Samsung Galaxy A26 vs Samsung Galaxy S25+

Our Verdict: On outright cost, Samsung Galaxy A26 is the cheaper route than Samsung Galaxy S25+. The starting prices are £239.00 and £539.99. Screen quality leans toward Samsung Galaxy S25+ for sharpness, with 513 PPI compared with Samsung Galaxy A26's 385 PPI. Samsung Galaxy S25+ offers more headroom at up to 512GB rather than Samsung Galaxy A26's 256GB. Samsung Galaxy A26 is the practical buy on price; Samsung Galaxy S25+ is easier to justify when its stronger listed hardware matches your priorities.

The A26 is the cheaper one to own: around £324 over a typical contract, £552 less than the S25+.

Expert Rating
3.6
10 reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Screen
6.7" 6.7"
Display
Super AMOLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1080 x 2340 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch
385 513
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
13 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
5nm Exynos 1280 Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Battery
5,000 mAh 4,900 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB 256GB, 512GB
OS
Android Android 15
SIM Type
Nano SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e
Bluetooth
5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
164 x 77.5 x 7.7 mm 158.44 x 75.79 x 7.35 mm
Weight
200 grams 190 grams
Water Resistance
IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts
£12.29/mo (£29.00 upfront) £69.83/mo (£30.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£239.00 £539.99

Prices updated 26 July 2026

Samsung Galaxy A26 Samsung Galaxy A26 Samsung Galaxy S25+ Samsung Galaxy S25+
Expert Rating 3.6
10 reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Screen 6.7" 6.7"
Display Super AMOLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch 385 513
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 13 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset 5nm Exynos 1280 Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Battery 5,000 mAh 4,900 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB 256GB, 512GB
OS Android Android 15
SIM Type Nano SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e
Bluetooth 5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 164 x 77.5 x 7.7 mm 158.44 x 75.79 x 7.35 mm
Weight 200 grams 190 grams
Water Resistance IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts £12.29/mo
£29.00 upfront
£69.83/mo
£30.00 upfront
SIM-free £239.00 £539.99
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Samsung Galaxy A26
Samsung Galaxy A26

24 Months

128GB

Black

10GB

Data

£12.29 per month, £29 upfront.

Samsung Galaxy S25+
Samsung Galaxy S25+

12 Months

256GB

Icy Blue

Refurbished

5GB

Data

£69.83 per month, £30 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung Galaxy A26 or Samsung Galaxy S25+ cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy A26 is cheaper on contract at £323.96 over the life of the deal from £12.29 per month with £29.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy A26 or Samsung Galaxy S25+?

Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", the Samsung Galaxy S25+ has the sharper display at 513 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Samsung Galaxy A26 uses a Super AMOLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S25+ has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy A26 or Samsung Galaxy S25+?

The Samsung Galaxy A26 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S25+ has a 50 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Samsung Galaxy A26 or Samsung Galaxy S25+?

The Samsung Galaxy A26 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £239.00.

What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy A26 and Samsung Galaxy S25+?

The Samsung Galaxy A26 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S25+ comes in 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Samsung Galaxy A26 and Samsung Galaxy S25+ use?

The Samsung Galaxy A26 is powered by the 5nm Exynos 1280 , while the Samsung Galaxy S25+ uses the Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy A26 or Samsung Galaxy S25+?

The Samsung Galaxy S25+ is the more portable of the two: it's 10g lighter at 190 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 158.44 x 75.79 x 7.35 mm, and is slimmer at 7.35mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy A26 or Samsung Galaxy S25+?

The Samsung Galaxy A26 is rated IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min), while the Samsung Galaxy S25+ is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.

What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy A26 and Samsung Galaxy S25+ run?

The Samsung Galaxy A26 runs Android and the Samsung Galaxy S25+ runs Android 15. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.