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YOUR PHONE FACE-OFF

Apple iPhone 16 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Real specs. Clear sources.Exact variants · Checked 4 Sept 2026
Apple

iPhone 16

6.1″

UK MYED3QN/A · Teal · 128GB · A3287Full product profile
iPhone 16, back exterior, Teal finish, camera system, front exterior, all-screen design, Dynamic Island, thin black display border.Teal
PricesCheck retailers
UK
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US
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UK: no verified listing yet · checked daily

US: no verified listing yet · checked daily

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WHO EACH ONE SUITS

Choose the iPhone 16 if…

Choose the Galaxy S26 Ultra if…

Preferences from sourced specifications that differ, not a verdict.
See the 14 verified differences
Samsung

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Native 5x zoom. Built-in S Pen.

256 GB · 12 GB RAM · Cobalt Violet · UK SM-S948BZVDEUBFull product profile
Galaxy S26 Ultra in Cobalt Violet, front and rear with S PenCobalt Violet
PricesCheck retailers
UK
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US
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Search links open retailer results.

UK list price from Samsung, checked 21 Sept 2026 · not a live offer: £1,279.00Samsung source — manufacturer reference price, opens in a new tab

UK: no verified listing yet · checked daily

US: no verified listing yet · checked daily

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Affiliate links

We may earn a commission. Search results can include other models; check the exact variant and final price with the retailer.

Listed configurations: iPhone 16 128 GB, Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB. Storage is a tier you choose, not a difference between the models. Compare both at 256 GB.

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THE DIFFERENCES, MADE VISIBLE

Visual facts

Differences first. Select a topic for its graphic, sources and conditions.

How to read this comparison
How to read this comparison
  • Manufacturer facts for the exact models shown. Not a quality rating or a test result.
  • “Different” means the known values differ, not that one is better.
  • Missing or conflicting evidence is marked and never counts as a difference. Source chips hold each fact’s sources and conditions.

Not verified for either phone, so not charted: Pixel density. Missing evidence is not a difference.

SPECIFICATIONS SIDE BY SIDE6 topics
SELECTED TOPIC
01 / 06

Chip and core configuration

A different chip or core configuration is a hardware change, not a measured performance uplift.

iPhone 16A18 chip 6-core CPU with 2 performance and 4 efficiency cores 5-core GPU 16-core Neural Engine
Source 1
Galaxy S26 UltraQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy

UK Ultra launch explicitly names Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy; it is not the Exynos chip in the UK base/Plus.

Source 1
Explore the full specifications
Galaxy S26 Ultra

0.8″ larger diagonal.

Bigger is a preference, not a quality score.

iPhone 16
6.1″
Galaxy S26 Ultra
6.9″

Relative diagonals · illustrative shape, not actual size

DATA INCOMPLETE

Camera details matter.

Dedicated telephoto reach. No digital or crop zoom.

iPhone 16
Not verified
Galaxy S26 Ultra
5×

Lens illustration · not an image-quality test

WHAT CHANGES BETWEEN THEM?

Key differences

Full specifications ↓

14 verified differences, most decision-relevant first. 4 are also drawn in Visual facts above. 1 manufacturer description restating separately listed fields is grouped below. Missing information stays separate.

Chip and core configuration

In Visual facts
iPhone 16A18 chip 6-core CPU with 2 performance and 4 efficiency cores 5-core GPU 16-core Neural Engine
Galaxy S26 UltraQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy
Sources
Galaxy S26 Ultra

UK Ultra launch explicitly names Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy; it is not the Exynos chip in the UK base/Plus.

Galaxy S26 UK launch — separate Ultra and S26/S26+ tables

Different hardware. A chip name or generation does not quantify real-world performance.

Up-to local video playback

In Visual facts
iPhone 1622 hours
Galaxy S26 Ultra31 hours
Sources
iPhone 16

Manufacturer up-to claim, not measured mixed-use battery life. All battery claims depend on network configuration and many other factors; actual results will vary. Battery has limited recharge cycles and may eventually need to be replaced. Battery life and charge cycles vary by use and settings. See apple.com/uk/batteries and apple.com/uk/iphone/battery.html for more information. MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W with 30W adapter or higher. Testing conducted by Apple in August 2024 using pre‑production iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus units and software, USB‑C Charge Cable with Apple USB‑C Power Adapter (20W Model A2305), and Apple MagSafe Chargers (1‑metre Model A2580 and 2‑metre Model A3250) with Apple USB-C Power Adapter (30W Model A2164). Fast‑charge testing conducted with drained iPhone units. Times measured from the appearance of the Apple logo as the unit started up. Charge time varies with settings and environmental factors; actual results will vary. Wireless chargers sold separately.

Apple UK — iPhone 16 technical specifications
Galaxy S26 Ultra

Up-to manufacturer video estimate; test method and settings differ from Apple and OnePlus, so this does not prove cross-brand mixed-use endurance.

Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Cobalt Violet — exact UK business SKUGalaxy S26 UK launch — separate Ultra and S26/S26+ tables

Manufacturer claims for the stated mode and equipment. Read each test condition; this is not measured everyday battery life.

Manufacturer update-policy information

iPhone 16No fixed update duration is listed in this manufacturer technical source.
Galaxy S26 UltraSeven OS generations · seven years of security updates from first global launch
Sources
iPhone 16

No support years or promised major-version count are inferred. The installed operating system is listed separately.

Apple UK — iPhone 16 technical specifications
Galaxy S26 Ultra

Major-version count and total security duration remain separate; neither is years remaining or hardware lifespan.

Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Cobalt Violet — exact UK business SKU

Distinguish Android upgrades from security coverage. A total term from launch is not the support remaining from today or from purchase.

Show 8 more verified differences

Rear camera system

iPhone 16Advanced dual-camera system 48MP Fusion Main: 26mm, ƒ/1.6 aperture, sensor-shift optical image stabilisation, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP) Also enables 12MP 2x Telephoto: 52mm, ƒ/1.6 aperture, sensor-shift optical image stabilisation, 100% Focus Pixels 12MP Ultra Wide: 13mm, ƒ/2.2 aperture and 120° field of view, 100% Focus Pixels 2x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out; 4x optical zoom range Digital zoom up to 10x Camera Control Sapphire crystal lens cover True Tone flash Photonic Engine Deep Fusion Smart HDR 5 Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control Portrait Lighting with six effects Night mode Panorama (up to 63MP) Spatial photos Macro photography Wide colour capture for photos and Live Photos Lens correction (Ultra Wide) Advanced red-eye correction Auto image stabilisation Burst mode Photo geotagging Image formats captured: HEIF and JPEG
Galaxy S26 Ultra200 MP main · 50 MP ultra-wide · 50 MP 5× telephoto · 10 MP 3× telephoto
Sources
Galaxy S26 Ultra

Physical lenses are individually identified by the launch table. Cropped optical-quality modes are not extra modules.

Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Cobalt Violet — exact UK business SKUGalaxy S26 UK launch — separate Ultra and S26/S26+ tables

Compare the camera hardware and recording modes. Matching megapixels or zoom do not mean identical cameras.

Manufacturer display specification

iPhone 16Super Retina XDR display 6.1-inch (diagonal) all-screen OLED display 2556x1179-pixel resolution at 460 ppi Dynamic Island HDR display True Tone Wide colour (P3) Haptic Touch 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio (typical) 1,000 nits max brightness (typical); 1,600 nits peak brightness (HDR); 2,000 nits peak brightness (outdoor); 1 nit minimum brightness Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating Support for display of multiple languages and characters simultaneously The iPhone 16 display has rounded corners that follow a beautiful curved design, and these corners are within a standard rectangle. When measured as a standard rectangular shape, the screen is 6.12 inches diagonally (actual viewable area is less).
Galaxy S26 Ultra6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X · 3120 × 1440 · adaptive up to 120 Hz
Sources
Galaxy S26 Ultra

Exact model diagonal and pixel dimensions; shared adaptive-range claim is from the named UK launch table.

Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Cobalt Violet — exact UK business SKUGalaxy S26 UK launch — separate Ultra and S26/S26+ tables

Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.

Manufacturer battery and charging claims

iPhone 16Video playback Up to 22 hours Video playback (streamed) Up to 18 hours Audio playback Up to 80 hours; Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery Fast-charge capable: Up to 50% charge in around 30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher paired with USB-C charging cable, or 30W adapter or higher paired with MagSafe Charger (all available separately)
Galaxy S26 Ultra5000 mAh typical · up to 31 hours local video · up to 75% charge in around 30 minutes with a 60 W adapter
Sources
iPhone 16

All battery claims depend on network configuration and many other factors; actual results will vary. Battery has limited recharge cycles and may eventually need to be replaced. Battery life and charge cycles vary by use and settings. See apple.com/uk/batteries and apple.com/uk/iphone/battery.html for more information. MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W with 30W adapter or higher. Testing conducted by Apple in August 2024 using pre‑production iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus units and software, USB‑C Charge Cable with Apple USB‑C Power Adapter (20W Model A2305), and Apple MagSafe Chargers (1‑metre Model A2580 and 2‑metre Model A3250) with Apple USB-C Power Adapter (30W Model A2164). Fast‑charge testing conducted with drained iPhone units. Times measured from the appearance of the Apple logo as the unit started up. Charge time varies with settings and environmental factors; actual results will vary. Wireless chargers sold separately.

Apple UK — iPhone 16 technical specifications
Galaxy S26 Ultra

Typical capacity, playback and charge endpoint are different manufacturer claims. Adapter power is not maximum handset input or sustained measured power.

Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Cobalt Violet — exact UK business SKUGalaxy S26 UK launch — separate Ultra and S26/S26+ tables

Manufacturer claims for the stated mode and equipment. Read each test condition; this is not measured everyday battery life.

Front camera specification

iPhone 1612MP camera ƒ/1.9 aperture Autofocus with Focus Pixels Retina Flash Photonic Engine Deep Fusion Smart HDR 5 Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control Portrait Lighting with six effects Animoji and Memoji Night mode Wide colour capture for photos and Live Photos Lens correction Auto image stabilisation Burst mode 4K Dolby Vision video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps 1080p Dolby Vision video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps Cinematic mode up to 4K Dolby Vision at 30 fps Slo-mo video support for 1080p at 120 fps Time-lapse video with stabilisation Night mode Time-lapse QuickTake video up to 4K at 60 fps in Dolby Vision Cinematic video stabilisation (4K, 1080p and 720p) Spatial Audio and stereo recording Wind noise reduction Audio Mix
Galaxy S26 Ultra12 MP · f/2.2 · autofocus
Sources
Galaxy S26 Ultra

The separate Front Camera rows identify pixels, aperture and autofocus.

Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Cobalt Violet — exact UK business SKU

Compare the camera hardware and recording modes. Matching megapixels or zoom do not mean identical cameras.

Manufacturer wording of separate fields (1)

Combined manufacturer descriptions whose values are listed as separate differences. Kept here so every verified difference stays in one list.

Small physical differences (1)
Configuration & compatibility details (4)

Selected storage; RAM remains unlisted

iPhone 16128 GB storage; RAM capacity is not listed by the manufacturer.
Galaxy S26 Ultra12 GB RAM · 256 GB storage
Sources
Galaxy S26 Ultra

Exact selected SKU table; neither 16 GB / 1 TB Ultra nor another capacity is substituted.

Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Cobalt Violet — exact UK business SKU

A configuration choice: the storage tier of each exact variant compared. Most models are sold in several tiers, so this is not a difference between the models.

Exact UK hardware, SIM and cellular specification

iPhone 16UK A3287; Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM) Dual eSIM support Learn more about eSIM Learn more about travelling with eSIM; Model A3287 * FDD-5G NR (Bands n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n20, n25, n26, n28, n30, n66, n70, n75, n76) TDD-5G NR (Bands n38, n40, n41, n48, n53, n77, n78, n79) FDD-LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 66) TDD-LTE (Bands 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 53) UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz) GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz) 5G (sub-6GHz) with 4x4 MIMO Gigabit LTE with 4x4 MIMO and LAA Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO Bluetooth 5.3 Apple second-generation Ultra Wideband chip Thread networking technology NFC with reader mode Express Cards with Power Reserve
Galaxy S26 UltraUK SM-S948BZVDEUB · 12 GB / 256 GB · nano-SIM + eSIM
Sources
iPhone 16

* To identify your iPhone model number, see support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201296 . For details on 5G and LTE support, contact your network provider and see apple.com/uk/iphone/cellular . Mobile data technology support is based on iPhone model number and configuration for GSM networks. Data plan required. 5G, Gigabit LTE, VoLTE and Wi‑Fi calling are available in selected markets and through selected network providers. Speeds are based on theoretical throughput and vary based on site conditions and network. For details on 5G and LTE support, contact your provider and see apple.com/uk/iphone/cellular . Wi‑Fi 7 available in countries and regions where supported. Ultra Wideband availability varies by region.

