Between the Galaxy S26 and iPhone SE (3rd gen), the Galaxy S26 comes out ahead in main camera and ram, while the iPhone SE (3rd gen) wins on weight. Overall, the Galaxy S26 scores 64.6 and the iPhone SE (3rd gen) scores 40.7 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The Galaxy S26 is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 23.9 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.
Pick the Galaxy S26 if you photograph or shoot video regularly and want the better imaging pipeline of the two. The biggest gaps in its favor are main camera, ram, antutu, among others.
Pick the iPhone SE (3rd gen) if you carry the device everywhere and weight or thickness has been the deciding factor before. Its strongest claims are weight.
Both ship with comparable 5g support, optical image stabilization, headphone jack, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the Galaxy S26 is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Why Samsung - Galaxy S26 wins
- ▲Main camera — 316.67% more. 50 MP vs 12 MP.
- ▲RAM — 200.00% more. 12 GB vs 4 GB.
- ▲AnTuTu — 175.64% more. 2150000 vs 780000.
- ▲Wired charging — 125.00% more. 45 W vs 20 W.
- ▲Refresh rate — 100.00% more. 120 Hz vs 60 Hz.
- ▲Wireless charging — 100.00% more. 15 W vs 7.5 W.
- ▲Battery capacity — 98.22% more. 4000 mAh vs 2018 mAh.
- ▲Front camera — 71.43% more. 12 MP vs 7 MP.
Why Apple - iPhone SE (3rd gen) wins
- ▲Weight — 24.00 g less. 144 vs 168.
Spec comparison
Design
| Spec | Samsung - Galaxy S26 | Apple - iPhone SE (3rd gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 168 g | 144 glead |
| Thickness | 7.4 mm | 7.3 mmlead |
| Water resistanceⓘ | IP68lead | IP67 |
| Form factor | bar | bar |
Display
| Spec | Samsung - Galaxy S26 | Apple - iPhone SE (3rd gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen sizeⓘ | 6.2 "lead | 4.7 " |
| Pixel densityⓘ | 425 ppilead | 326 ppi |
| Refresh rateⓘ | 120 Hzlead | 60 Hz |
| Peak brightnessⓘ | 2400 nitslead | 625 nits |
Performance
Cameras
| Spec | Samsung - Galaxy S26 | Apple - iPhone SE (3rd gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Main cameraⓘ | 50 MPlead | 12 MP |
| Front camera | 12 MPlead | 7 MP |
| Optical image stabilizationⓘ | true | true |
Battery
| Spec | Samsung - Galaxy S26 | Apple - iPhone SE (3rd gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 4000 mAhlead | 2018 mAh |
| Wired chargingⓘ | 45 Wlead | 20 W |
| Wireless chargingⓘ | 15 Wlead | 7.5 W |
Connectivity
| Spec | Samsung - Galaxy S26 | Apple - iPhone SE (3rd gen) |
|---|---|---|
| 5G supportⓘ | true | true |
| Headphone jack | false | false |
| microSD slot | false | false |
Operating System
| Spec | Samsung - Galaxy S26 | Apple - iPhone SE (3rd gen) |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Android | iOSlead |
| Promised OS updates | 7 yearslead | 5 years |
Frequently asked
Which has better battery, Galaxy S26 or iPhone SE (3rd gen)?+
Galaxy S26 has 98.2% more battery — 4000 mAh vs 2018 mAh.
Which is lighter, Galaxy S26 or iPhone SE (3rd gen)?+
iPhone SE (3rd gen) is 24g lighter — 168g vs 144g.
Is Galaxy S26 waterproof?+
Galaxy S26 has an IP68 rating.
Does iPhone SE (3rd gen) support 5G?+
Yes, iPhone SE (3rd gen) supports 5G.
Which has more RAM, Galaxy S26 or iPhone SE (3rd gen)?+
Galaxy S26 offers 12GB of RAM.
Which has a better camera, Galaxy S26 or iPhone SE (3rd gen)?+
Galaxy S26 has a 50 MP main camera vs 12 MP.
Spec-level deep dives
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