The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is larger, heavier and more expensive than the iPhone 17 in the manufacturer specifications and U.S. price references available here. The S26 Ultra’s unlocked 256GB listing is $1,299.99; Apple announced the iPhone 17 at a U.S. starting price of $799. That is a $500.99 difference between those stated prices, not a guaranteed difference between current checkout offers.
iPhone 17 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra: key specs
| Specification | Apple iPhone 17 | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.3-inch OLED, 2622 × 1206 pixels, up to 120Hz ProMotion | 6.9-inch display with built-in Privacy Display |
| Weight | 177g | 214g |
| Rear cameras | 48MP main and 48MP ultra-wide; optical-quality 2x telephoto via the main camera | 200MP wide, 50MP telephoto and 50MP ultra-wide |
| Processor | A19 | Customized processor; Samsung claims 19% faster processing |
| Storage choices | 256GB, 512GB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Battery information | Up to 30 hours of video playback, per Apple’s announcement | 5,000mAh capacity; 31 hours of video playback, per Samsung’s product page |
Specifications are from Apple’s iPhone 17 technical specifications, Apple’s September 9, 2025 announcement and Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra product page. Samsung’s processor-speed figure is a company claim, not a result from an independent comparison.
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How much more does the Galaxy S26 Ultra cost?
For the U.S. market, Apple announced a $799 starting price for the iPhone 17 on September 9, 2025. Samsung’s U.S. listing, checked October 4, 2026, prices the unlocked 256GB Galaxy S26 Ultra at $1,299.99. Subtracting those reference prices gives a $500.99 difference.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThese are not prices captured on the same date under identical conditions: Apple’s figure is a launch starting price, while Samsung’s is a current listing for a specified unlocked capacity. Samsung lists its U.S. S26 Ultra at $1,499.99 for 512GB and $1,799.99 for 1TB. See Samsung’s unlocked 256GB listing. Check current offers and checkout totals before buying; promotions, taxes and purchase terms can change the amount paid.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Size, cameras and storage: what the spec differences mean
The S26 Ultra is the bigger phone
Samsung lists a 6.9-inch display and 214g weight; Apple lists 6.3 inches and 177g for the iPhone 17. The S26 Ultra’s larger screen may suit people who want more display area, while its additional size and weight are practical trade-offs for carrying and one-handed use.
The camera systems take different approaches
Apple lists two 48MP rear cameras and optical-quality 2x telephoto through the main camera. Samsung lists a 200MP wide camera alongside 50MP telephoto and ultra-wide cameras. Those specifications describe different hardware configurations; megapixel counts alone do not establish which phone takes better photos. The available manufacturer information does not provide an independent, controlled camera comparison.
Rank #2
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Both start at 256GB, but Samsung offers more capacity
The entry storage listed for both phones is 256GB. Apple lists a 512GB option as well, while Samsung’s choices extend to 1TB. If you need the largest listed capacity, the S26 Ultra is the only one of these two with a 1TB configuration.
Battery claims are not a head-to-head test
Apple states up to 30 hours of video playback for iPhone 17; Samsung states 31 hours for the S26 Ultra and lists a 5,000mAh battery capacity. The playback figures come from each company’s own product claims, not a shared independent test protocol. They should not be read as proof that one phone lasts longer in comparable everyday use.
Rank #3
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Which phone is the better fit?
- Consider the iPhone 17 if you want the smaller, lighter option among these two or prefer iOS and Apple’s ecosystem. Its stated U.S. starting price is also lower, though it is not a same-date live-price comparison.
- Consider the Galaxy S26 Ultra if you want the larger display, a listed telephoto camera alongside wide and ultra-wide cameras, or a storage option up to 1TB.
- Compare current prices at equal capacity before deciding. The reference prices differ in date and type, and the actual checkout gap may not match the $500.99 arithmetic difference.
The manufacturer specifications do not establish an overall performance, camera or battery-life winner. Independent testing under comparable conditions and your preferred operating-system ecosystem matter for those decisions. Regional pricing, carrier terms, compatibility and box contents are not established by the U.S. references above.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Rank #4
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