Apple UK — iPhone 16 technical specifications
Galaxy S26 Ultra

Actual retrieved selected-SKU response, not a guessed order code. Identity does not establish current stock or carrier compatibility.

Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Cobalt Violet — exact UK business SKU

These descriptions or measurements differ. Wording alone does not establish a different capability; check the exact configuration.

UK model wireless capabilities

iPhone 16Model A3287 * FDD-5G NR (Bands n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n20, n25, n26, n28, n30, n66, n70, n75, n76) TDD-5G NR (Bands n38, n40, n41, n48, n53, n77, n78, n79) FDD-LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 66) TDD-LTE (Bands 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 53) UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz) GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz) 5G (sub-6GHz) with 4x4 MIMO Gigabit LTE with 4x4 MIMO and LAA Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO Bluetooth 5.3 Apple second-generation Ultra Wideband chip Thread networking technology NFC with reader mode Express Cards with Power Reserve
Galaxy S26 UltraWi-Fi 7 · Bluetooth 6.0 · NFC · UWB
Sources
iPhone 16

* To identify your iPhone model number, see support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201296 . For details on 5G and LTE support, contact your network provider and see apple.com/uk/iphone/cellular . Mobile data technology support is based on iPhone model number and configuration for GSM networks. Data plan required. 5G, Gigabit LTE, VoLTE and Wi‑Fi calling are available in selected markets and through selected network providers. Speeds are based on theoretical throughput and vary based on site conditions and network. For details on 5G and LTE support, contact your provider and see apple.com/uk/iphone/cellular . Wi‑Fi 7 available in countries and regions where supported. Ultra Wideband availability varies by region.

Apple UK — iPhone 16 technical specifications
Galaxy S26 Ultra

Exact SKU connectivity rows. S26 Bluetooth5.4 is not replaced with Plus/Ultra6.0; regulatory/provider/equipment limits apply.

Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Cobalt Violet — exact UK business SKU

An exact-variant identifier or regional network listing, not a difference in capability. Check the bands and model code for your carrier and region.

Missing or non-comparable evidence (57)

Main-camera aperture control

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 UltraFixed f/1.4
Sources
iPhone 16

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Aperture is matched to the named Wide lens, not another row or telephoto aperture.

Galaxy S26 UK launch — separate Ultra and S26/S26+ tables

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Ordinary rear 4K recording maximum

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 UltraNot verified
Sources
iPhone 16

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

The table lists UHD120 under Slow Motion, not ordinary rear 4K capture. A normal-mode maximum needs additional mode-specific evidence.

Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Cobalt Violet — exact UK business SKU

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Front 4K recording maximum

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 UltraNot verified
Sources
iPhone 16

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

General Video Recording Resolution does not establish the front-camera maximum.

Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Cobalt Violet — exact UK business SKU

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Main camera optical stabilisation

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 UltraNot verified
Sources
iPhone 16

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

The exact SKU table gives rear-system OIS but does not attach it to every lens. Lens-specific proof remains separate.

Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Cobalt Violet — exact UK business SKU

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Rear-system optical stabilisation

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 UltraYes
Sources
iPhone 16

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Explicit rear-system Yes; not proof every lens has OIS.

Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Cobalt Violet — exact UK business SKU

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Rear camera autofocus

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 UltraYes
Sources
iPhone 16

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Explicit rear-system autofocus; no focus-speed score is inferred.

Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Cobalt Violet — exact UK business SKU

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Front camera optical stabilisation

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 UltraNot verified
Sources
iPhone 16

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Rear-system OIS is not transferred to the front lens.

Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Cobalt Violet — exact UK business SKU

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Typical battery capacity

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 Ultra5000 mAh
Sources
iPhone 16

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Direct typical capacity, separate from rated minimum.

Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Cobalt Violet — exact UK business SKU

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Maximum wired charging power

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 UltraNot verified
Sources
iPhone 16

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

60 W is the named adapter in the source test; a maximum sustained handset-input value is not established by that requirement.

Galaxy S26 UK launch — separate Ultra and S26/S26+ tables

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Time to 50% wired charge

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 UltraNot verified
Sources
iPhone 16

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

The source publishes a different endpoint. It does not establish a 0–50% time, and no linear interpolation is used.

Galaxy S26 UK launch — separate Ultra and S26/S26+ tables

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Storage technology

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 UltraNot verified
Sources
iPhone 16

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

The exact SKU table does not identify a UFS version.

Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Cobalt Violet — exact UK business SKU

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Expandable storage

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 UltraNo
Sources
iPhone 16

Not verified for this exact model.

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Samsung's UK comparison table marks Micro SD as N/A.

Introducing the Latest Galaxy S26 Series

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

eSIM support

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 UltraYes
Sources
iPhone 16

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Explicit embedded-SIM and mixed/dual-eSIM arrangements; provider support remains separate.

Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Cobalt Violet — exact UK business SKU

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Published support term

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 Ultra7 years
Sources
iPhone 16

Not verified for this exact model.

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Seven years from first global launch, not seven years from purchase.

Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Cobalt Violet — exact UK business SKU

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Promised OS version upgrades

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 Ultra7
Sources
iPhone 16

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Seven generations of OS updates; not the same quantity as years of support.

Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Cobalt Violet — exact UK business SKU

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Wi-Fi

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 UltraWi-Fi 7 · Wi-Fi Direct
Sources
iPhone 16

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Wi-Fi 7 requires a compatible router and suitable network conditions; no measured throughput is implied.

Samsung Unveils Galaxy S26 Series: The Most Intuitive Galaxy AI Phone Yet

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Bluetooth

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 Ultra6.0
Sources
iPhone 16

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Galaxy S26 Ultra specification, not the adjacent S26 or S26+ columns. Version alone does not establish every optional profile.

Samsung Unveils Galaxy S26 Series: The Most Intuitive Galaxy AI Phone Yet

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

APV 8K maximum

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 Ultra30 fps
Sources
iPhone 16

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Source APV maximum is up to8K30, kept separate from generic rear recording and external-storage requirements.

Samsung APV capture, Log/HDR and external recording — Galaxy S26 Ultra

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

APV video capture

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 UltraYes
Sources
iPhone 16

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Explicit Ultra support, not a cross-platform review score or a claim all cameras/modes support every format.

Samsung APV capture, Log/HDR and external recording — Galaxy S26 Ultra

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Bluetooth version

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 Ultra6.0
Sources
iPhone 16

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Exact model row, not a family-wide substitution.

Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Cobalt Violet — exact UK business SKU

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Published wired charge test duration

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 Ultra30 minutes
Sources
iPhone 16

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Around 30 minutes for the stated endpoint, not a comparable 50%-charge time.

