Apple iPhone 18 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S26

Quick answer

Critics score the Apple iPhone 18 Pro 89 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 78 out of 100, from 9 and 9 professional reviews. 5 outlets reviewed both: 4 scored the Apple iPhone 18 Pro higher and 1 gave both the same score. On average those critics put the Apple iPhone 18 Pro 9 points ahead.

Apple iPhone 18 ProImage: Apple

Apple iPhone 18 Pro

89
Highly rated
Average of 9 professional reviews
9 of 9 recommend it · broad agreement
Where the 9 reviews landedRange 80–95
Score printed by the outlet Estimated from the verdict

Praised for: performance (6 of 9), battery life (6 of 9), design (3 of 9)

Criticised for: price (6 of 9), software and app (2 of 9)

All 9 reviews of the Apple iPhone 18 Pro →

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Samsung Galaxy S26Image: Samsung

Samsung Galaxy S26

78
Mixed
Average of 9 professional reviews
3 of 9 recommend it · critics agree
Where the 9 reviews landedRange 70–80

Praised for: performance (7 of 9), battery life (5 of 9), picture quality (4 of 9)

Criticised for: price (4 of 9), battery life (2 of 9)

All 9 reviews of the Samsung Galaxy S26 →

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Critics who reviewed both

The fairest comparison: the same reviewer, the same standards
OutletApple iPhone 18 ProSamsung Galaxy S26Difference
Expert Reviews9580+15
Engadget9080+10
Tech Advisor9080+10
Trusted Reviews9080+10
Digital Trends8080same

Scores converted to 0–100. Difference is the Apple iPhone 18 Pro minus the Samsung Galaxy S26. Outlined tiles are estimated from the verdict. Each score links to the review.

Compare either one with another smartphone → · All smartphones ranked →

Common questions

Which is better, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro or the Samsung Galaxy S26?

Critics rate the Apple iPhone 18 Pro higher: 89 against 78. 5 outlets reviewed both: 4 scored the Apple iPhone 18 Pro higher and 1 gave both the same score. On average those critics put the Apple iPhone 18 Pro 9 points ahead.

Do critics agree about the Apple iPhone 18 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S26?

The Apple iPhone 18 Pro: broad agreement, scores from 80 to 95. The Samsung Galaxy S26: critics agree, scores from 70 to 80.