Apple iPhone 17 256GB vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 256GB: which one suits you?
The two differ in 12 of the specs we have recorded (prices checked 2 Nov 2026).
Which one should you choose?
Choose the
Apple iPhone 17 256GB if you care about:- Higher front camera: 18 MP vs 12 MP
- Lower weight: 177 g vs 214 g
- More memory for multitasking (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- Bigger battery for a longer day (5,000 mAh vs 3,692 mAh)
- Higher wired charging: 60 W vs 25 W
The deciding difference here: memory (RAM) and battery capacity.
Compares recorded specs; a missing spec does not mean the feature is absent.
Smartphones · Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 256GB- Storage:
- 256 GB
- Memory (RAM):
- 12 GB
- Reference price:
- SAR 3,699
Key differences
Memory (RAM)
8 GB✓ 12 GBScreen size
6.3 in✓ 6.9 inDisplay type
OLEDAMOLED
Specifications side by side
23 of 23 specs
Scroll the table sideways to see the rest.
| Spec | | |
|---|---|---|
| Reference price | SAR 3,663 | SAR 3,699 |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 GB | ✓ 12 GB |
| Processor | Apple A19 | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
| Battery capacity | 3,692 mAh | ✓ 5,000 mAh |
| Wired charging | 25 W | ✓ 60 W |
| Main camera | 48 MP | ✓ 200 MP |
| Years of OS updates | — | 7 years |
| Storage | 256 GB | 256 GB |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Optical zoom (telephoto) | 2 x | ✓ 5 x |
| Front camera | ✓ 18 MP | 12 MP |
| Screen size | 6.3 in | ✓ 6.9 in |
| Display type | OLED | AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2622 x 1206 | 1440 x 3120 |
| Screen refresh rate | 120 Hz | — |
| eSIM | Yes | — |
| Operating system | iOS 26 | — |
| Wireless charging | Yes | Yes |
| Dual SIM | Yes | Yes |
| Water and dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Release year | — | 2026 |
| Colour | — | White |
| Dimensions | 14.96 x 7.15 x 0.8 cm | 16.4 x 7.8 x 0.8 cm |
| Weight | ✓ 177 g | 214 g |
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Direct comparison questions
What is the difference in processor between the Apple iPhone 17 256GB and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 256GB?
Apple iPhone 17 256GB: Apple A19; Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 256GB: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. This is a spec difference, not a verdict that one is better overall.
What is the difference in storage between the Apple iPhone 17 256GB and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 256GB?
No difference here: storage is 256 GB on both.
What is the difference in main camera between the Apple iPhone 17 256GB and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 256GB?
Main camera is higher on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 256GB: 200 MP vs 48 MP on the Apple iPhone 17 256GB. If this spec is your priority, the difference favours it.
What is the difference in battery capacity between the Apple iPhone 17 256GB and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 256GB?
Battery capacity is higher on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 256GB: 5,000 mAh vs 3,692 mAh on the Apple iPhone 17 256GB. If this spec is your priority, the difference favours it.