The age-old question, updated for 2026: Apple, Samsung or Xiaomi? All three giants have played their trump cards this year, and the differences have never been more intriguing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The iPhone 17 features Apple Intelligence and a revamped design. The Samsung Galaxy S26 enhances Galaxy AI with top-of-the-range hardware. And the Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro proves that you can get a 200 MP camera and an AMOLED screen for less than the cost of an iPhone case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This comparison isn\u2019t about choosing \u00abthe best\u00bb in the abstract \u2014 it\u2019s about choosing the best for you<\/strong>, depending on your budget, your priorities and the ecosystem you already use. And if you\u2019re in Tenerife, all three cost less than back home thanks to the IGIC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first surprise: the Xiaomi and the Samsung have the same main camera resolution (200 MP), but the Samsung costs \u20ac780 more. Is it worth the extra cost? Let\u2019s find out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Apple has taken a striking new direction with the iPhone 17. The rear camera module is now a horizontal aluminium bar that runs the full width of the phone \u2014 a significant aesthetic change that sets it apart from any previous iPhone. The body combines aluminium with the \u00abmechanically ventilated\u00bb rear panel that Apple has introduced this year. Impeccable build quality, as always.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Samsung remains committed to minimalist elegance. The S26 is slimmer and lighter than its predecessor (162 g), with flat titanium edges and a virtually bezel-less screen. The back is matt and hardly shows any fingerprints. Objectively speaking, it is the most comfortable of the three to hold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Redmi doesn\u2019t try to compete on premium materials \u2014 it\u2019s made of plastic with a textured finish and a reinforced frame. But it doesn\u2019t feel cheap. It\u2019s the largest and heaviest of the three (190 g), which makes sense given that it houses the largest battery. The build quality is solid for the price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Design verdict:<\/strong> If premium build quality and compactness are important to you, Samsung is the winner. If you value the Apple ecosystem and its iconic design, go for the iPhone. If you don\u2019t mind what the body is made of and would rather invest in a good case, go for Xiaomi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Good news: all three mobiles feature 120 Hz AMOLED displays. By 2026, there are no longer any poor-quality displays in this range. But there are some caveats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Galaxy S26<\/strong> It has the brightest screen and the one that looks best in sunlight, featuring Samsung\u2019s Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, which remains the industry benchmark. The colour reproduction is exceptional and the QHD+ resolution allows you to see every detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The iPhone 17<\/strong> It features ProMotion (adaptive 120 Hz) and the industry\u2019s most accurate colour calibration. If you work with photos or videos and need colour accuracy, Apple remains the benchmark. The maximum outdoor brightness exceeds 2,000 nits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Redmi Note 15 Pro<\/strong> It impresses with a peak brightness of 1,800 nits and vibrant colours. It doesn\u2019t quite match Apple\u2019s colour accuracy or Samsung\u2019s extreme brightness, but the difference is only noticeable when comparing them side by side. For everyday use \u2014 social media, videos, web browsing \u2014 it\u2019s outstanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Screen verdict:<\/strong> Samsung > Apple > Xiaomi, but all three are excellent. You really notice the difference in extreme HDR and in direct sunlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is the area where the price difference is most noticeable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Apple doesn\u2019t win on megapixels (48 MP compared to Samsung and Xiaomi\u2019s 200 MP), but on computational processing. The A19\u2019s Photonic Engine produces consistently good photos in any lighting conditions, particularly in night mode and in low light. Video remains Apple\u2019s biggest strength \u2014 4K Dolby Vision recording with cinema-grade stabilisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The 24 MP front-facing camera with Face ID is the best of the three for video calls and natural-looking selfies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The 200 MP main sensor produces photos with an extraordinary level of detail. Samsung\u2019s image processing has improved enormously: colours are more natural than in previous generations (goodbye to oversaturation) and the night mode rivals Apple\u2019s. 8K video recording