Galaxy S26 UK launch — separate Ultra and S26/S26+ tables

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Published wired charge endpoint

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 Ultra75%
Sources
iPhone 16

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Up-to endpoint in around 30 minutes with a 60 W compatible adapter; mode, start-state and screen conditions remain source-specific.

Galaxy S26 UK launch — separate Ultra and S26/S26+ tables

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Published CPU clock groups

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 Ultra4.74 GHz · 3.6 GHz
Sources
iPhone 16

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Multiple clock groups, not a sustained all-core clock or benchmark.

Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Cobalt Violet — exact UK business SKU

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Published CPU core count

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 Ultra8
Sources
iPhone 16

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Exact SKU table; core count alone is not performance.

Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Cobalt Violet — exact UK business SKU

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Samsung DeX support

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 UltraYes
Sources
iPhone 16

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Exact SKU services table says Yes; display, cable and software setup requirements remain.

Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Cobalt Violet — exact UK business SKU

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Dual eSIM support

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 UltraYes
Sources
iPhone 16

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Explicit SIM Slot Type includes Dual eSIM.

Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Cobalt Violet — exact UK business SKU

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

eSIM only

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 UltraNo
Sources
iPhone 16

Not verified for this exact model.

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Explicit physical Nano-SIM support.

Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Cobalt Violet — exact UK business SKU

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

External USB video recording

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 UltraYes
Sources
iPhone 16

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

APV article explicitly provides Save to External Storage instructions; compatible USB media and mode requirements still apply.

Samsung APV capture, Log/HDR and external recording — Galaxy S26 Ultra

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Headphone jack

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 UltraNo
Sources
iPhone 16

Not verified for this exact model.

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Earjack is explicitly USB Type-C; this is retained as a derived connector interpretation rather than native analogue-jack support.

Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Cobalt Violet — exact UK business SKU

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Ingress protection

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 UltraIP68
Sources
iPhone 16

Not verified for this exact model.

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Controlled submersion up to 1.5 m freshwater for 30 minutes; resistance can diminish and is not a permanent waterproof guarantee.

Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Cobalt Violet — exact UK business SKU

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Log recording

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 UltraAPV Log
Sources
iPhone 16

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Camera APV format offers APV HDR or APV Log. These are distinct controls, not an inferred proprietary log workflow on every model.

Samsung APV capture, Log/HDR and external recording — Galaxy S26 Ultra

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

RAM technology

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 UltraNot verified
Sources
iPhone 16

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

The exact SKU table does not identify the LPDDR generation.

Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Cobalt Violet — exact UK business SKU

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Published minimum battery endurance cycles

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 Ultra1200 cycles
Sources
iPhone 16

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Manufacturer eco-design cycles; this retained table does not specify the capacity-retention threshold. No percentage is invented.

Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Cobalt Violet — exact UK business SKU

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Panel technology

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 UltraDynamic AMOLED 2X
Sources
iPhone 16

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Explicit panel designation, without independent motion or contrast claims.

Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Cobalt Violet — exact UK business SKU

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Published peak brightness

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 Ultra2600 nits
Sources
iPhone 16

Not verified for this exact model.

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Manufacturer-published peak, not an independent measurement.

Introducing the Latest Galaxy S26 Series

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Pixel density

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 UltraNot verified
Sources
iPhone 16

Not verified for this exact model.

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Not verified for this exact model.

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Built-in Privacy Display

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 UltraYes
Sources
iPhone 16

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Samsung explicitly says only on Galaxy S26 Ultra. Manual activation, viewing-angle effects and residual visibility limits apply; it is not an AI feature or a privacy guarantee.

Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Cobalt Violet — exact UK business SKU

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Rated minimum battery capacity

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 Ultra4855 mAh
Sources
iPhone 16

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

The manufacturer footnote separately identifies this model’s rated/minimum capacity.

Galaxy S26 UK launch — separate Ultra and S26/S26+ tables

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Rear camera modules

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 Ultra4
Sources
iPhone 16

Not verified for this exact model.

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Named physical camera inventory; optical-quality crops are not extra cameras.

Galaxy S26 UK launch — separate Ultra and S26/S26+ tables

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Rear 8K recording maximum

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 Ultra30 fps
Sources
iPhone 16

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Camera capture maximum, separate from playback-only 8K60 in Audio and Video.

Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Cobalt Violet — exact UK business SKU

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

User-removable battery

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 UltraNo
Sources
iPhone 16

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

The exact table explicitly states Removable No.

Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Cobalt Violet — exact UK business SKU

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Reverse wireless charging

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 UltraYes
Sources
iPhone 16

Not verified for this exact model.

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Explicit support with Qi/accessory limits; may fail below 30% battery or with certain cases/devices and can affect reception.

Galaxy S26 UK launch — separate Ultra and S26/S26+ tables

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Published security update end date

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 Ultra2033-02-28
Sources
iPhone 16

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Exact model-specific Valid until date, without calculating a support-start date from it.

Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Cobalt Violet — exact UK business SKU

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Manufacturer-listed sensors

iPhone 16Face ID Barometer High dynamic range gyro High-g accelerometer Proximity sensor Dual ambient light sensors
Galaxy S26 UltraNot verified
Sources
Galaxy S26 Ultra

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Stereo support

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 UltraYes
Sources
iPhone 16

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Explicit stereo support; not a measured audio-quality score.

Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Cobalt Violet — exact UK business SKU

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

S Pen support

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 UltraYes
Sources
iPhone 16

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Exact SKU display table explicitly says S Pen Support Yes. No remote/Bluetooth feature is inferred.

Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Cobalt Violet — exact UK business SKU

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Thermal design

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 UltraVapour chamber with thermal interface material along the processor sides
Sources
iPhone 16

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Published construction, not a measured temperature or sustained-performance advantage.

Samsung Unveils Galaxy S26 Series: The Most Intuitive Galaxy AI Phone Yet

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Promised update duration

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 UltraNot verified
Sources
iPhone 16

Not listed for this exact UK configuration by the cited manufacturer specifications.

Apple UK — iPhone 16 technical specifications
Galaxy S26 Ultra

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

US model distinction

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 UltraNot verified
Sources
iPhone 16

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

This UK SKU does not establish an exact US SKU, chipset, radio or warranty configuration.

Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Cobalt Violet — exact UK business SKU

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

8K recording

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 UltraYes
Sources
iPhone 16

Not verified for this exact model.

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

The capture row explicitly lists UHD8K at 30 fps.

Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Cobalt Violet — exact UK business SKU

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Wireless charging

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 UltraYes
Sources
iPhone 16

Not verified for this exact model.

