Apple256 GB · UK MODEL
iPhone 16
A familiar 6.1-inch upgrade reference.
64MATCH / 100
Ultramarine£899UK reference price
Check Apple YOUR PHONE FACE-OFF
Real specs. Clear sources.UK models · Checked 4 Sept 2026iPhone 16 vs Galaxy S26
THE CHOICE IS PERSONALWhich one
Make it personal How are scores calculated?
Which one
is your one?
Two great phones.
Different things to love.
—Display79
—Camera—
64Battery81
Samsung YOUR MATCH
Galaxy S26
6.3 inches. Just 167 grams.
81MATCH / 100
Sky Blue£879UK reference price
Check SamsungAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
EVERYDAY PRIORITIESGalaxy S26 takes the lead.
Change what matters 17.2 points ahead across your selected battery priorities.
Scores compare published capabilities, not lab-tested quality. Camera image quality and independent performance tests are not rated. See scoring
Display, Camera scoring is unavailable for this pair. Known hardware specs still appear below; default scores use only shared, verified categories.
THE DIFFERENCES THAT MATTER
Every specification A quick read on the trade-offs.
Galaxy S26
3g lighter.
Published device weight, without a case.
- iPhone 16
- 170g
- Galaxy S26
- 167g
Schematic balance · not a physical simulation
Galaxy S26
0.2″ larger diagonal.
Bigger is a preference, not a quality score.
- iPhone 16
- 6.1″
- Galaxy S26
- 6.3″
Relative diagonals · illustrative shape, not actual size
Galaxy S26
A different perspective.
Dedicated telephoto reach. No digital or crop zoom.
- iPhone 16
- No telephoto
- Galaxy S26
- 3×
Lens illustration · not an image-quality test
MANUFACTURER CLAIMS
Playback on paper.
Up-to claims. Different test methods; no endurance winner.
- iPhone 16
- Up to 22h
- Galaxy S26
- Up to 30h
Shared 40-hour scale · not mixed-use battery life
BEYOND THE TOTAL
Why choose each?
Different strengths. Your call.
REASONS TO CONSIDER
iPhone 16
No clear edge in these facts.
No distinct advantage in the facts checked here. That is not a complete buying verdict.
Explore all the specificationsREASONS TO CONSIDER
Galaxy S26
A dedicated telephoto camera
3× native telephoto; the other phone has no separate telephoto module. Reach is not an image-quality verdict.
Verified hardware; Camera is not scored for this pair.More screen, if you want it
6.3″ vs 6.1″ diagonally. Larger is a preference, not an automatic win.
Preference, not included in the match score.
Published facts, not hands-on recommendations. These preferences do not add extra points to the match score; no tested battery gains are inferred.
GO A LITTLE DEEPER
Where each phone shines.
Explore the numbers behind the match.
iPhone 16 Galaxy S26
Relative published specs · outer edge = higher value
Display explainedNot enough evidence to score
iPhone 16: Apple publishes 460 ppi and a 2,000-nit outdoor peak, but the checked primary specifications do not give a numeric internal-display refresh rate. The v1 display score is withheld because that required input is unverified.
Galaxy S26: Uses Samsung's 2,600-nit peak, calculated pixel density from 2340×1080 / 6.3 inches and maximum adaptive 120Hz. These are published capabilities, not lab quality measurements.
Explore the sources YOUR PHONE, YOUR RULES
What matters to you?
Make the comparison fit your life.
Any must-haves?
SIDE BY SIDE. NOTHING HIDDEN.
Get into the details.
All specs13 specificationsiPhone 16Galaxy S26
iPhone 16Galaxy S26Weight
170g
167g
Width
71.6mm
71.7mm
Thickness
7.8mm
7.2mm
Screen size
6.1″
6.3″
Published peak brightnessManufacturer peak claims use different test conditions.
2000 nits
2600 nits
Pixel density
460 ppi
409.08 ppi
Maximum refresh rate
Not verified
120Hz
Native telephoto reach
No dedicated lens
3×
Rear camera modules
2
3
8K video recording
NoApple lists rear recording up to 4K60 Dolby Vision, not 8K.