is possible, although 4K at 60 fps remains the most practical option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Galaxy AI adds features such as generative editing and real-time translation of text in photos \u2014 genuinely useful tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 200 MP sounds impressive, and in good light the results are genuinely good. But when the light levels drop, the difference compared to Apple and Samsung becomes clear. The night-time processing is acceptable but not magical, the 8 MP ultra-wide-angle lens is barely functional, and video is limited to 4K at 30 fps without the advanced stabilisation found on the other two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That said: photos taken in good light \u2014 which is what you\u2019ll be doing most of the time whilst on holiday in Tenerife \u2014 are stunning for a mobile phone costing \u20ac319.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chamber\u2019s verdict:<\/strong> iPhone for video and consistency. Samsung for versatility and detail. Xiaomi for \u00abmore than decent photos at a fraction of the price.\u00bb<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Apple A19<\/strong> and the Snapdragon 8 Elite<\/strong> are on a par in terms of raw performance \u2014 both breeze through any everyday task and handle demanding games with ease. The Dimensity 7300 Ultra<\/strong> The Xiaomi\u2019s is a step down, but let\u2019s be honest: for the 95%\u2019s users (social media, web browsing, streaming, photos), the difference is imperceptible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is where 2026 makes a real difference:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Apple Intelligence<\/strong> (iPhone 17): notification summaries, text rewriting, image generation with Image Playground, and Siri enhanced with contextual understanding. Runs on the device to ensure privacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Galaxy AI<\/strong> (S26): real-time call translation, generative photo editing, voice recording summaries, and an improved Circle to Search feature. Samsung offers more visible AI features than Apple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Xiaomi AI<\/strong> (Redmi Note 15 Pro): basic AI features \u2014 translation, writing assistant, automatic photo enhancements. Functional, but not on a par with Apple or Samsung.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Software verdict:<\/strong> If software longevity matters, Samsung now matches or surpasses Apple. If you want the smoothest and most cohesive smartphone, go for the iPhone. If you\u2019re not concerned about updates beyond 2\u20133 years, Xiaomi will do the job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s the trio\u2019s surprise:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Redmi Note 15 Pro has the largest battery and the fastest wired charging y<\/strong> The charger is included in the box. Apple and Samsung make you buy the charger separately (\u20ac25 for the Apple USB-C 20W charger at Macy\u2019s Digital).<\/p>\n\n\n\n In practice, the iPhone optimises power consumption so well that its 3,800 mAh battery performs as well as the Samsung\u2019s 4,000 mAh battery. But neither of them comes close to the Xiaomi\u2019s 10\u201311 hours of screen time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Battery verdict:<\/strong> Xiaomi is the clear winner. If battery life is your top priority, the Redmi Note 15 Pro is unbeatable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are the prices of each ecosystem in the shop, from the most affordable option to the top-of-the-range model:<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Three Contenders at a Glance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Specification<\/th> iPhone 17<\/th> Galaxy S26<\/th> Redmi Note 15 Pro<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Price at Macy's Digital<\/strong><\/td> 899 \u20ac<\/strong><\/td> 1.099 \u20ac<\/strong><\/td> 319 \u20ac<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> Screen<\/strong><\/td> 6.3\u2033 120 Hz OLED, ProMotion<\/td> 6.2\u2033 Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120 Hz<\/td> 6.67\u2033 AMOLED, 120 Hz<\/td><\/tr> Processor<\/strong><\/td> Apple A19<\/td> Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy<\/td> MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra<\/td><\/tr> RAM<\/strong><\/td> 8 GB<\/td> 12 GB<\/td> 8 GB<\/td><\/tr> Storage<\/strong><\/td> 256 GB<\/td> 512 GB<\/td> 256 GB<\/td><\/tr> Main Camera<\/strong><\/td> 48 MP, Sensor Fusion<\/td> 200 MP, OIS<\/td> 200 MP, OIS<\/td><\/tr> Ultra-Wide-Angle Camera<\/strong><\/td> 48 MP<\/td> 12 MP<\/td> 8 MP<\/td><\/tr> Front camera<\/strong><\/td> 24 MP, Face ID<\/td> 12 MP<\/td> 16 MP<\/td><\/tr> Battery<\/strong><\/td> ~3,800 mAh<\/td> 4,000 mAh<\/td> 5,200 mAh<\/td><\/tr> Charge<\/strong><\/td> 30 W with cable + MagSafe<\/td> 25 W + 15 W wireless<\/td> 45 W with cable<\/td><\/tr> Water Resistance<\/strong><\/td> IP68<\/td> IP68<\/td> IP64<\/td><\/tr> Operating System<\/strong><\/td> iOS 19<\/td> One UI 7 (Android 16)<\/td> HyperOS 2.0 (Android 15)<\/td><\/tr> Embedded AI<\/strong><\/td> Apple Intelligence<\/td> Galaxy AI<\/td> Xiaomi AI (basic)<\/td><\/tr> Weight<\/strong><\/td> 174 g<\/td> 162 g<\/td> 190 g<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Design and Construction: Three Distinct Philosophies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
