iPhone SE (3rd gen) vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | iPhone SE (3rd gen) | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AnTuTu v10 score | 1,299,090 | 3,515,964 | -63.1% |
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | — |
| Display | 4.7" 60 Hz | 6.9" 120 Hz | — |
| Battery (mAh) | 2,018 | 5,200 | -61.2% |
| Rear cameras | 12 MP | 200+50+50+50 MP | — |
| Front camera (MP) | 7 | 24 | — |
| RAM / storage (base) | 4 GB / 64 GB | 16 GB / 256 GB | — |
| Max configuration | 4 GB / 256 GB | 24 GB / 1024 GB | — |
| Weight (g) | 144 | 215 | -33.0% |
| Connectivity / unlock | 5G · Front-mounted | 5G · Under-display | — |
| Launch price (USD) | $429–$579 | $1,349–$1,649 | -68.2% |
- Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on raw performance by about 63% on AnTuTu v10 (Apple A15 Bionic vs Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5).
- iPhone SE (3rd gen) is the cheaper option at launch pricing, though these phones launched 4 years apart — street prices will differ from launch MSRPs.
Verdict: iPhone SE (3rd gen) or Galaxy S26 Ultra?
iPhone SE (3rd gen) advantages
- Lightness (+33%)
- Affordability (+68%)
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra advantages
- Raw performance (+63%)
- Battery capacity (+61%)
- Display smoothness (+50%)
- Camera resolution (+94%)
- Memory (+75%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the iPhone SE (3rd gen) if you want a lighter phone for one-handed use.
- Choose the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra if you game or want the most headroom for years of updates.
- Choose the iPhone SE (3rd gen) if you want the best value for money.
Value for money
iPhone SE (3rd gen) delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
iPhone SE (3rd gen) vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: which should you choose?
iPhone SE (3rd gen) — Apple iOS 15.4 smartphone (2022) with a 4.7-inch 60 Hz Retina IPS LCD, Apple A15 Bionic, 2018 mAh battery and 12MP main camera, scoring about 1,299,090 on AnTuTu v10; launched at $429.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — Samsung Android 16 smartphone (2026) with a 6.9-inch 120 Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, 5200 mAh battery and 200MP main camera, scoring about 3,515,964 on AnTuTu v10; launched at $1,349.
iPhone SE (3rd gen) vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is the faster phone. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on raw performance by about 63% on AnTuTu v10 (Apple A15 Bionic vs Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5). iPhone SE (3rd gen) is the cheaper option at launch pricing, though these phones launched 4 years apart — street prices will differ from launch MSRPs.
Performance and everyday use
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is the faster device on raw benchmarks (3,515,964 vs 1,299,090 on AnTuTu v10), running the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 against the Apple A15 Bionic. For messaging, browsing and social apps both feel instant — the gap matters most for gaming and long-term headroom.
Display and battery
iPhone SE (3rd gen) carries a 4.7-inch 60 Hz Retina IPS LCD against a 6.9-inch 120 Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. Batteries are 2,018 and 5,200 mAh — though software tuning and chipset efficiency shape real-world endurance as much as capacity.
Cameras, storage and price
Rear arrays are 12 MP versus 200+50+50+50 MP, with 7 MP and 24 MP front cameras. Base configurations start at 4 GB / 64 GB and 16 GB / 256 GB. The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is the more affordable at about $429 launch price, which may matter more than a small spec gap.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the smartphone comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the iPhone SE (3rd gen) better than the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra takes the overall edge, though iPhone SE (3rd gen) wins in specific areas worth weighing. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on raw performance by about 63% on AnTuTu v10 (Apple A15 Bionic vs Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5).
What is the main difference between the iPhone SE (3rd gen) and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads on raw performance by about 63% on AnTuTu v10 (Apple A15 Bionic vs Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5). iPhone SE (3rd gen) is the cheaper option at launch pricing, though these phones launched 4 years apart — street prices will differ from launch MSRPs.
Which is better value?
iPhone SE (3rd gen) delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the iPhone SE (3rd gen) if you want a lighter phone for one-handed use. Choose the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra if you game or want the most headroom for years of updates.
Methodology
Smartphones are compared on AnTuTu v10 benchmark scores, chipset, display size and refresh rate, battery capacity, rear and front camera resolution, RAM and storage across launch variants, weight, and launch pricing (USD). Each model shows its base variant with the top-spec configuration noted where multiple variants exist. Benchmark scores reflect the listed chipset variant; real-world battery life and camera quality depend on software tuning, not just hardware numbers.