YesSamsung lists 8K recording at 30fps, distinct from playback capabilities.
Claimed video playbackUp-to manufacturer claims. Playback protocols differ.
22 hours
30 hours
Wireless charging
Yes
Yes
Published support term
Not verified
7 years
UK models · 256GB · Manufacturer specificationsView sources
GO BEYOND THE SPECS
Make this comparison yours.A little perspective. A better decision.
THE PRICE THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING
What price changes your mind?
A great phone. An even better deal. Find the point where the value flips.
Galaxy S26 matches value at£1,139.75
vs iPhone 16£899.00 reference MSRP
MORE SCORE PER £ ↑
Galaxy S26iPhone 16 reference
Galaxy S26 offers more score per £ at this price.
A score-per-price simulation, not an objective buying verdict. Starts from reference MSRP; no live retailer offers.
NO LOGOS. JUST YOU.
Would you choose it blind?
Forget the brand for a moment. Which set of specs feels more like you?
Manufacturer specifications. Your choice doesn’t change the comparison above.
Good comparisons start with good sources.7 cited sources for this pair. Every number has a story.See the evidence
Your selected categories: Battery. Scores reflect published capabilities, not hands-on testing. Manufacturer battery claims can use different test conditions. Verified specifications remain visible even where a category cannot be scored.
How we calculate scoresApple iPhone 16
256 GB · checked 4 Sept 2026
Your weighted score64.2 / 100Selected categories: Battery.
(64.19 × 1) ÷ 1
DisplayNot scored
Apple publishes 460 ppi and a 2,000-nit outdoor peak, but the checked primary specifications do not give a numeric internal-display refresh rate. The v1 display score is withheld because that required input is unverified.
Not included in your current weighted score.
Missing: Verified maximum internal-display refresh rate.
CameraNot scored
Verified lens and video capabilities remain visible. A complete audit of the four pro-workflow inputs required by the v1 model is not included, so no camera score is inferred.
Not included in your current weighted score.
Missing: Complete verification of the four model-defined pro workflows.
Battery64.2 / 100
Uses Apple's up-to 22-hour local-video claim and up-to-50%-in-around-30-minutes charging claim. Cross-brand confidence is low because manufacturer test methods differ.
Selected weight: 1.
low confidence · 100% model coverageManufacturer-claimed local video playbackSource value: 22
62.86 × 65% = 40.86Apple's up-to 22-hour local-video claim, not independently measured mixed-use endurance. Test methods differ across manufacturers.
Apple Support UKApple UKManufacturer-claimed charging rateSource value: 1.67
66.67 × 35% = 23.33Derived from Apple's up-to-50%-in-around-30-minutes claim using a 20W-or-higher USB-C adapter. This is not a sustained charging measurement.
Apple Support UKCategory score = 40.86 + 23.33 = 64.19
PerformanceNot scored
No comparable independently measured CPU, GPU or sustained-performance results are included in this official-spec entry.
Not included in your current weighted score.
Missing: Comparable CPU, GPU and sustained-performance measurements.
LongevityNot scored
The checked Apple UK material does not publish a fixed model-specific duration of software support.
Not included in your current weighted score.
Missing: Published model-specific software-support duration.
Specifications & verification
Weight170 gmanufacturer · high confidenceApple Support UK
Width71.6 mmmanufacturer · high confidenceApple Support UK
Thickness7.8 mmmanufacturer · high confidenceApple Support UK
Display size6.1 inchesmanufacturer · high confidence
Nominal diagonal; 6.12 inches as a standard rectangle, with a smaller actual viewable area.
Apple Support UKPeak brightness2000 nitsmanufacturer · medium confidence
Apple's outdoor peak claim, not an independent measurement.
Apple Support UKClaimed video playback22 hoursmanufacturer · medium confidence
Apple's up-to 22-hour local-video claim, not independently measured mixed-use endurance. Test methods differ across manufacturers.
Apple Support UKApple UKClaimed charging rate1.6666666666666667% per minutecalculated · low confidence
Derived from Apple's up-to-50%-in-around-30-minutes claim using a 20W-or-higher USB-C adapter. This is not a sustained charging measurement.
