6 things iPhone 17 has that Galaxy S26 doesn’t

2026-03-03 - 11:27

While Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra arrived in February with a few bells and whistles, the standard Galaxy S26 feels like a minor iteration on old hardware. In contrast, the iPhone 17 has introduced several substantive upgrades that make it a more compelling choice for the average consumer. Here is why the iPhone 17 is currently outshining the Galaxy S26 in 2026. 1. A Superior, Glare-Free Display Apple has equipped the standard iPhone 17 with a 6.3-inch OLED screen that hits a staggering 3,000 nits of peak brightness, easily outmuscling the S26’s 2,600 nits. More importantly, the iPhone features a specialised anti-reflective coating — a premium touch Samsung reserved only for its expensive Ultra model. With 10-bit colour and Dolby Vision support, the iPhone offers a more professional visual experience than the S26’s HDR10+ panel. 2. Better Selfie Camera The iPhone 17’s front-facing camera is a game-changer for creators. It uses an 18MP square sensor, meaning you can snap high-res vertical or horizontal shots without actually turning your phone. While the Galaxy S26 sticks to a traditional 12MP rectangular sensor, the iPhone provides more flexibility and higher resolution for 4K Dolby Vision video calls and vlogs. 3. High-Resolution Ultrawide Photography Landscape and macro shots look significantly sharper on the iPhone 17 thanks to its 48MP ultrawide lens. Not only is the resolution four times higher than the Galaxy S26’s 12MP sensor, but Apple’s lens includes autofocus. This allows for much finer detail and better focus control, whereas the S26 is limited by a fixed-focus lens that struggles with close-up subjects. 4. Charging Speeds (Wired and Wireless) Samsung has traditionally led in charging, but the tables have turned. The iPhone 17 supports 40W wired charging, hitting a 50% charge in just 20 minutes. Even more impressive is its 25W wireless charging, which is just as fast as the S26’s wired connection. Even with a physically smaller battery (3,700mAh vs. 4,300mAh), the iPhone’s efficiency ensures it remains competitive in daily endurance. Samsung Galaxy S26 Photo: Sammobile 5. Ruggedness and Water Protection Both phones claim an IP68 rating, but the “fine print” favours Apple. The iPhone 17 is engineered to survive depths of 6 meters for half an hour. The Galaxy S26, meanwhile, is only rated for 1.5 meters. Whether it’s a drop in a pool or a lake, the iPhone offers a massive safety margin that Samsung simply doesn’t match. 6. Cutting-Edge Connectivity The iPhone 17 is more future-proofed with Bluetooth 6.0, offering better range and lower latency than the S26’s Bluetooth 5.4. Apple also includes Ultra Wideband (UWB) in its base model, enabling pinpoint accuracy for finding lost items or using digital car keys. While the S26 does offer faster USB 3.2 data transfer speeds for DeX, most users will find more daily value in the iPhone’s superior wireless tech. The Verdict: Better Specs for a Lower Price Perhaps the biggest blow to Samsung is the cost. In the U.S., the iPhone 17 (256GB) retails for $799, while the Galaxy S26 starts at $899 for the same storage. By charging $100 more for older camera tech, slower charging, and less durable hardware, Samsung has left the door wide open for Apple to dominate the “standard” flagship market this year.