Apple iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S26 FE tie on the OH Rank at a score of 67. Apple iPhone 16 wins on Screen and Main Camera; Samsung Galaxy S26 FE wins on Battery and Desktop Replacement. Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is 5.3mm wider than Apple iPhone 16. Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is the more recent release, from Sep 4, 2026.
EDITORIAL: This round Apple upgraded itâs non-Pro modelsâ chips to match the Pro level. They are now better then ever. iPhone 16 is a great option for anyone needing great photos and videos from a compact iPhone. The screen is still only 60htz (no one else makes phones with such slow refresh rate any more) but this is a flagship grade phone in every other way
EDITORIAL: When S20 FE arrived in 2020, it created a lot of interest as a cheaper (fan edition) version of it's Galaxy S20+ flagship phone. It made compromises to achieve lower price and they were reasonable: 1mm wider, plastic back, good but lower quality screen, downfraded 8MP tele (instead of a 64MP) lens, sans-AF selfie and no DeX. That phone sold well and Samsung had a S FE phone every year (skipped only 2022) since. Over time, the compromises became bigger and now we got an FE that omits latest processor, comes with lower endurance and a slow USB-C 2.0 port. It still brings other sacrifices typical for a Samsung FE phone: cheaper Victus glass, lower quality screen, 8MP telefoto and a sans-AF selfie but wireless DeX is now included (as it is on all Samsung's flagship phones). It is hard to understand why is Samsung degrading a phone model that build good reputation and following over the years but it is what it is.
Both phones here were scored by me, using the same ten categories, with no ads, sponsorships, or manufacturer relationships — this comparison is as objective and honest as it gets.