Looking for an honest Apple iPhone 16 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) comparison in 2026? We scored both smartphones on the same six-dimension framework — performance, battery, display, camera, design and value — using identical methodology, so the numbers below are directly comparable. In our overall scoring the Apple iPhone 16 Plus comes out ahead 69/100 to 58/100 — a 11-point gap. The widest gap is in display, where the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) pulls noticeably ahead. On price the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) undercuts the Apple iPhone 16 Plus by 300% ($199.99 vs $799), which materially changes the value calculus for budget-conscious buyers.
Prices may vary · We may earn a commission on purchases. Learn more
Apple iPhone 16 Plus edges out the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) in the smartphones category, especially in camera (camera score 120 vs 68), scoring 69 vs 58. If you want the better overall smartphones, Apple iPhone 16 Plus is the recommended choice.
Picking Apple iPhone 16 Plus over Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) means trading these off.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
| Spec | Apple iPhone 16 PlusW | Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7" | 6.7" |
| Display Type | OLED | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | — | 2400 x 1080 pixels |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz✓ |
| Chipset | Apple A18 | Exynos 1380 |
| CPU | — |
Buy Apple iPhone 16 Plus if…
Buy the Apple iPhone 16 Plus if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Buy Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) if…
Choose the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) if budget is your top priority — it offers competitive specs at a lower price point.
Apple iPhone 16 Plus edges out the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) in the smartphones category, especially in camera (camera score 120 vs 68), scoring 69 vs 58. If you want the better overall smartphones, Apple iPhone 16 Plus is the recommended choice.
Yes, Apple iPhone 16 Plus scores higher overall (69 vs 83).
Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) is cheaper at $199.99 vs $799 for the Apple iPhone 16 Plus.
Buy the Apple iPhone 16 Plus if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) if budget is your top priority — it offers competitive specs at a lower price point.
Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) has a larger battery (5,000mAh vs 4,674mAh for the Apple iPhone 16 Plus), which generally means longer use between charges.
Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) has a higher-resolution main camera (50MP vs 48MP). Note that megapixels are one factor — sensor quality and processing also matter.
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: May 31, 2026
Methodology: AI-powered analysis of technical specifications from manufacturer data. Scores are calculated by comparing products across multiple dimensions and normalized relative to the full category database. Our editorial process is independent and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Scores are relative within the smartphonescategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✗ Cons
| Octa-core 2.4 GHz |
| GPU | — | Mali-G68 |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB✓ |
| Storage | 128GB | 512GB✓ |
| Storage Options | — | 128GB, 256GB |
| Main Camera | 48MP | 50MP✓ |
| Aperture | — | f/1.8 |
| Video | — | 4K@30fps |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 32MP✓ |
| Battery | 4674mAh | 5000mAh✓ |
| Charging | 25W | 25W |
| OS | iOS 18 | Android 14 |
| Wi-Fi | — | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Bluetooth | — | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| NFC | Yes | — |
| USB | — | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | — |
| Dimensions | — | 158.5 x 74.8 x 8.4 mm |
| Weight | 203g✓ | 210g |
| Colors | — | Black, White, Blue, Pink |
| Price | 799$ | 199.99$✓ |
Apple iPhone 16 Plus is lighter at 203g vs 210g.
Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (2025) has more RAM (12GB vs 8GB), which helps with multitasking.