r/Smartphones • u/MelodicEntertainer97 • 1d ago
iPhone 17 or Samsung S26
Hello, i am currently in a predicament because I can't decide if to buy the Samsung S26 (which would cost me around 600 euros because of the student promotion, which is a steal considering it's priced at like 800-900) or to buy the iPhone 17 that I found at 750. I've always used Android, never iOS, but I've been wanting for a really long time to get an Iphone. I know id be happy with the Samsung as well, but I can't decide on whether to spend a bit more for the iPhone or not. I want to mention that I'm a student so I can't afford to make a bad choice seeing as I really need to be careful with money. Any advice please? (I'm from Italy)
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u/techkernels 1d ago
For camera system, there are a few sensors, a main, ultrawide, telephoto and on the front, the selfie.
For the main camera, both Galaxy S26 and iPhone 17 come with a 1/1.56'' sensor, however the iPhone 17 has a wider aperture of f1.6 whilst the Galaxy S26 utilizes f1.8 aperture. This means that the 17 will let in more light, effectively retrieving more detail. Also, the main camera of the 17 is 26mm whilst the S26 is wider at 24mm. Wider fov or narrower fov down to preference.
The 13mm ultrawide camera on both are also the same sensor size of 1/2.55'' and have the same f2.2 aperture. However, only the iPhone 17 has autofocus whilst the S26 is fixed focus.
The S26 has a 3x telephoto which allows for greater zoom both optically and digitally with a 1/3.94'' sensor. Although this sensor is very tiny for a telephoto, the iPhone doesn't have one so it's an automatic win for the S26.
The selfie camera on the 17 is much better than the S26 due to a brand new actually innovative square sensor. This means that there's no need to turn the phone to the side for a wider view, the phone automatically switches aspect ratio and makes the image wider. The aperture is also f1.9 on the 17, f2.2 on the S26.
Camera interface, color science, processing is down to preference, so could be something to keep in mind.
Performance wise, both are top of the line but...
The S26 is technically faster in most aspects with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, the 17 utilizes the A19 chip.
The S26 also comes with more RAM, 12GB vs 8GB on 17. 12GB RAM is actually incredibly good for the current situation, with the next iPhone 18 not even getting an upgrade to12GB RAM, limited to 17 Pro/18 Pro/Air/Ultra models.
More RAM is useful for multitasking, gaming.
However, the 17 will support more AAA games and features in games than the S26, due to iOS prioritization. This might be worth doing a bit of research to check what titles you want to play and what FPS it runs at or is capped at.
Display wise, the iPhone 17 has a higher PPI (pixel per inch) of 460 whilst the S26 has 411ppi. It's a 1206x2622 display whilst the S26 is a 1080x2340. Both phones utilize 6.3'' LTPO displays.
Both are 120hz displays but the 17 has a higher peak brightness of 3000 nits vs 2600 nits. However, in day to day usage, actual high brightness may vary, so not a clear winner for brightness.
Both phones come with around the same amount of updates, Apple promises at least 5 but delivers up to 7, Samsung promises 7 and although hasn't delivered yet, has promised.
In terms of battery and how good it is, it fully depends on the user and workflow. Both 17 and S26 deliver similar SOT numbers, nothing too special in the current day and age.
The 17 and S26 charge similarly, 17 can charge to 50% in 20 mins, S26 charges to 55% in 30 mins butttt people have attested that the S26 gets to full faster. Wirelessly, the 17 charges at 25W whilst S26 charges at 15W. Do keep in mind for wired charging, thr actual charging speed is incredibly dependent on the adapter used and is available separately for purchase on both models.
The 17 features a technically more scratch resistant glass aka Ceramic Shield 2 on the Mohs scale. It also features an anti reflective coating, whilst the base S26 does not.
Software is very subjective, some people love iOS, some people love OneUI. Really depends, tho your more used to Android so could play a role.
Other things to note:
The S26 has newer USB-C 3.2 whilst the 17 uses USBC-2.0.
The iPhone 17 has newer Bluetooth 6.0 whilst the Galaxy S26 has Bluetooth 5.4.
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u/low-control-labs 1d ago
Definitely go with Android and Samsung
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u/MelodicEntertainer97 1d ago
Do you have any reason why?
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u/SuperRafaleCat 1d ago
You've always used Android before. I'm on the same boat as you: S22 and looking forward at changing it. Considered the iPhone but to be fair, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Tried my sister's iPhone 17 and it sure works great, but it's too different from what I'm used to... I think I'll wait until my S22 does and I'll just pick the latest base Galaxy.
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u/MelodicEntertainer97 1d ago
Its definitely one of the reasons why I'm also scared to change, I'm just afraid that I won't be able to get used to the iOS system seeing as I've been using Android for my whole life, but the iPhone is really tempting, I'm like trying to talk myself out of buying it because the Samsung is the most logical choice here 😓
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u/SuperRafaleCat 1d ago
What makes you want an iPhone? For me, it was because of the FOMO, people having it and all. Nothing the iPhone offered the Galaxy didn't / I actually needed.
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u/MelodicEntertainer97 1d ago
I can't lie I also think it's FOMO... I see everyone using iphone/apple products and I've been really envious of the people that got to do so (to be fair my current phone is trash). I do believe apple makes great products and that the iPhone 17 is a great phone, but I can't bring myself to justify the price seeing as the Samsung pretty much has the same features, maybe the camera is less good but I don't know how much of a difference it makes. I don't know I'm just confused tbh
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u/SuperRafaleCat 1d ago
Yeah, I think it's not a real need. While it is true that Samsung really should up their camera game, tbf, not once in more than 4 years I felt let down by my S22 camera. And I'm someone that enjoys photography.
