Samsung Galaxy S26 announced: these iPhones are cheaper and just as good

The new Samsung Galaxy S26 series has been officially unveiled. The devices bring few innovations, except for a significantly higher price tag. Below you will find the best iPhone alternatives that perform at least as well and are a lot cheaper.

The best Apple alternatives for the Samsung Galaxy S26

Samsung has officially launched the new Galaxy S26 series, with new chips and improved cameras. You have to pay more money for these devices, because Samsung has implemented price increases. The iPhone 17 is therefore cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy S26. Below are the best iPhone alternatives with comparable performance, which are also considerably cheaper.

iPhone 17: available from 562 euros

Apple has provided the iPhone 17 with a number of important improvements, so that the regular iPhone is no longer inferior to Samsung devices. The iPhone 17 has an always-on screen with a refresh rate of 120 Hz and 256 GB of storage space as standard. Apple has not increased the prices of the iPhone in 2025, so it is now cheaper if you choose the iPhone 17.

The iPhone 17 runs on the A19 chip, which works smoothly with all Apple Intelligence functions. Furthermore, the phone has two 48-megapixel cameras at the rear and an improved 18-megapixel front camera. With this advanced camera system you can take high-quality photos and videos, both at the front and at the back. The 6.3-inch screen is brighter than previous iPhones, making the iPhone 17 always easy to read.

iPhone 17 at online stores: from 562 euros

The iPhone 17 with 256 GB storage normally costs 969 euros, but at Bol you can now get it from 866 euros, depending on the color. Would you rather pay even less? Then choose a subscription via Belsimpel. In combination with an Unlimited subscription from Odido, you can get the iPhone 17 from 562 euros.

iPhone 17 from providers: from 768 euros

Would you rather buy the iPhone 17 immediately through your own provider? That is certainly possible and often cheaper than the price at introduction. At Vodafone you can now get the device from 768 euros. If you choose Odido, you pay for the device for 792 euros. Would you rather go for KPN? Of course that is also possible! At KPN you can also get the iPhone 17 from 792 euros.

iPhone 16: available from 390 euros

The iPhone 16 is a compact top model from Apple with a beautiful and bright 6.1-inch screen, a fast A18 chip for smooth use and smart AI functions, plus an advanced dual camera (48 MP) that takes sharp photos and videos both day and night.

The iPhone is just as powerful and good as the new Samsung Galaxy S26, with Face ID, fast wireless charging and updates until 2030, but often cheaper due to offers. Perfect if you want premium quality without spending too much.

iPhone 16 at online stores: from 390 euros

The iPhone 16 (128 GB) normally costs 869 euros, but at Bol you can now get it for 659 euros, depending on the color. Do you want to be even cheaper? Then take it out with a subscription to Belsimpel, with an Unlimited subscription from Vodafone you pay 390 euros, a saving of 265 euros compared to the current individual device price!

iPhone 16 from providers: from 624 euros

Do you want to save extra on the iPhone 16? Then combine it smartly with a subscription, which is often cheaper than buying separately. At Vodafone you can now get it for 624 euros. Or go for Odido, where the price is 648 euros. Would you rather choose KPN? Then you pay 696 euros.

iPhone 16e: available from 376 euros

The iPhone 16e is Apple’s affordable flagship with a 6.1-inch Super Retina

With a battery life of up to 26 hours of video, IP68 water resistance, Face ID and updates until 2030, it offers almost everything from the more expensive iPhone 16, but at a lower retail price of 719 euros. Ideal as a cheaper alternative to the Samsung Galaxy S26.

iPhone 16e at online stores: from 376 euros

The iPhone 16e normally costs 719 euros and can be purchased at Coolblue, Bol and MediaMarkt. . The cheapest single device price can now be found at Bol for 545 euros. Would you rather save more on device costs? Then you save the most with an Unlimited subscription from Vodafone via Mobiel.nl, where you can get it from 376 euros.

iPhone 16e from providers: from 504 euros

Do you want to save big on the iPhone 16e? Be sure to combine it with a subscription, as this is often cheaper than if you were to buy the device separately. Do you prefer KPN? Then you pay 504 euros. At Vodafone it now costs 528 euros. Or choose Odido and pay 540 euros for the device.

iPhone Air: available from 692 euros

The iPhone Air is Apple’s thinnest smartphone ever (it’s just 5.6mm thick and weighs just 165 grams), featuring a large 6.5-inch Super Retina Vision Videos.

With up to 27 hours of video playback, Face ID, USB-C and eSIM-only design, it offers premium Pro features in an ultra-light package, ideal as a stylish alternative to the Samsung Galaxy S26.

iPhone 16e at online stores: from 692 euros

At launch, the iPhone Air still cost 1,229 euros, but the price has now dropped considerably in many web shops. You can find the device for a lot less at well-known web shops such as Coolblue, MediaMarkt and Bol. For example, you can now buy separately from 885 euros at Bol.​

If you want the most benefit on the device price, a subscription is often the smartest choice. For example, with an Unlimited subscription from Vodafone via Belsimpel you can get the iPhone Air from 692 euros. This way you pay much less for the iPhone Air and it is cheaper than if you purchase the device separately.

iPhone Air via a provider: from 888 euros

Would you rather buy the iPhone Air directly from your own provider? That is certainly possible, and you often even get a nice discount compared to the original price. At Vodafone and KPN you now pay 888 euros for the device. Would you rather go for Odido? Of course that is also possible! At Odido you currently pay 960 euros.