galaxy — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for iPhone vs Samsung Galaxy.
Which is faster — iPhone or Samsung Galaxy?
Apple's A18 Pro chip (iPhone 16 Pro) and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 (Galaxy S25 series) are comparable in real-world performance. In CPU benchmarks, Apple typically edges ahead; in gaming GPU tests, results are closer. Both chips are dramatically faster than any app currently demands.
How long do iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones get software updates?
Both companies now offer 7 years of OS updates for their flagship lines. Apple extends this to all iPhone 15 and later models; Samsung committed to 7 years of updates for Galaxy S24 and newer. This has eliminated the update longevity gap that historically favored Apple.
Which has a better camera — iPhone 16 Pro or Galaxy S25 Ultra?
Camera quality depends on use case. iPhone 16 Pro excels at video (ProRes 4K120fps), natural color science, and low-light consistency. Galaxy S25 Ultra's 200MP sensor and 50x zoom telephoto offer more versatility for telephoto photography. For social media sharing, Samsung's AI image processing often produces more vibrant results.
Can I switch from iPhone to Samsung and keep my data?
Yes. Samsung's Smart Switch app transfers contacts, photos, messages, and app data from iPhone to Android. However, iMessages won't transfer as text history, and iCloud-stored data needs to be migrated. Apple's AirDrop and iMessage will no longer be accessible after switching.
Which is better value — iPhone or Samsung Galaxy?
Samsung offers more value at mid-range price points. The Galaxy A55 at ~$450 includes competitive specs; Apple's equivalent iPhone SE uses older chip technology. At $799+, both companies offer flagship-tier hardware. For very high-end buyers ($1,200+), iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S25 Ultra are both premium investments.
How to Choose Between iPhone and Samsung Galaxy
Operating System: iPhone has iOS 18 (82% adoption rate), while Samsung Galaxy has Android 15 with OneUI.
Display Resolution: iPhone has 2556 × 1179 (FHD+), while Samsung Galaxy has 3120 × 1440 (QHD+).
Starting Price (2026): iPhone has $999, while Samsung Galaxy has $899.
Processor: iPhone has Apple A18 Pro, while Samsung Galaxy has Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 / Exynos 2600.
AI Integration: iPhone has Apple Intelligence features, while Samsung Galaxy has Third-generation AI phone with 39% NPU boost.
Camera System: iPhone has Vertical dual rear camera, while Samsung Galaxy has Advanced triple camera system.
Foldable Option: iPhone has iPhone 16 Fold (7.8-inch, September 2026), while Samsung Galaxy has Galaxy Fold Z6 series available.
Ecosystem Integration: iPhone has Seamless Apple ecosystem (Mac, iPad, Watch), while Samsung Galaxy has Cross-device with Samsung SmartThings.
iPhone 16 (2026) offers a closed ecosystem with iOS 18 and a premium build focused on seamless integration, while Samsung Galaxy S26 provides customizable Android with advanced AI features and higher display resolution options. The choice depends on whether you prioritize ecosystem lock-in and simpl