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Named wireless charging support with WPC-compatible equipment, not a guaranteed charging rate.

Galaxy S26 UK launch — separate Ultra and S26/S26+ tables

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Published wireless charging maximum

iPhone 16Not verified
Galaxy S26 UltraNot verified
Sources
iPhone 16

No source recorded for this side.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Named wireless charging generation is not a numeric wattage. No number is inferred from an accessory rating.

Galaxy S26 UK launch — separate Ultra and S26/S26+ tables

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

1 shared field has the same recorded value.

COMPARE THE DETAILS

Full specifications

All specs79 specificationsiPhone 16Galaxy S26 Ultra
WeightDiffers
Sources
170g
Manufacturer device mass
214g
Exact UK device mass, not parcel or differently configured mass.
WidthDiffers
Sources
71.6mm
Manufacturer width
78.1mm
Labelled width; larger is not automatically preferable.
ThicknessDiffers
Sources
7.8mm
Manufacturer thickness
7.9mm
Labelled depth, without an invented camera-bump measurement.
DimensionsDiffers
Sources
Width: 71.6 mm; Height: 147.6 mm; Depth: 7.80 mmExact selected UK model; axis labels retained.
163.6 × 78.1 × 7.9 mm (height × width × depth)Uses the labelled SKU table HxWxD order, not launch width-first positions.
Manufacturer finish
Sources
Galaxy S26 UltraNo source recorded
Teal
Not verified
Form factor
Sources
slab
slabExplicit Touchscreen Bar form.
HeightDiffers
Sources
147.6 mm
163.6 mmLabelled height.
Thermal design
Sources
Not verified
Vapour chamber with thermal interface material along the processor sidesPublished construction, not a measured temperature or sustained-performance advantage.
Screen sizeDiffers
Sources
6.1″
Manufacturer marketed display diagonal · Manufacturer marketed diagonal; rounded corners and actual viewable area are described in the complete display specification.
6.9″
Full-rectangle advertised diagonal; rounded corners and camera hole reduce viewable area.
Published peak brightnessManufacturer peak claims use different test conditions.
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verifiedNot verified for this exact model.
2600 nitsManufacturer-published peak, not an independent measurement.
Maximum refresh rate
Sources
Not verifiedNot verified for this exact model.
120HzUp-to adaptive 120 Hz; not a constant refresh rate or response-time result.
Display specificationDiffers
Sources
Super Retina XDR display 6.1-inch (diagonal) all-screen OLED display 2556x1179-pixel resolution at 460 ppi Dynamic Island HDR display True Tone Wide colour (P3) Haptic Touch 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio (typical) 1,000 nits max brightness (typical); 1,600 nits peak brightness (HDR); 2,000 nits peak brightness (outdoor); 1 nit minimum brightness Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating Support for display of multiple languages and characters simultaneously The iPhone 16 display has rounded corners that follow a beautiful curved design, and these corners are within a standard rectangle. When measured as a standard rectangular shape, the screen is 6.12 inches diagonally (actual viewable area is less).
6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X · 3120 × 1440 · adaptive up to 120 HzExact model diagonal and pixel dimensions; shared adaptive-range claim is from the named UK launch table.
Display resolutionDiffers
Sources
2556 × 1179
3120 × 1440Exact model pixel dimensions; FHD+ and QHD+ remain different tiers.
Built-in Privacy Display
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verified
YesSamsung explicitly says only on Galaxy S26 Ultra. Manual activation, viewing-angle effects and residual visibility limits apply; it is not an AI feature or a privacy guarantee.
Native telephoto reach
Sources
Not verifiedNot verified for this exact model.
5×Dedicated telephoto reach · Native optical lens maximum, separate from optical-quality crop reach.
Rear camera modules
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verifiedNot verified for this exact model.
4Named physical camera inventory; optical-quality crops are not extra cameras.
8K video recording
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verified8K recording · Not verified for this exact model.
Yes8K recording · The capture row explicitly lists UHD8K at 30 fps.
Camera systemDiffers
Sources
Advanced dual-camera system 48MP Fusion Main: 26mm, ƒ/1.6 aperture, sensor-shift optical image stabilisation, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP) Also enables 12MP 2x Telephoto: 52mm, ƒ/1.6 aperture, sensor-shift optical image stabilisation, 100% Focus Pixels 12MP Ultra Wide: 13mm, ƒ/2.2 aperture and 120° field of view, 100% Focus Pixels 2x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out; 4x optical zoom range Digital zoom up to 10x Camera Control Sapphire crystal lens cover True Tone flash Photonic Engine Deep Fusion Smart HDR 5 Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control Portrait Lighting with six effects Night mode Panorama (up to 63MP) Spatial photos Macro photography Wide colour capture for photos and Live Photos Lens correction (Ultra Wide) Advanced red-eye correction Auto image stabilisation Burst mode Photo geotagging Image formats captured: HEIF and JPEG
200 MP main · 50 MP ultra-wide · 50 MP 5× telephoto · 10 MP 3× telephotoPhysical lenses are individually identified by the launch table. Cropped optical-quality modes are not extra modules.
Front cameraDiffers
Sources
12MP camera ƒ/1.9 aperture Autofocus with Focus Pixels Retina Flash Photonic Engine Deep Fusion Smart HDR 5 Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control Portrait Lighting with six effects Animoji and Memoji Night mode Wide colour capture for photos and Live Photos Lens correction Auto image stabilisation Burst mode 4K Dolby Vision video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps 1080p Dolby Vision video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps Cinematic mode up to 4K Dolby Vision at 30 fps Slo-mo video support for 1080p at 120 fps Time-lapse video with stabilisation Night mode Time-lapse QuickTake video up to 4K at 60 fps in Dolby Vision Cinematic video stabilisation (4K, 1080p and 720p) Spatial Audio and stereo recording Wind noise reduction Audio Mix
12 MP · f/2.2 · autofocusThe separate Front Camera rows identify pixels, aperture and autofocus.
Optical-quality reach
Sources
Not verifiedNot verified for this exact model.
10×Main-sensor/crop claim, not an additional native lens.
Main-camera aperture control
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verified
Fixed f/1.4Aperture is matched to the named Wide lens, not another row or telephoto aperture.
Rear-system optical stabilisation
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verified
YesExplicit rear-system Yes; not proof every lens has OIS.
Rear camera autofocus
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verified
YesExplicit rear-system autofocus; no focus-speed score is inferred.
Front camera autofocus
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verified
YesExplicit front autofocus Yes.
Rear 8K recording maximum
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verified
30 fpsCamera capture maximum, separate from playback-only 8K60 in Audio and Video.
Claimed video playbackUp-to manufacturer claims. Playback protocols differ.Differs
Sources
22 hours