50 percent divided by approximately 30 minutes.
Apple Support UKWireless chargingYesmanufacturer · high confidence
MagSafe, Qi2 and Qi charging are listed.
Apple Support UKHeadphone jackNocalculated · high confidence
Apple's connector list specifies USB-C, with no 3.5mm jack.
Apple Support UKExpandable storageNocalculated · medium confidence
Apple lists fixed internal storage options and no removable storage interface.
Apple Support UKeSIM onlyNomanufacturer · high confidence
UK specification supports nano-SIM plus eSIM and dual eSIM.
Apple Support UKIP ratingIP68manufacturer · high confidence
Controlled-lab claim: maximum depth of 6m for up to 30 minutes. Resistance is not permanent.
Apple Support UKPixel density460 ppimanufacturer · high confidenceApple Support UK
Native telephoto reach0×calculated · high confidence
The rear modules are main and ultra-wide. The advertised 2x mode uses the main sensor; there is no separate native telephoto module.
Apple Support UKClaimed optical-quality reach2×manufacturer · high confidence
The 2x mode is enabled by the 48MP main sensor, not a separate native telephoto lens.
Apple Support UKRear camera modules2manufacturer · high confidenceApple Support UK
8K recordingNocalculated · high confidence
Apple lists rear recording up to 4K60 Dolby Vision, not 8K.
Apple Support UKReference MSRP£899.00Apple UK
All sources4
- iPhone 16 — Original Technical Specifications, including 256GBApple Support UK · accessed 2026-09-04
- iPhone 16 — Technical SpecificationsApple UK · accessed 2026-09-04
- Buy iPhone 16 — Retained 256GB £899 reference listing, not a live offerApple UK · accessed 2026-09-04
- Apple introduces iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 PlusApple Newsroom UK · accessed 2026-09-04
Samsung Galaxy S26
256 GB · checked 4 Sept 2026
Your weighted score81.4 / 100Selected categories: Battery.
(78.76 × 0 + 81.38 × 1 + 100.00 × 0) ÷ 1
Display78.8 / 100
Uses Samsung's 2,600-nit peak, calculated pixel density from 2340×1080 / 6.3 inches and maximum adaptive 120Hz. These are published capabilities, not lab quality measurements.
Not included in your current weighted score.
medium confidence · 100% model coveragePublished peak brightnessSource value: 2600
86.67 × 40% = 34.67Manufacturer-published peak figure; not an independent measurement.
Samsung Business UKSamsung Newsroom UKPixel densitySource value: 409.08
54.54 × 35% = 19.09PPI is calculated from published full-rectangle diagonal and resolution; it is not a separately measured specification.
Samsung Business UKSamsung Newsroom UKMaximum adaptive refresh rateSource value: 120
100.00 × 25% = 25.00Samsung Business UKSamsung Newsroom UKCategory score = 34.67 + 19.09 + 25.00 = 78.76
CameraNot scored
Native zoom, camera modules and 8K support are verified below. A complete model-specific pro-workflow audit is still missing, so the v1 camera score is withheld rather than assuming unknown features are absent.
Not included in your current weighted score.
Missing: Complete verification of the four model-defined pro workflows.
Battery81.4 / 100
Uses Samsung's up-to 30-hour local-video claim and up-to-55%-in-around-30-minutes charging claim. Manufacturer test methods differ across brands.
Selected weight: 1.
low confidence · 100% model coverageManufacturer-claimed local video playbackSource value: 30
85.71 × 65% = 55.71Samsung's internal pre-release estimate uses locally stored 720p video, Bluetooth earphones and default settings over LTE; it is not mixed-use endurance.
Samsung Business UKManufacturer-claimed charging rateSource value: 1.83
73.33 × 35% = 25.67Derived from Samsung's up-to-55% in around 30 minutes with a 25W adapter. Not a sustained charging measurement.
Samsung Newsroom UKCategory score = 55.71 + 25.67 = 81.38
PerformanceNot scored
No comparable independently measured CPU/GPU and sustained-performance results are included.
Not included in your current weighted score.
