Samsung YOUR MATCH
Galaxy S26 Ultra
Native 5x zoom. Built-in S Pen.
93MATCH / 100
Cobalt Violet£1,279UK reference price
Check Samsung YOUR PHONE FACE-OFF
Real specs. Clear sources.UK models · Checked 4 Sept 2026Galaxy S26 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro
THE CHOICE IS PERSONALWhich one
Make it personal How are scores calculated?
Which one
is your one?
Two great phones.
Different things to love.
94Display93
91Camera82
93Battery93
Apple256 GB · UK MODEL
iPhone 17 Pro
Pro camera tools. A 6.3-inch display.
89MATCH / 100
Cosmic Orange£1,099UK reference price
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EVERYDAY PRIORITIESGalaxy S26 Ultra takes the lead.
Change what matters 3.5 points ahead across your selected display, camera, battery priorities.
Scores compare published capabilities, not lab-tested quality. Camera image quality and independent performance tests are not rated. See scoring
THE DIFFERENCES THAT MATTER
Every specification A quick read on the trade-offs.
iPhone 17 Pro
10g lighter.
Published device weight, without a case.
- Galaxy S26 Ultra
- 214g
- iPhone 17 Pro
- 204g
Schematic balance · not a physical simulation
Galaxy S26 Ultra
0.6″ larger diagonal.
Bigger is a preference, not a quality score.
- Galaxy S26 Ultra
- 6.9″
- iPhone 17 Pro
- 6.3″
Relative diagonals · illustrative shape, not actual size
Galaxy S26 Ultra
A different perspective.
Dedicated telephoto reach. No digital or crop zoom.
- Galaxy S26 Ultra
- 5×
- iPhone 17 Pro
- 4×
Lens illustration · not an image-quality test
MANUFACTURER CLAIMS
Up to 31 hours.
Up-to claims. Different test methods; no endurance winner.
- Galaxy S26 Ultra
- Up to 31h
- iPhone 17 Pro
- Up to 31h
Shared 40-hour scale · not mixed-use battery life
BEYOND THE TOTAL
Why choose each?
Different strengths. Your call.
REASONS TO CONSIDER
Galaxy S26 Ultra
Longer native telephoto reach
5× vs 4× native telephoto. Lens reach, not digital zoom or an image-quality verdict.
Camera-model input; its weight follows your priorities.More screen, if you want it
6.9″ vs 6.3″ diagonally. Larger is a preference, not an automatic win.
Preference, not included in the match score.
REASONS TO CONSIDER
iPhone 17 Pro
10 g lighter
204 g vs 214 g, before a case. Also 6.2 mm narrower.
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.
Galaxy S26 Ultra iPhone 17 Pro
Relative published specs · outer edge = higher value
Display explainedGalaxy S26 Ultra leads
Galaxy S26 Ultra: Scores Samsung-published 2,600-nit peak brightness and 120Hz, plus 498.01 ppi calculated from its published resolution and full-rectangle diagonal. Brightness is not independently measured.
iPhone 17 Pro: Scores Apple-published 3,000-nit outdoor peak brightness, 460 ppi and adaptive refresh up to 120Hz. Peak brightness is not independently measured.
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 specificationsGalaxy S26 UltraiPhone 17 Pro
Galaxy S26 UltraiPhone 17 ProWeight
214g
204g
Width
78.1mm
71.9mm
Thickness
7.9mm
8.75mm
Screen size
6.9″
6.3″
Published peak brightnessManufacturer peak claims use different test conditions.
2600 nits
3000 nits
Pixel density
498.01 ppi
460 ppi
Maximum refresh rate
120Hz
120Hz
Native telephoto reach
5×
4×
Rear camera modules
4
3
8K video recording
Yes
NoApple's video specification lists up to 4K recording, not 8K.
Claimed video playbackUp-to manufacturer claims. Playback protocols differ.
31 hours
31 hours
Wireless charging
Yes
Yes
Published support term
7 years
Not verified
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.
iPhone 17 Pro matches value at£1,230.39
vs Galaxy S26 Ultra£1,279.00 reference MSRP
MORE SCORE PER £ ↑
iPhone 17 ProGalaxy S26 Ultra reference
iPhone 17 Pro 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.13 cited sources for this pair. Every number has a story.See the evidence
Your selected categories: Display, Camera, 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 scoresSamsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
256 GB · checked 4 Sept 2026
Your weighted score92.7 / 100Selected categories: Display, Camera, Battery.