Up-to local video playback · Manufacturer up-to claim, not measured mixed-use battery life. All battery claims depend on network configuration and many other factors; actual results will vary. Battery has limited recharge cycles and may eventually need to be replaced. Battery life and charge cycles vary by use and settings. See apple.com/uk/batteries and apple.com/uk/iphone/battery.html for more information. MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W with 30W adapter or higher. Testing conducted by Apple in August 2024 using pre‑production iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus units and software, USB‑C Charge Cable with Apple USB‑C Power Adapter (20W Model A2305), and Apple MagSafe Chargers (1‑metre Model A2580 and 2‑metre Model A3250) with Apple USB-C Power Adapter (30W Model A2164). Fast‑charge testing conducted with drained iPhone units. Times measured from the appearance of the Apple logo as the unit started up. Charge time varies with settings and environmental factors; actual results will vary. Wireless chargers sold separately.
31 hours
Published local-video playback · Up-to manufacturer video estimate; test method and settings differ from Apple and OnePlus, so this does not prove cross-brand mixed-use endurance.
Wireless charging
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verifiedNot verified for this exact model.
YesNamed wireless charging support with WPC-compatible equipment, not a guaranteed charging rate.
Battery and chargingDiffers
Sources
Video playback Up to 22 hours Video playback (streamed) Up to 18 hours Audio playback Up to 80 hours; Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery Fast-charge capable: Up to 50% charge in around 30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher paired with USB-C charging cable, or 30W adapter or higher paired with MagSafe Charger (all available separately)All battery claims depend on network configuration and many other factors; actual results will vary. Battery has limited recharge cycles and may eventually need to be replaced. Battery life and charge cycles vary by use and settings. See apple.com/uk/batteries and apple.com/uk/iphone/battery.html for more information. MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W with 30W adapter or higher. Testing conducted by Apple in August 2024 using pre‑production iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus units and software, USB‑C Charge Cable with Apple USB‑C Power Adapter (20W Model A2305), and Apple MagSafe Chargers (1‑metre Model A2580 and 2‑metre Model A3250) with Apple USB-C Power Adapter (30W Model A2164). Fast‑charge testing conducted with drained iPhone units. Times measured from the appearance of the Apple logo as the unit started up. Charge time varies with settings and environmental factors; actual results will vary. Wireless chargers sold separately.
5000 mAh typical · up to 31 hours local video · up to 75% charge in around 30 minutes with a 60 W adapterTypical capacity, playback and charge endpoint are different manufacturer claims. Adapter power is not maximum handset input or sustained measured power.
Wireless PowerShare
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verifiedNot verified for this exact model.
YesExplicit support with Qi/accessory limits; may fail below 30% battery or with certain cases/devices and can affect reception.
Typical battery capacity
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verified
5000 mAhDirect typical capacity, separate from rated minimum.
Rated minimum battery capacity
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verified
4855 mAhThe manufacturer footnote separately identifies this model’s rated/minimum capacity.
Published wired charge endpoint
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verified
75%Up-to endpoint in around 30 minutes with a 60 W compatible adapter; mode, start-state and screen conditions remain source-specific.
Published wired charge test duration
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verified
30 minutesAround 30 minutes for the stated endpoint, not a comparable 50%-charge time.
User-removable battery
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verified
NoThe exact table explicitly states Removable No.
Published minimum battery endurance cycles
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verified
1200 cyclesManufacturer eco-design cycles; this retained table does not specify the capacity-retention threshold. No percentage is invented.
Published support term
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verifiedNot verified for this exact model.
7 yearsPublished security update term · Seven years from first global launch, not seven years from purchase.
Update supportDiffers
Sources
No fixed update duration is listed in this manufacturer technical source.No support years or promised major-version count are inferred. The installed operating system is listed separately.
Seven OS generations · seven years of security updates from first global launchMajor-version count and total security duration remain separate; neither is years remaining or hardware lifespan.
Launch operating systemDiffers
Sources
iOS 26
Android 16 · One UI 8.5Launch table wording, not a claim about the latest available or installed release.
Promised OS version upgrades
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verified
7Seven generations of OS updates; not the same quantity as years of support.
S Pen support
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verified
YesExact SKU display table explicitly says S Pen Support Yes. No remote/Bluetooth feature is inferred.
ChipsetDiffers
Sources
A18 chip 6-core CPU with 2 performance and 4 efficiency cores 5-core GPU 16-core Neural Engine
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for GalaxyUK Ultra launch explicitly names Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy; it is not the Exynos chip in the UK base/Plus.
RAM and storage configurationConfiguration
Sources
128 GB storage; RAM capacity is not listed by the manufacturer.
12 GB RAM · 256 GB storageExact selected SKU table; neither 16 GB / 1 TB Ultra nor another capacity is substituted.
Compared regional modelConfiguration
Sources
UK A3287; Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM) Dual eSIM support Learn more about eSIM Learn more about travelling with eSIM; Model A3287 * FDD-5G NR (Bands n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n20, n25, n26, n28, n30, n66, n70, n75, n76) TDD-5G NR (Bands n38, n40, n41, n48, n53, n77, n78, n79) FDD-LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 66) TDD-LTE (Bands 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 53) UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz) GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz) 5G (sub-6GHz) with 4x4 MIMO Gigabit LTE with 4x4 MIMO and LAA Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO Bluetooth 5.3 Apple second-generation Ultra Wideband chip Thread networking technology NFC with reader mode Express Cards with Power Reserve* To identify your iPhone model number, see support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201296 . For details on 5G and LTE support, contact your network provider and see apple.com/uk/iphone/cellular . Mobile data technology support is based on iPhone model number and configuration for GSM networks. Data plan required. 5G, Gigabit LTE, VoLTE and Wi‑Fi calling are available in selected markets and through selected network providers. Speeds are based on theoretical throughput and vary based on site conditions and network. For details on 5G and LTE support, contact your provider and see apple.com/uk/iphone/cellular . Wi‑Fi 7 available in countries and regions where supported. Ultra Wideband availability varies by region.
UK SM-S948BZVDEUB · 12 GB / 256 GB · nano-SIM + eSIMActual retrieved selected-SKU response, not a guessed order code. Identity does not establish current stock or carrier compatibility.
Storage capacityConfiguration
Sources
128 GB
256 GBExplicit internal capacity; available free space changes with software.
RAM capacity
Sources
Not verifiedNot listed for this exact UK configuration by the cited manufacturer specifications.
12 GBExplicit Memory_(GB), distinct from storage.
