Here we are with another face-off of two grand phones set to arrive in 2026 – Samsung Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 18. The two tech giants are all set to reveal their feature-rich devices for gadget lovers in 2026. Several leaks and rumours are already circulating, offering a sneak peek at what these upcoming devices may bring. And why not? After all, both brands Samsung and Apple are known for offering top-notch devices and the upcoming ones are most advanced.
If you’re curious about what makes these phones special, read on for a head-to-head comparison. So, without any further ado, let’s get started…
Samsung Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 18 – Head-to-Head Comparison
Here’s a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 18 to help you decide which one suits you best. Take a quick sneak peek…
General Specs
| Category | Samsung Galaxy S26 | Apple iPhone 18 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.27″ Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X for high brightness | 6.1″ Super Retina XDR OLED for making usage under sun also seamless |
| Refresh Rate & Resolution | 120 Hz and 1440 x 3120 px resolution and Gorilla Glass protection | 120 Hz refresh rate with 1179 x 2556 px resolution and Ceramic Shield protection |
| Processor /Chipset | Exynos 2600 or Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (region-dependent) | Apple A20 Bionic (2nm, next-gen) |
| CPU | Octa-core (rumored) | Hexa-core (Apple custom) |
| GPU | Mali (expected) | Apple GPU with Neural Acceleration |
| SoC / Performance | Will either have Exynos 2600 or the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, depending on the region for a significant performance boost | Rumored to be powered by Apple’s next-generation A20 and A20 Pro System-on-a-Chip (SoC), built on TSMC’s advanced 2nm process node |
| RAM | Rumored up to 12 GB | Rumored 8 GB or above |
| Build & Materials | Robust aluminum for the frame and Gorilla Glass for the front and back panels with IP68 water and dust resistance rating according to the latest leaks | Rumored titanium-aluminum hybrid frame along with improved Ceramic Shield 3 glass for protection and potentially a single-tone glass back. Also expected to include IP68 water and dust resistance rating |
| Dimensions / Weight (est.) | 214 grams with thin profile | Rumored over 240 grams |
Colours | According to latest leaks there will be 6 colors – Black, Silver, Grey, Mint, Coral and Violet. | Expected to come in the shades of Burgundy, deep Coffee/Brown, and a new shade of Purple |
The Samsung Galaxy S26 and iPhone 18 are expected to be among the top flagship smartphones of 2026. Both devices are rumoured to bring some of the top-notch features and hardware upgrades. Leaks suggest that the Galaxy S26 will come with either Samsung’s latest Exynos 2600 or Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset for robust performance. In contrast, the iPhone 18 is expected to run on Apple’s next-generation A20 Bionic 2 nm chip, ensuring improved efficiency and performance.
In terms of design and build, the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 is rumoured to have slightly smaller QHD+ OLED screens, boxier shape with less curvy corners compared to the previous models. While iPhone 18 is expected to feature a slightly transparent MagSafe area along with more seamless display integration and reduced bezel sizes.
Software & UI
| Category | Samsung Galaxy S26 | Apple iPhone 18 |
|---|---|---|
| OS & UI | Android 15 with One UI | iOS 26 |
| Software Updates | Expected longer OS/security updates ((upgrade years vary based on models) | There is no news about software updates, but users can expect longer OS and Security support |
Based on software and user experience, the two are expected to offer absolutely different software experiences. The Galaxy S26 uses One UI 8.5 on Android 16, allowing users to customize their phones with resizable widgets, multi-window multitasking and AI tools. Whereas, the iPhone 18 that is expected to run on iOS 26 is sure to deliver smoother, simpler and consistent performance across Apple devices.
Camera System
| Category | Samsung Galaxy S26 | Apple iPhone 18 |
|---|---|---|
| Rear cameras (main/aux) | 50 MP (base) with advanced sensors (50MP primary and 12MP telephoto sensors) | All-new camera system with 48MP main sensor. advanced computational dual/triple camera (Rumoured) |
| Front camera | Rumoured 12 MP with up to high-res telephoto on higher models | Expected 12–18 MP front camera with computational imaging |
| Video Capability | 4K 60fps Front & Rear | Expected 4K/60fps Dolby Vision recording |
Both the Samsung S26 and iPhone 16 are expected to come along with impressive camera systems. However, both take different approaches. The S26 is expected to feature a multi-lens setup, including a 50-MP main sensor, ultra-wide and telephoto lenses for higher resolution and better zoom. The iPhone 18, on the other hand, is rumoured to have dual 48 MP cameras with strong image processing for accurate colors, great dynamic range and excellent video.