Missing: Comparable CPU, GPU and sustained-performance measurements.
Longevity100.0 / 100
Samsung's seven-year security-update commitment reaches the v1 duration ceiling. This is total support from launch, not support remaining today.
Not included in your current weighted score.
high confidence · 100% model coveragePublished software-support durationSource value: 7
100.00 × 100% = 100.00Seven years from global launch; not an estimate of physical lifespan.
Samsung Newsroom UKSamsung Business UKCategory score = 100.00 = 100.00
Specifications & verification
Weight167 gmanufacturer · high confidenceSamsung Business UKSamsung Newsroom UK
Width71.7 mmmanufacturer · high confidenceSamsung Business UKSamsung Newsroom UK
Thickness7.2 mmmanufacturer · high confidenceSamsung Business UKSamsung Newsroom UK
Display size6.3 inchesmanufacturer · high confidence
Full-rectangle diagonal; actual viewable area is smaller. The model-specific specification takes precedence over the buying guide's inconsistent S26 6.2-inch table entry.
Samsung Business UKSamsung Newsroom UKPeak brightness2600 nitsmanufacturer · medium confidence
Manufacturer's FAQ lists 2,600-nit peak for both S26 and S26+; not independently measured.
Samsung Business UKClaimed video playback30 hoursmanufacturer · medium confidence
Samsung's internal pre-release estimate uses locally stored 720p video, Bluetooth earphones and default settings over LTE; it is not mixed-use endurance.
Samsung Business UKClaimed charging rate1.8333333333333333% per minutecalculated · low confidence
Derived from Samsung's up-to-55% in around 30 minutes with a 25W adapter. Not a sustained charging measurement.
55 percent divided by approximately 30 minutes.
Samsung Newsroom UKPublished total support7 yearsmanufacturer · high confidence
Seven years of security updates from launch, not seven years remaining from today. Model-specific security support is listed to 28 February 2033.
Samsung Newsroom UKSamsung Business UKWireless chargingYesmanufacturer · high confidence
Samsung publishes WPC-compatible wireless charging.
Samsung Newsroom UKReverse wireless chargingYesmanufacturer · high confidence
Published as Wireless PowerShare; subject to device compatibility and battery-level restrictions.
Samsung Newsroom UKHeadphone jackNomanufacturer · high confidence
The earjack specification is USB Type-C, not a 3.5mm socket.
Samsung Business UKExpandable storageNomanufacturer · high confidence
Samsung's model comparison marks Micro SD as N/A. Storage capacity is verified against the model-specific specification.
Samsung UKeSIM onlyNomanufacturer · high confidence
The UK model supports nano-SIM and eSIM combinations.
Samsung Business UKIP ratingIP68manufacturer · high confidence
Controlled-lab fresh-water claim: up to 1.5m for 30 minutes. Resistance is not permanent.
Samsung Newsroom UKSamsung Business UKRAM12 GBmanufacturer · high confidenceSamsung Business UKSamsung Newsroom UK
Native telephoto reach3×manufacturer · high confidenceSamsung Business UKSamsung Newsroom UK
Claimed optical-quality reach2×manufacturer · high confidence
Published Adaptive Pixel mode at 2x. A separate native telephoto lens reaches 3x; this value is the named sensor-crop mode, not maximum optical reach.
Samsung Business UKSamsung Newsroom UKRear camera modules3manufacturer · high confidenceSamsung Business UKSamsung Newsroom UK
8K recordingYesmanufacturer · high confidence
Samsung lists 8K recording at 30fps, distinct from playback capabilities.
Samsung Business UKReference MSRP£879.00Samsung Newsroom UK
All sources3
- Galaxy S26 256GB — SpecificationsSamsung Business UK · accessed 2026-09-04
- Samsung Unveils Galaxy S26 Series: The Most Intuitive Galaxy AI Phone YetSamsung Newsroom UK · accessed 2026-09-04
- Introducing the Latest Galaxy S26 SeriesSamsung UK · accessed 2026-09-04
THE BEST PHONE IS PERSONAL.
Make your next choice a clear one.
Your priorities. The real differences. All in one place.