Wireless connectivityConfiguration
Sources
Model A3287 * FDD-5G NR (Bands n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n20, n25, n26, n28, n30, n66, n70, n75, n76) TDD-5G NR (Bands n38, n40, n41, n48, n53, n77, n78, n79) FDD-LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 66) TDD-LTE (Bands 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 53) UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz) GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz) 5G (sub-6GHz) with 4x4 MIMO Gigabit LTE with 4x4 MIMO and LAA Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO Bluetooth 5.3 Apple second-generation Ultra Wideband chip Thread networking technology NFC with reader mode Express Cards with Power Reserve* To identify your iPhone model number, see support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201296 . For details on 5G and LTE support, contact your network provider and see apple.com/uk/iphone/cellular . Mobile data technology support is based on iPhone model number and configuration for GSM networks. Data plan required. 5G, Gigabit LTE, VoLTE and Wi‑Fi calling are available in selected markets and through selected network providers. Speeds are based on theoretical throughput and vary based on site conditions and network. For details on 5G and LTE support, contact your provider and see apple.com/uk/iphone/cellular . Wi‑Fi 7 available in countries and regions where supported. Ultra Wideband availability varies by region.
Wi-Fi 7 · Bluetooth 6.0 · NFC · UWBExact SKU connectivity rows. S26 Bluetooth5.4 is not replaced with Plus/Ultra6.0; regulatory/provider/equipment limits apply.
USB connector and data transferDiffers
Sources
USB-C connector with support for: Charging DisplayPort USB 2 (up to 480Mb/s)
USB-C · USB 3.2 Gen 1Exact connector and USB generation. No measured transfer rate, USB 3.2 Gen 2 or supplied cable speed is inferred.
Manufacturer-listed sensors
Sources
Galaxy S26 UltraNo source recorded
Face ID Barometer High dynamic range gyro High-g accelerometer Proximity sensor Dual ambient light sensors
Not verified
3.5 mm headphone jack
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verifiedNot verified for this exact model.
NoEarjack is explicitly USB Type-C; this is retained as a derived connector interpretation rather than native analogue-jack support.
Expandable storage
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verifiedNot verified for this exact model.
NoSamsung's UK comparison table marks Micro SD as N/A.
eSIM only (UK configuration)
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verifiedNot verified for this exact model.
NoExplicit physical Nano-SIM support.
Ingress protection claim
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verifiedNot verified for this exact model.
IP68Controlled submersion up to 1.5 m freshwater for 30 minutes; resistance can diminish and is not a permanent waterproof guarantee.
Wi-Fi
Sources
Not verified
Wi-Fi 7 · Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 7 requires a compatible router and suitable network conditions; no measured throughput is implied.
Bluetooth
Sources
Not verified
6.0Galaxy S26 Ultra specification, not the adjacent S26 or S26+ columns. Version alone does not establish every optional profile.
Published CPU core count
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verified
8Exact SKU table; core count alone is not performance.
Published CPU clock groups
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verified
4.74 GHz · 3.6 GHzMultiple clock groups, not a sustained all-core clock or benchmark.
Published security update end date
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verified
2033-02-28Exact model-specific Valid until date, without calculating a support-start date from it.
Panel technology
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verified
Dynamic AMOLED 2XExplicit panel designation, without independent motion or contrast claims.
Bluetooth version
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verified
6.0Exact model row, not a family-wide substitution.
eSIM support
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verified
YesExplicit embedded-SIM and mixed/dual-eSIM arrangements; provider support remains separate.
Dual eSIM support
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verified
YesExplicit SIM Slot Type includes Dual eSIM.
Stereo support
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verified
YesExplicit stereo support; not a measured audio-quality score.
Samsung DeX support
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verified
YesExact SKU services table says Yes; display, cable and software setup requirements remain.
APV video capture
Sources
Not verified
YesExplicit Ultra support, not a cross-platform review score or a claim all cameras/modes support every format.
APV 8K maximum
Sources
Not verified
30 fpsSource APV maximum is up to8K30, kept separate from generic rear recording and external-storage requirements.
Log recording
Sources
Not verified
APV LogCamera APV format offers APV HDR or APV Log. These are distinct controls, not an inferred proprietary log workflow on every model.
External USB video recording
Sources
Not verified
YesAPV article explicitly provides Save to External Storage instructions; compatible USB media and mode requirements still apply.
Show unverified (12)Not verified or conflicting for both phones. Kept for completeness; never counted as a difference.
Pixel density
Not verifiedNot verified for this exact model.
Not verifiedNot verified for this exact model.
Promised update duration
Sources
Galaxy S26 UltraNo source recorded
Not verifiedNot listed for this exact UK configuration by the cited manufacturer specifications.
Not verified
RAM technology
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verified
Not verifiedThe exact SKU table does not identify the LPDDR generation.
Storage technology
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verified
Not verifiedThe exact SKU table does not identify a UFS version.
US model distinction
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verified
Not verifiedThis UK SKU does not establish an exact US SKU, chipset, radio or warranty configuration.
Time to 50% wired charge
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verified
Not verifiedThe source publishes a different endpoint. It does not establish a 0–50% time, and no linear interpolation is used.
Maximum wired charging power
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verified
Not verified60 W is the named adapter in the source test; a maximum sustained handset-input value is not established by that requirement.
Published wireless charging maximum
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verified
Not verifiedNamed wireless charging generation is not a numeric wattage. No number is inferred from an accessory rating.
Main camera optical stabilisation
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verified
Not verifiedThe exact SKU table gives rear-system OIS but does not attach it to every lens. Lens-specific proof remains separate.
Front camera optical stabilisation
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verified
Not verifiedRear-system OIS is not transferred to the front lens.
Ordinary rear 4K recording maximum
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verified
Not verifiedThe table lists UHD120 under Slow Motion, not ordinary rear 4K capture. A normal-mode maximum needs additional mode-specific evidence.
Front 4K recording maximum
Sources
iPhone 16No source recorded
Not verified
Not verifiedGeneral Video Recording Resolution does not establish the front-camera maximum.
Exact variants · Manufacturer specificationsView sources
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Manufacturer specifications verified for both phones. Your choice doesn’t change the comparison above.