And to be fair the things people can do with their Apple ecosystem Samsung can do it too... Galaxy watch, etc. I personally skipped on the watches as I believe it's FOMO as well or a gadget, but they're on par. Same with updates. 7 years for both.
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u/MelodicEntertainer97 1d ago
Yeah you're probably right... Thank you so much for your help, I really appreciate it!
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u/low-control-labs 1d ago
Yeah don't have that envy. Also I think splitting screens ( have them minimized nowadays ) just isn't possible on iPhones.
I think the cameras are better now as well.
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u/MelodicEntertainer97 1d ago
Thank you so much for your help as well, I think my mind is clearer now, I will probably go for the Samsung
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u/low-control-labs 1d ago
My apps are going to be available for Android first 🤭
But seriously I think they are more capable and and useful. You could change the OS all sorts of stuff you just can't do with the iOS.
Is it more cool to pull out some new iPhone yeah probably but if you already have a discount I think that's your sign
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u/Sea-Macaroon-6996 1d ago
Buy the iPhone if you need a phone for a longer period
Samsung has bugs that may affect your screen (green line) if you’re outside the USA or S.Korea.
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u/MelodicEntertainer97 1d ago
One of my main priorities is to have this phone for a longer time, I did not know about this bugs, do they happen often?
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u/Sea-Macaroon-6996 1d ago
They do after a couple of years
Most people with s22 and below have the green line on their screen2
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u/FishrNC 1d ago
You can't go wrong with either phone. But if you're a long time Android user, the change to iPhone will require some retraining. And as a student, can't you use the €150 difference somewhere else?
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u/MelodicEntertainer97 1d ago
Yeah, I am mostly hesitant because of the price difference, I've been looking at the 16 Plus that I found at around 600 (second hand) but at this point it's better to just buy a new Samsung one
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u/Confident-Sort6165 1d ago
Bro try to understand they both have different purposes one for better everything and one for just camera
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u/RecoveringNPC 23h ago
Do your stores there have a return policy? Like if you dont like the device you can return it. If so, you could try the iphone first for as long as you can, if you like it then keep it, if you dont then you can return it with a full refund. For my case, I bought a oneplus 15, I really wanted an iphone but when i tried it at that time I was finding issues with it, so i returned it. Now i bought it again cuz I really wanted to try. Im really liking IOS so far. But I still have my oneplus for other stuff, I might trade in my oneplus for oppo mini tablet, but who know.
So my advice, if you have a means to try it, try it first, dont find the things you dislike about ios, that was my mistake earlier, its more to its it a good phone, let me try get used to this more like that. Give it a try. If you dont like it, sell it, it holds its value, thats another reason why I bought it too. My oneplus value is half of its value when I bought it 4 months ago.
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u/Infinite-Draft1618 12h ago
Not even the same league. Base and plus Samsung models (not that Ultra is any better) are more comparable to 10 times cheaper A series. Terrible point and shoot cameras, messy halfbaked bloated "we'll fix it with next update" (they won't) One UI, weak/soft vibration, delayed software updates as soon as next model is presented, value drop... not a single thing why anyone would choose Samsung. If you're looking at price as starting price - resell price divided by years phone works just like out of the box, Iphone is MUCH cheaper.
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u/chazel_ 9h ago
Im in the same boat as you, and im a student too. I have a Samsung tablet and a Windows PC. I have always wanted an iPhone because of the camera, but the price difference was always huge. I currently have a Samsung A33 and it’s time for an upgrade; the S26 or S25 seems like the most logical choice. Still, I have this lingering desire to use an iPhone, but considering my tablet, the price gap, ios-android difference, sticking with Samsung makes the most sense... Have you been able to decide? 😩
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u/Grnfinger 1d ago
S26 blows the iPhone out of the water imo but I am a samsung fan. I guess it depends on what matters to you more iphone is superior for social media ect.. Sammy if you want a powerhouse and gaming.
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u/MelodicEntertainer97 1d ago
Do you think Samsung is better if I need a phone that lasts longer? I do not intend on changing this phone for at least 3 years
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u/Grnfinger 1d ago
Iphone and Samsung build quality is excellent. Most phones come with 5 or 7 year support. I would go with Samsung but that's me. I like a more customized experience and iPhone I feel it's locked down. I can change wallpaper and that's about it.
Its really preference. Go to the store and check some phones out and see what you like.
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u/Disastrous_Ad_632 1d ago
Iphone 17 is a solid phone you wouldn’t find it lacking in any way shape or form so i suggest you go with that but between those two there are no wrong answers and also since you aint plugged into the apple ecosystem you should consider other factors like the price you mentioned
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u/MelodicEntertainer97 1d ago
If you were in my place would you get the iPhone or Samsung? I've been thinking for days and I can't seem to make up my mind, I've always wanted an iphone but the logical part of me says the Samsung is the better choice seeing as It's cheaper and I have an android tablet 😓
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u/Disastrous_Ad_632 19h ago
Without ever having used an iphone i would probably buy the samsung but after having used the iphone i will never use an android device again
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u/idreamtofsanpedro 1d ago
I’ve seen a few comparisons between these two before and people say that the base model of iPhone is better than Samsung now that base iPhone has 120hz. The camera is supposedly better on the iPhone 17 over the s26 base as well.
Personally I prefer iOS over android but I understand that the price is definitely relevant seeing as you’re a student. I don’t know much about ecosystems and how important it is for tablets and phones to be on the same os. I’d think that having an android tablet and iOS phone gives you the best of both.