I’ve never really been drawn to smaller-sized phones, at least not until recently. Around September last year, I bought the iPhone 17, which itself was a shift after spending years with larger devices like the iPhone 14 Pro Max. It took a bit of getting used to, but it eased me into the idea that smaller phones might not be as limiting as I once thought.
Then came Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series. I was particularly curious about the vanilla Galaxy S26 and how it would perform, handle battery life, and be used day to day in a smaller form factor. Luckily, I got the chance to spend some proper time with it. Over the past few weeks, I’ve found myself reaching for the S26. It’s not just about the size. There are several factors that make it stand out, to the point that it has made me reconsider my long-standing preference for iPhones.
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As refined as it gets
Fits like it was made for your hands, but keeps you on your toes
Credit: Shimul Sood / MakeUseOf
What stood out to me almost instantly with the Galaxy S26 was how easy it is to hold. Compared to the iPhone 17, this feels slimmer and more manageable, especially in daily use. One-handed usage, in particular, is where it really shines. I can comfortably wrap my fingers around my phone, reach most on-screen controls, and go about my usual tasks without constantly shifting my grip. That said, there’s a slight trade-off to all that polish. The back panel feels undeniably premium, but it also makes the phone feel a bit delicate. It’s smooth to the point where I’m always a little cautious while using it, almost expecting it to slip if I’m not careful. It looks and feels great, but it does make you more aware of how you’re holding it.
In terms of design, Samsung hasn’t really shaken things up this time. If you’ve seen the Galaxy S25, this feels instantly familiar. The camera module has been tweaked slightly, but the overall look remains largely the same. Personally, I love that. When a design already works this well, there’s no real need to reinvent it. It still delivers that premium feel you expect at this price point, and it does so confidently.
The Cobalt Violet finish I’ve been using adds a nice touch of personality. It looks rich and stands out without being too loud. Yes, it does pick up the occasional fingerprints on the back panel, but nothing excessive or distracting enough to take away from the overall appeal.
One more eye on the world
A little zoom goes a long way
Credit: Shimul Sood / MakeUseOf
The iPhone 17 keeps a dual-camera setup on the rear, and, to be fair, it does a solid job. But having more flexibility is never a bad thing, especially when it comes to cameras. That’s where the Galaxy S26 pulls ahead a bit. Alongside the primary and ultra-wide lenses, you also get a dedicated telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, which opens up far more room to experiment.
In day-to-day use, the extra lens makes a lot of difference. Whether it’s zooming in without losing details or framing shots more creatively, it simply gives more options. Portraits, in particular, turn out really well. Samsung has clearly fine-tuned its approach here, with sharp subject separation and pleasing background blur that often looks more refined than what I get from the iPhone 17.
Performance is its moment to shine
It just kept its composure
Credit: Shimul Sood / MakeUseOf
The Samsung Galaxy S26 surprised me with how well it held up. I took both phones along on a six-day trip and used them side-by-side the entire time, and to be honest, the conditions weren’t doing them any favors. The heat was intense, so I was curious to see how these phones would cope under such conditions. I didn’t go easy on them either. From regular day-to-day tasks and constant multitasking to playing heavy games, shooting 4K videos in harsh sunlight and running benchmarks to find out who wins, both devices worked almost nonstop.
The iPhone 17 began to feel a little tired. Scrolling didn’t feel as smooth, animations felt slightly off, and there were moments when I found myself pausing, waiting for it to catch up. The Galaxy S26, on the other hand, just kept going. Yes, it warmed up a bit near the camera module, but it never made me uncomfortable or worried. More importantly, it stayed consistent. By the end, I found myself trusting the S26 more.
Finally, a phone that doesn’t give up early
Stays with you until the day taps out
Credit: Shimul Sood / MakeUseOf
I’ll be honest, battery life has been a serious concern for me on the iPhone 17. On most days, especially when I am out for long hours, I find myself watching the percentage drop a little too quickly. By the time evening rolled around, it was already running on fumes or already dead, which meant I had to plan my day with a charger or a power bank.
The Galaxy S26 feels very different in that regard. In similar use, it lasts longer and doesn’t have me constantly checking the battery icon. On paper, it packs 608mAh more battery than the iPhone 17, and that difference translates quite clearly into real-world use. What I appreciate the most is the peace of mind it brings. I don’t have to hold back on tasks just to save battery. It simply keeps up with my day, which is exactly what I want from a device at this level.
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It asks for more, but makes it hard to say no
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is priced about $100 higher than the iPhone 17, but it doesn’t feel like you’re paying more for the sake of it. In return, you’re getting a device that offers more flexibility, more features, and in many ways, a more well-rounded experience.
What makes this shift even more surprising for me is where I’m coming from. I’ve been firmly in the iPhone camp since the days of the iPhone 5c, and for a long time, I never really felt the need to look elsewhere. That changed only recently, as I started spending more time with Android phones, especially Pixel and Samsung models. Even then, I didn’t actually prefer one over my iPhone. But the Galaxy S26 really made me pause and rethink my iPhone loyalty. It’s not just about trying something new anymore. It’s about realizing that there might be something better suited to how I use my phone today.
SoC
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
Display
6.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x
