Samsung Galaxy S26 vs Apple iPhone 17: which should you buy?

What reviewers say

ReportedNo outlet published a separate scored review of both, so reviews do not break the tie.

A pick needs at least 2 independent outlets that published a separate scored review of each product on the same scale, all of them favouring the same one, and an average lead of at least 5 points out of 100. Outlets with one owner count once. Scores are the outlets' own; iDevice did not test these products for them.

Key differences

Still a tie on the makers' figures: the two are close on peak brightness (2,600 vs 3,000 nits). Pick on price, or on what each Guide says it is best for.

• Zoom: up to 30x vs up to 10xSamsung Galaxy S26: up to 30x ConfirmedSourceApple iPhone 17: up to 10x ConfirmedSource
• Front camera: 12MP vs 18MPSamsung Galaxy S26: 12MP (12MP wide AF (85° field of view)) ConfirmedSourceApple iPhone 17: 18MP (18MP Center Stage camera, ƒ/1.9, autofocus) ConfirmedSource
• Peak brightness: close (2,600 vs 3,000 nits)Samsung Galaxy S26: 2,600 nits ConfirmedSourceApple iPhone 17: 3,000 nits ConfirmedSource
• Weight: 167g vs 177gSamsung Galaxy S26: 167g (71.7 × 149.6 × 7.2mm; 167g (Sub6 model)) ConfirmedSourceApple iPhone 17: 177g (71.5 × 149.6 × 7.95mm; 177g) ConfirmedSource

From each maker's own specifications. A point is listed only when both makers state a figure and the two differ; a point either maker does not state is left out, never guessed.