(94.32 × 1 + 91.25 × 1 + 92.57 × 1 + 100.00 × 0) ÷ 3
Display94.3 / 100
Scores Samsung-published 2,600-nit peak brightness and 120Hz, plus 498.01 ppi calculated from its published resolution and full-rectangle diagonal. Brightness is not independently measured.
Selected weight: 1.
medium confidence · 100% model coveragePublished peak brightnessSource value: 2600
86.67 × 40% = 34.67Manufacturer-published peak figure; not an independent measurement.
Samsung Newsroom UKSamsung UKSamsung UKPixel densitySource value: 498.01
99.01 × 35% = 34.65Samsung does not publish PPI. This value is calculated from its published 3120x1440 resolution and 6.9-inch full-rectangle diagonal.
Samsung Newsroom UKSamsung UKSamsung UKMaximum adaptive refresh rateSource value: 120
100.00 × 25% = 25.00Samsung Newsroom UKSamsung UKSamsung UKCategory score = 34.67 + 34.65 + 25.00 = 94.32
Camera91.3 / 100
A published-capability score, not an image-quality verdict. It counts native 5x reach, Samsung's 10x optical-quality mode, four rear modules, 8K and three named pro workflows.
Selected weight: 1.
medium confidence · 100% model coverageNative telephoto reachSource value: 5
100.00 × 25% = 25.00Samsung identifies 3x and 5x as optical zoom and 2x and 10x as Adaptive Pixel optical-quality zoom.
Samsung Newsroom UKSamsung UKSamsung Newsroom UKSamsung DeveloperSamsung Support UKPublished optical-quality reachSource value: 10
100.00 × 15% = 15.00Samsung identifies 3x and 5x as optical zoom and 2x and 10x as Adaptive Pixel optical-quality zoom.
Samsung Newsroom UKSamsung UKSamsung Newsroom UKSamsung DeveloperSamsung Support UKPublished pro workflowsSource value: 3
75.00 × 35% = 26.25Counts Samsung Log, Expert RAW and recording to external USB storage. Samsung does not publish genlock support. This measures support, not output quality.
Samsung Newsroom UKSamsung UKSamsung Newsroom UKSamsung DeveloperSamsung Support UK8K recording availableSource value: 1
100.00 × 5% = 5.00Samsung Newsroom UKSamsung UKSamsung Newsroom UKSamsung DeveloperSamsung Support UKNative rear camera modulesSource value: 4
100.00 × 20% = 20.00Samsung Newsroom UKSamsung UKSamsung Newsroom UKSamsung DeveloperSamsung Support UKCategory score = 25.00 + 15.00 + 26.25 + 5.00 + 20.00 = 91.25
Battery92.6 / 100
Combines Samsung's up-to 31-hour local-720p-video estimate with its up-to-75%-in-around-30-minutes claim. Different manufacturer test methods make cross-brand confidence low.
Selected weight: 1.
low confidence · 100% model coverageManufacturer-claimed local video playbackSource value: 31
88.57 × 65% = 57.57Samsung's up-to figure is an internal estimate using a locally stored 720p video on pre-release hardware; it is not mixed-use or web-browsing endurance.
Samsung UKManufacturer-claimed charging rateSource value: 2.5
100.00 × 35% = 35.00Derived from Samsung's up-to-75% in around 30 minutes claim with a 60W adapter; it is not a sustained charging rate.
Samsung Newsroom UKCategory score = 57.57 + 35.00 = 92.57
PerformanceNot scored
Samsung publishes chip identity and relative generation-over-generation claims, but no comparable cross-platform benchmark under this methodology.
Not included in your current weighted score.
Missing: Comparable independently measured CPU benchmark, Comparable independently measured GPU benchmark, Comparable sustained-performance test.
Longevity100.0 / 100
Samsung promises seven OS generations and seven years of security updates from global launch; this scores the published seven-year commitment at the model ceiling.
Not included in your current weighted score.
high confidence · 100% model coveragePublished software-support durationSource value: 7
100.00 × 100% = 100.00Samsung promises seven OS generations and seven years of security updates from global launch; its UK business specification lists security support through 28 February 2033.
Samsung Newsroom UKSamsung Business UKCategory score = 100.00 = 100.00
Specifications & verification
Weight214 gmanufacturer · high confidenceSamsung Newsroom UKSamsung UK
Width78.1 mmmanufacturer · high confidenceSamsung Newsroom UKSamsung UK
Thickness7.9 mmmanufacturer · high confidenceSamsung Newsroom UKSamsung UK
Display size6.9 inchesmanufacturer · high confidence
Full-rectangle diagonal; Samsung states 6.7 inches accounting for rounded corners and that actual viewable area is smaller.