Battery Capacity & Charging
| Category | Samsung Galaxy S26 | Apple iPhone 18 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 4300 mAh (According to leaks) | Not yet revealed |
| Charging | Fast charging expected | Fast charging with MagSafe enhancements |
| Wireless Charging / Magnetic Accessories | Qi wireless charging | Q2 / MagSafe wireless charging |
On the battery front, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is expected to have a strong battery around 4,300 mAh with fast wired and wireless charging – perfect for all-day use. The iPhone 18, on the other hand, may have a slightly smaller battery. But iPhone 18 is said to last longer because of Apple’s efficient A-series chip and optimised software.
Storage & Connectivity
| Category | Samsung Galaxy S26 | Apple iPhone 18 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | Up to 512 GB (rumored) | Expected to come with different storage options, likely 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB+ |
| Connectivity | Multiple connectivity options, including 5G, Wi-Fi 6/7, Bluetooth, NFC | 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth, NFC (Expected) |
The Samsung Galaxy S26 will come with 512 GB of internal storage, while the iPhone 18 will offer multiple storage options, including 128 GB, 256 GB, or 512 GB. In terms of connectivity, both phones support multiple connectivity options, including 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFC for fast internet, seamless device pairing and contactless payments.
Additional Features
| Category | Samsung Galaxy S26 | Apple iPhone 18 |
|---|---|---|
| AI Capabilities | Expected to include deep on-device processing for enhanced privacy, improved photo/video editing and scam detection | Rumoured deep system integration for personalized assistance, smarter communication, and enhanced creativity |
| Biometrics | In-display fingerprint + face unlock | Face ID |
Both phones are expected to bring unique extra features to ensure seamless user experience. According to the latest leaks, Samsung Galaxy S26 will deliver Samsung’s signature flexibility with offering extensive customization options, advanced multitasking and a range of advanced features for users’ comfort. On the other hand, the iPhone 18 is said to captivate users with Apple’s seamless ecosystem, ensuring smooth integration across devices, intuitive performance and innovative features that work effortlessly together.
Launch Timeline
| Category | Samsung Galaxy S26 | Apple iPhone 18 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | Expected to be released in early 2026, somewhere around March month. | The brand plans to release iPhone 18 in the September of 2026 |
| Expected Price | Rumored $799–$899 (around ₹79,990+ in India) | |
| Availability | Will be available across globe via online platforms and retail stores |
In terms of launch, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is expected to be in the market in March 2026. While, there are rumours that Apple could change its usual launch schedule. According to the latest leaks, the upcoming iPhone 18 series is scheduled to be launched in Spring of 2026.
Samsung Galaxy S26 vs. iPhone 18: Which One to Choose?
Of course, after this head-to-head comparison you may find yourself stuck to choose the right device. This is because both the Samsung Galaxy S26 and iPhone 18 come with high-end features and impressive extras to enhance user experience. The Galaxy S26 is expected to come with advanced AI-powered tools, improved multitasking and more customization options through One UI. On the other hand, leaks suggest that the iPhone 18’s main emphasize is on seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem.
Also, the upcoming device is sure to have new AI-based smart features and enhanced AI security. So, the final choice depends on your personal need and preferences. Those who are fond of advanced AI-powered tools, improved multitasking and want more customization options through One UI, then the Samsung S26 is their best bet. While the iPhone 18 is expected to offer new AI-based smart features with enhanced security.
The Bottom Line
So, this is all about the face-off of two upcoming devices set to make a grand entry in the year 2026. Both Samsung Galaxy S26 and iPhone 18 are rumoured to offer outstanding features, impressive extras and mesmerizing user experience. You can choose to purchase any of these devices, based on your personal experience and unique requirements.
If you are passionate about Samsung’s flexibility, then undoubtedly Samsung Galaxy S26 is the best choice, but if you like Apple’s ecosystem more, then iPhone 18 is what you should opt for. Hope this helps!
Stay tuned for more such insightful articles!