Good comparisons start with good sources.10 cited sources for this pair. Every number has a story.See the evidence

No category can be scored for both phones, so no score is shown. Manufacturer battery claims can use different test conditions. Verified specifications remain visible even where a category cannot be scored.

How we calculate scores

Apple iPhone 16

128 GB · checked 19 Oct 2026

Specifications & verification
Weight170 gManufacturer claim · high confidenceApple
Width71.6 mmManufacturer claim · high confidenceApple
Thickness7.8 mmManufacturer claim · high confidenceApple
Display size6.1 inchesManufacturer claim · high confidence

Manufacturer marketed diagonal; rounded corners and actual viewable area are described in the complete display specification.

Apple
Peak brightnessNot verified

Not published

Claimed video playback22 hoursManufacturer claim · high confidence

Manufacturer up-to claim, not measured mixed-use battery life. All battery claims depend on network configuration and many other factors; actual results will vary. Battery has limited recharge cycles and may eventually need to be replaced. Battery life and charge cycles vary by use and settings. See apple.com/uk/batteries and apple.com/uk/iphone/battery.html for more information. MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W with 30W adapter or higher. Testing conducted by Apple in August 2024 using pre‑production iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus units and software, USB‑C Charge Cable with Apple USB‑C Power Adapter (20W Model A2305), and Apple MagSafe Chargers (1‑metre Model A2580 and 2‑metre Model A3250) with Apple USB-C Power Adapter (30W Model A2164). Fast‑charge testing conducted with drained iPhone units. Times measured from the appearance of the Apple logo as the unit started up. Charge time varies with settings and environmental factors; actual results will vary. Wireless chargers sold separately.

Apple
Claimed charging rateNot verified

Not published

Published total supportNot verified

Not published

Wireless chargingNot verified

Not published

Reverse wireless chargingNot verified

Not published

Headphone jackNot verified

Not published

Expandable storageNot verified

Not published

eSIM onlyNot verified

Not published

IP ratingNot verified

Not published

RAMNot verified

Not published

Apple
Pixel densityNot verified

Not published

Maximum refresh rateNot verified

Not published

Native telephoto reachNot verified

Not published

Claimed optical-quality reachNot verified

Not published

Rear camera modulesNot verified

Not published

8K recordingNot verified

Not published

Manufacturer list priceNot verified
All sources2
  1. Apple UK — literal MYED3QN/A configurationApple · accessed 19 Oct 2026
  2. Apple UK — iPhone 16 technical specificationsApple · accessed 19 Oct 2026

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

256 GB · checked 4 Sept 2026

Specifications & verification
Weight214 gManufacturer claim · high confidence

Exact UK device mass, not parcel or differently configured mass.

Samsung
Width78.1 mmManufacturer claim · high confidence

Labelled width; larger is not automatically preferable.

Samsung
Thickness7.9 mmManufacturer claim · high confidence

Labelled depth, without an invented camera-bump measurement.

Samsung
Display size6.9 inchesManufacturer claim · high confidence

Full-rectangle advertised diagonal; rounded corners and camera hole reduce viewable area.

Samsung
Peak brightness2,600 nitsManufacturer claim · medium confidence

Manufacturer-published peak, not an independent measurement.

Samsung UK
Claimed video playback31 hoursManufacturer claim · high confidence

Up-to manufacturer video estimate; test method and settings differ from Apple and OnePlus, so this does not prove cross-brand mixed-use endurance.

SamsungSamsung
Claimed charging rateNot verified

Not published

Samsung
Published total support7 yearsManufacturer claim · high confidence

Seven years from first global launch, not seven years from purchase.

Samsung
Wireless chargingYesManufacturer claim · high confidence

Named wireless charging support with WPC-compatible equipment, not a guaranteed charging rate.

Samsung
Reverse wireless chargingYesManufacturer claim · high confidence

Explicit support with Qi/accessory limits; may fail below 30% battery or with certain cases/devices and can affect reception.

Samsung
Headphone jackNoCalculated from sources · medium confidence

Earjack is explicitly USB Type-C; this is retained as a derived connector interpretation rather than native analogue-jack support.

Samsung
Expandable storageNoManufacturer claim · high confidence

Samsung's UK comparison table marks Micro SD as N/A.

Samsung UK
eSIM onlyNoManufacturer claim · high confidence

Explicit physical Nano-SIM support.

Samsung
IP ratingIP68Manufacturer claim · high confidence

Controlled submersion up to 1.5 m freshwater for 30 minutes; resistance can diminish and is not a permanent waterproof guarantee.

Samsung
RAM12 GBManufacturer claim · high confidence

Explicit Memory_(GB), distinct from storage.

Samsung
Pixel densityNot verified

Not published

Maximum refresh rate120 HzManufacturer claim · high confidence

Up-to adaptive 120 Hz; not a constant refresh rate or response-time result.

SamsungSamsung
Native telephoto reach5×Manufacturer claim · high confidence

Native optical lens maximum, separate from optical-quality crop reach.

SamsungSamsung
Claimed optical-quality reach10×Manufacturer claim · high confidence

Main-sensor/crop claim, not an additional native lens.

SamsungSamsung
Rear camera modules4Manufacturer claim · high confidence

Named physical camera inventory; optical-quality crops are not extra cameras.

Samsung
8K recordingYesManufacturer claim · high confidence

The capture row explicitly lists UHD8K at 30 fps.

Samsung
Manufacturer list price£1,279.00Reference only · not a live offer or current priceSamsung Newsroom UKSamsung UK
All sources11
  1. Samsung Unveils Galaxy S26 Series: The Most Intuitive Galaxy AI Phone YetSamsung Newsroom UK · accessed 21 Sept 2026
  2. Specifications - Samsung Galaxy S26 UltraSamsung UK · accessed 3 Sept 2026
  3. Buy Samsung Galaxy S26 UltraSamsung UK · accessed 3 Sept 2026
  4. Introducing the Latest Galaxy S26 SeriesSamsung UK · accessed 3 Sept 2026
  5. Galaxy S26 Ultra 256GB - Specifications and Software SupportSamsung Business UK · accessed 3 Sept 2026
  6. Samsung's Pro-Grade APV Codec Supported on Galaxy S26 UltraSamsung Newsroom UK · accessed 3 Sept 2026
  7. Samsung Log VideoSamsung Developer · accessed 3 Sept 2026
  8. Professional Photography with Galaxy Expert RAW AppSamsung Support UK · accessed 3 Sept 2026
  9. Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Cobalt Violet — exact UK business SKUSamsung · accessed 14 Oct 2026
  10. Galaxy S26 UK launch — separate Ultra and S26/S26+ tablesSamsung · accessed 14 Oct 2026
  11. Samsung APV capture, Log/HDR and external recording — Galaxy S26 UltraSamsung · accessed 14 Oct 2026
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The verified differences and their sources, in one link.