Samsung's Galaxy S26 series hits shelves with storage upgrades and charging improvements, while Apple's iPhone 17e addresses key shortcomings of its predecessor ahead of March 11 release.
This week marked the official launch of Samsung's Galaxy S26 series, while Apple opened pre-orders for its iPhone 17e. The timing is particularly interesting as both companies address different pain points from their previous generations.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Series: Storage Upgrades and Charging Improvements
The Galaxy S26 Ultra leads the lineup with several notable upgrades. The most significant change is the storage configuration - the 512GB model now costs the same as last year's 256GB version, effectively giving you double the storage at no extra cost. However, the 1TB model with 16GB RAM costs €100 more than before.
A standout feature is the new Privacy Display, which Samsung claims offers unique capabilities not found on competing devices. The charging system has also been dramatically improved - the new 60W Super Fast Charging 3.0 charger can power the 5,000mAh battery to 84% in just 30 minutes, compared to 72% on the S25 Ultra. A full charge takes only 43 minutes, 16 minutes faster than last year's model.
All three S26 models (Ultra, S26+, and S26) come with a €50 discount, and Prime Student members get an additional €30 off. The S26+ and S26 effectively offer free storage upgrades with their 256GB and 512GB configurations.
iPhone 17e: Addressing the 16e's Shortcomings
Apple's iPhone 17e appears designed to fix several major complaints about the 16e. Most notably, it finally includes proper MagSafe support, addressing one of the biggest omissions from last year's budget model. The base storage has been doubled to 256GB, and the Ceramic Shield 2 display now features an anti-reflective coating.
The chipset has been upgraded to the Apple A19, though the display remains a 6.1" 60Hz panel with the same notch design. The single 48MP camera uses a smaller sensor (1/2.55") compared to some competitors, but the €700 starting price positions it as a compelling option for those wanting iOS without the flagship price tag.
Alternative iPhone Options Worth Considering
For those weighing their options, the iPhone 16e is still available but only makes sense if you're willing to accept the 128GB base model at €550. The 256GB version is only marginally cheaper than the 17e, making the newer model the better value.
The iPhone 16 offers superior cameras with a larger 48MP main sensor (1/1.56" vs 1/2.55") and a 12MP ultra-wide, though finding a new 256GB model at a reasonable price remains challenging. The iPhone Air presents an interesting alternative - it's actually €10 cheaper than a 256GB iPhone 16 while offering a larger 6.5" LTPO display with Dynamic Island, though it has a smaller battery (3,149mAh vs 4,005mAh).
Apple's New MacBook Neo and iPad Updates
Apple also launched the MacBook Neo, a budget-friendly 13" laptop powered by the iPhone 16 Pro's A18 Pro chipset with 8GB RAM. At €700, it matches the iPhone 17e's price point but offers a proper laptop experience without a backlit keyboard (only the 512GB model includes Touch ID).
The iPad Air received a modest upgrade to the M4 chipset (up from M3) and now includes 12GB RAM, a 50% increase over the previous generation. Other improvements include Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0 support, though the 60Hz IPS LCD displays remain unchanged.
For those considering tablets, the iPad Pro models from 2025 offer more premium features including tandem OLED displays at 120Hz, though they come at a higher price point. Current discounts help narrow the gap between Air and Pro models.
The mobile landscape continues to evolve with both Samsung and Apple addressing specific user pain points - Samsung focusing on charging speeds and storage value, while Apple works to make its budget iPhone more competitive with features like MagSafe and improved base storage.
Comments
Please log in or register to join the discussion