Samsung Newsroom UKSamsung UKPeak brightness2600 nitsmanufacturer · medium confidence
Manufacturer-published peak, not an independent measurement.
Samsung Newsroom UKSamsung UKClaimed video playback31 hoursmanufacturer · medium confidence
Manufacturer up-to claim; not mixed-use endurance.
Samsung internal estimate on pre-release hardware with a locally stored 720p video, Bluetooth earphones and default settings over LTE.
Samsung UKClaimed charging rate2.5% per minutecalculated · low confidence
A normalized rate derived from an approximate manufacturer claim, not a sustained measurement. A 60W adapter is required and sold separately.
75 percent divided by approximately 30 minutes.
Samsung Newsroom UKPublished total support7 yearsmanufacturer · high confidence
Seven OS generations and seven years of security updates from global launch; UK security-support date is listed as 28 February 2033.
Samsung Newsroom UKSamsung Business UKWireless chargingYesmanufacturer · high confidence
Samsung lists WPC-compatible Super Fast Wireless Charging; its UK launch table does not state wattage.
Samsung Newsroom UKReverse wireless chargingYesmanufacturer · high confidence
Published as Wireless PowerShare, subject to Samsung's compatibility and battery-level limitations.
Samsung Newsroom UKHeadphone jackNomanufacturer · high confidence
Samsung lists the earjack as USB Type-C rather than a 3.5mm socket.
Samsung Business UKExpandable storageNomanufacturer · high confidence
Samsung's UK comparison table marks Micro SD as N/A.
Samsung UKeSIM onlyNomanufacturer · high confidence
The UK specification supports nano-SIM and eSIM combinations.
Samsung Business UKIP ratingIP68manufacturer · high confidence
Samsung's lab claim is up to 1.5m of fresh water for 30 minutes; resistance is not permanent.
Samsung Newsroom UKRAM12 GBmanufacturer · high confidenceSamsung Newsroom UKSamsung UK
Native telephoto reach5×manufacturer · high confidenceSamsung Newsroom UKSamsung UK
Claimed optical-quality reach10×manufacturer · high confidence
Samsung's Adaptive Pixel optical-quality mode is not a separate native 10x lens.
Samsung Newsroom UKSamsung UKRear camera modules4manufacturer · high confidenceSamsung Newsroom UKSamsung UK
8K recordingYesmanufacturer · high confidenceSamsung UK
Reference MSRP£1,279.00Samsung Newsroom UKSamsung UK
All sources8
- Samsung Unveils Galaxy S26 Series: The Most Intuitive Galaxy AI Phone YetSamsung Newsroom UK · accessed 2026-09-04
- Specifications - Samsung Galaxy S26 UltraSamsung UK · accessed 2026-09-04
- Buy Samsung Galaxy S26 UltraSamsung UK · accessed 2026-09-04
- Introducing the Latest Galaxy S26 SeriesSamsung UK · accessed 2026-09-04
- Galaxy S26 Ultra 256GB - Specifications and Software SupportSamsung Business UK · accessed 2026-09-04
- Samsung's Pro-Grade APV Codec Supported on Galaxy S26 UltraSamsung Newsroom UK · accessed 2026-09-04
- Samsung Log VideoSamsung Developer · accessed 2026-09-04
- Professional Photography with Galaxy Expert RAW AppSamsung Support UK · accessed 2026-09-04
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
256 GB · checked 4 Sept 2026
Your weighted score89.2 / 100Selected categories: Display, Camera, Battery.
(93.00 × 1 + 82.00 × 1 + 92.57 × 1) ÷ 3
Display93.0 / 100
Scores Apple-published 3,000-nit outdoor peak brightness, 460 ppi and adaptive refresh up to 120Hz. Peak brightness is not independently measured.
Selected weight: 1.
medium confidence · 100% model coveragePublished peak brightnessSource value: 3000
100.00 × 40% = 40.00Manufacturer-published peak figure; not an independent measurement.
AppleCategory score = 40.00 + 28.00 + 25.00 = 93.00
Camera82.0 / 100
A published-capability score, not an image-quality verdict. It counts a native 4x telephoto, Apple's 8x optical-quality mode and four named pro workflows; Apple does not claim 8K recording.