iPhone 17<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Galaxy S26<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Redmi Note 15 Pro<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Screen: All Three Are Excellent (But Not the Same)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Cameras: Where Price Makes the Difference<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
iPhone 17 (\u20ac899)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Galaxy S26 (\u20ac1,099)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Redmi Note 15 Pro (\u20ac319)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Performance Samples by Scenario<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Setting<\/th> iPhone 17<\/th> Galaxy S26<\/th> Redmi Note 15 Pro<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Photos with good lighting<\/td> \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td> \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td> \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td><\/tr> Night mode<\/td> \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td> \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td> \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td><\/tr> 4K video<\/td> \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td> \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td> \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td><\/tr> Selfies<\/td> \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td> \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td> \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td><\/tr> Ultra wide-angle<\/td> \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td> \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td> \u2b50\u2b50<\/td><\/tr> Zoom<\/td> \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td> \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td> \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Performance and Software: Three Worlds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Gross Power<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Artificial Intelligence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Updates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Battery and Charging: Xiaomi Takes the Lead<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Metric<\/th> iPhone 17<\/th> Galaxy S26<\/th> Redmi Note 15 Pro<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Capacity<\/strong><\/td> ~3,800 mAh<\/td> 4,000 mAh<\/td> 5,200 mAh<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> Estimated actual usage<\/strong><\/td> 8\u20139 hours SOT<\/td> 8\u20139 hours SOT<\/td> 10\u201311 hours SOT<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> Wired charging<\/strong><\/td> 30 W<\/td> 25 W<\/td> 45 W<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> Wireless charging<\/strong><\/td> MagSafe 25 W<\/td> 15 W<\/td> \u274c No<\/td><\/tr> 0 \u2192 50%<\/strong><\/td> ~30 mins<\/td> ~30 mins<\/td> ~25 mins<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> Charger in a box<\/strong><\/td> \u274c No<\/td> \u274c No<\/td> \u2705 Yes<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Full price list at Macy\u2019s Digital Tenerife<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
iPhone range<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Model<\/th> Macy\u2019s Digital Price<\/th> Strikethrough RRP<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> iPhone 13 128 GB<\/td> 499 \u20ac<\/strong><\/td> 639 \u20ac<\/del><\/td><\/tr>iPhone 14 128 GB<\/td> 599 \u20ac<\/strong><\/td> 739 \u20ac<\/del><\/td><\/tr>iPhone 14 Plus 256 GB<\/td> 699 \u20ac<\/strong><\/td> -<\/td><\/tr> iPhone 15 128 GB<\/td> 659 \u20ac<\/strong><\/td> 749 \u20ac<\/del><\/td><\/tr>iPhone 17e 256 GB<\/td> 689 \u20ac<\/strong><\/td> 709 \u20ac<\/del><\/td><\/tr>iPhone 17 256 GB Lavender<\/td> 899 \u20ac<\/strong><\/td> 959 \u20ac<\/del><\/td><\/tr>iPhone 17 Pro Max 256 GB<\/td> 1.399 \u20ac<\/strong><\/td> 1.469 \u20ac<\/del><\/td><\/tr>iPhone 17 Pro Max 1 TB Silver<\/td> 1.949 \u20ac<\/strong><\/td> -<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Samsung Galaxy range<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Model<\/th> Macy\u2019s Digital Price<\/th> Strikethrough RRP<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Galaxy S26 512 GB Black<\/td> 1.099 \u20ac<\/strong><\/td> 1.199 \u20ac<\/del><\/td><\/tr>Galaxy S26 Ultra 256 GB Violet<\/td> 1.369 \u20ac<\/strong><\/td> 1.449 \u20ac<\/del><\/td><\/tr>Galaxy S26 Ultra 512 GB<\/td> 1.399 \u20ac<\/strong><\/td> 1.649 \u20ac<\/del><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\nXiaomi range<\/h3>\n\n\n\n