iPhone 18 Pro, Galaxy S26 Ultra Split Camera Test at $1,199 and $1,300
Updated
Updated · CNET · Sep 17
iPhone 18 Pro, Galaxy S26 Ultra Split Camera Test at $1,199 and $1,300
3 articles · Updated · CNET · Sep 17
Summary
$1,199 iPhone 18 Pro and $1,300 Galaxy S26 Ultra traded wins in a side-by-side camera test, with no clear overall winner across daylight, zoom, selfie and night shots.
Apple’s phone generally produced warmer, more vibrant images, while Samsung’s delivered crisper detail and brighter, more natural-looking color in several scenes, including zoom and nighttime photos.
Camera hardware and software shaped that split: the iPhone uses three 48-megapixel rear cameras plus variable aperture and manual white-balance controls, while the S26 Ultra pairs a 200-megapixel main sensor with dual telephoto lenses.
Personal preference remained the deciding factor, with the iPhone favored for flattering warmth and creative effects such as an f/4 night starburst, and the Galaxy for sharper, truer-to-life results.