Selected weight: 1.
medium confidence · 100% model coverageNative telephoto reachSource value: 4
80.00 × 25% = 20.00The 4x/100mm telephoto is native. Apple describes 8x/200mm as optical-quality, not a separate native 8x lens.
ApplePublished optical-quality reachSource value: 8
80.00 × 15% = 12.00The 4x/100mm telephoto is native. Apple describes 8x/200mm as optical-quality, not a separate native 8x lens.
ApplePublished pro workflowsSource value: 4
100.00 × 35% = 35.00Counts Apple Log 2, RAW, external recording and genlock. This measures published workflow support, not output quality.
AppleCategory score = 20.00 + 12.00 + 35.00 + 0.00 + 15.00 = 82.00
Battery92.6 / 100
Combines Apple's up-to 31-hour local-video claim with its up-to-50%-in-20-minutes claim. Different manufacturer test methods make cross-brand confidence low.
Selected weight: 1.
low confidence · 100% model coverageManufacturer-claimed local video playbackSource value: 31
88.57 × 65% = 57.57Apple's up-to figure uses repeated local video playback on pre-production hardware; it is not mixed-use or web-browsing endurance.
AppleAppleManufacturer-claimed charging rateSource value: 2.5
100.00 × 35% = 35.00Derived from Apple's up-to-50% in 20 minutes claim with a 40W-or-higher adapter; it is not a sustained charging rate.
AppleCategory score = 57.57 + 35.00 = 92.57
PerformanceNot scored
Apple publishes chip configuration and relative marketing claims, but no comparable cross-platform benchmark under this methodology.
Not included in your current weighted score.
Missing: Comparable independently measured CPU benchmark, Comparable independently measured GPU benchmark, Comparable sustained-performance test.
LongevityNot scored
Apple describes long software support and lists iOS 27 compatibility, but its UK material does not promise a fixed support duration for this model.
Not included in your current weighted score.
Missing: Published model-specific OS support duration in years.
Specifications & verification
Weight204 gmanufacturer · high confidence
UK model value; the US regional model has different weight and battery claims.
AppleWidth71.9 mmmanufacturer · high confidenceApple
Thickness8.75 mmmanufacturer · high confidenceApple
Display size6.3 inchesmanufacturer · high confidence
Nominal diagonal; Apple states 6.27 inches as a standard rectangle and that actual viewable area is smaller.
ApplePeak brightness3000 nitsmanufacturer · medium confidence
Apple-published outdoor peak, not an independent measurement; HDR peak is 1,600 nits and typical maximum is 1,000 nits.
AppleClaimed video playback31 hoursmanufacturer · medium confidence
Manufacturer up-to claim; streamed playback is separately claimed at up to 28 hours.
Apple tested pre-production units in July 2025 using repeated local HDR video under its published playback-test settings.
AppleAppleClaimed charging rate2.5% per minutecalculated · low confidence
A normalized rate derived from a manufacturer up-to claim, not a sustained charging measurement. Apple requires a 40W-or-higher adapter.
50 percent divided by 20 minutes.
AppleWireless chargingYesmanufacturer · high confidence
Apple lists MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging up to 25W.
AppleHeadphone jackNocalculated · high confidence
Derived from Apple's exhaustive connector specification, which lists USB-C and no 3.5mm connector.
AppleExpandable storageNocalculated · medium confidence
Apple lists fixed capacities and no removable storage interface.
AppleeSIM onlyNomanufacturer · high confidence
The UK specification lists nano-SIM plus eSIM and dual-eSIM support.
AppleIP ratingIP68manufacturer · high confidence
Apple's controlled-lab claim is up to 6m for 30 minutes under IEC 60529; resistance is not permanent.
AppleNative telephoto reach4×manufacturer · high confidenceApple
Claimed optical-quality reach8×manufacturer · high confidence
Apple's sensor-derived optical-quality mode is not a separate native 8x lens.
AppleRear camera modules3manufacturer · high confidenceApple
8K recordingNocalculated · high confidence
Apple's video specification lists up to 4K recording, not 8K.
AppleReference MSRP£1,099.00Apple Newsroom UKApple
All sources5
- iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max - Technical SpecificationsApple · accessed 2026-09-04
- Buy iPhone 17 Pro 256GB Cosmic OrangeApple · accessed 2026-09-04
- Apple unveils iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro MaxApple Newsroom UK · accessed 2026-09-04
- iPhone - Battery Test InformationApple · accessed 2026-09-04
- iOS 27 Preview and CompatibilityApple · 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.