iPhone 17 vs Samsung Galaxy S26+

iPhone 17

Apple

8.2

Great

Samsung Galaxy S26+

Samsung

Pre-Release Hands-On

What Reviewers Agree On

ProMotion 120Hz on the base model is a long-overdue and welcome addition that transforms the user experience
A19 chip provides excellent everyday performance with full Apple Intelligence support
Dual 48MP + 12MP camera system produces genuinely impressive photos for a non-Pro iPhone
The 24MP front camera is the best selfie camera Apple has ever shipped
At $799, it represents the best value in the iPhone 17 lineup for most users

Deal Breakers

No telephoto camera limits zoom capabilities compared to Pro models
No always-on display despite having ProMotion hardware

Detailed Comparison

Design & Build

iPhone 17

The iPhone 17 adopts the new aluminum design language shared across the lineup, giving the base model a more premium look and feel than any previous standard iPhone.

The aluminum construction brings the base iPhone closer to Pro in look and feel — it no longer feels like a budget option
Available in vibrant new colors that add personality absent from the muted Pro tones
IP68 water resistance and Ceramic Shield front continue to provide excellent durability

Samsung Galaxy S26+

The S26+ adopts a more "Ultra-like" design with less rounded corners for a unified family look. The Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection are solid. At ~7.3mm thin and ~190g, it's comfortable to hold.

The more angular design brings it closer to the Ultra aesthetic — Samsung is creating a more unified design language across the S26 family
IP68 water resistance and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 mean the S26+ remains one of the more durable options in its class

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What Reviewers Agree On

The $100 price increase from $999 to $1,099 is difficult to justify given the incremental hardware upgrades
Camera hardware is essentially unchanged since the Galaxy S23+ — three years of the same sensors
One UI 8.5 AI features and software polish are genuinely improved across the board
Build quality and display remain excellent for the price tier
A solid upgrade for S23 or older owners, but poor value for recent Samsung flagship users

Deal Breakers

No Privacy Display — the most exciting S26 feature is Ultra-exclusive
Return of the Exynos/Snapdragon split after the S25 used Snapdragon globally
$100 price hike with recycled camera hardware

Display

iPhone 17

ProMotion 120Hz finally arrives on the standard iPhone, making the 6.1-inch OLED display significantly smoother than previous base models.

ProMotion 120Hz is the single biggest upgrade — scrolling, animations, and general interaction feel dramatically smoother
Peak brightness reaches 2,000 nits which is excellent for outdoor use though lower than the Pro 3,000-nit panels
No always-on display despite ProMotion hardware — a frustrating omission to differentiate from the Pro line

Samsung Galaxy S26+

The 6.7-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate is familiar territory — essentially the same excellent display as the S25+. No Privacy Display here; that remains an Ultra exclusive.

The 6.7-inch QHD+ panel continues to be one of the best in its class with vibrant colors and excellent brightness
No Privacy Display on the S26+ is a real missed opportunity — the best S26 feature is locked to the Ultra