Samsung Galaxy A26 vs Samsung Galaxy S26+

Our Verdict: The biggest reasons to favour the Galaxy S26+ are the sharper display and more storage headroom. It backs that up with 6.7-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display, 256GB-512GB storage options and 14,029 active deals, while the Galaxy A26 counters with 65 active deals. Current active deals start around £239 for the Galaxy A26, versus about £796 for the Galaxy S26+. Go for the Galaxy A26 if you value lower current deal pricing; the Galaxy S26+ is the stronger pick when those trade-offs matter more.

The A26 is the cheaper one to own: around £324 over a typical contract, £540 less than the S26+.

Expert Rating
3.6
10 reviews
3.9
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 SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery
5,000 mAh 4,900 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB 256GB, 512GB
OS
Android Android 16
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/7
Bluetooth
5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
164 x 77.5 x 7.7 mm 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm
Weight
200 grams 190 grams
Water Resistance
IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) IP 68
Contracts
£12.29/mo (£29.00 upfront) £12.00/mo (£565.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£194.99 £799.00

Prices updated 25 July 2026

Samsung Galaxy A26 Samsung Galaxy A26 Samsung Galaxy S26+ Samsung Galaxy S26+
Expert Rating 3.6
10 reviews
3.9
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 SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery 5,000 mAh 4,900 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB 256GB, 512GB
OS Android Android 16
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/7
Bluetooth 5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 164 x 77.5 x 7.7 mm 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm
Weight 200 grams 190 grams
Water Resistance IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) IP 68
Contracts £12.29/mo
£29.00 upfront
£12.00/mo
£565.00 upfront
SIM-free £194.99 £799.00
Prices updated 25 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 S26+
Samsung Galaxy S26+

24 Months

256GB

Sky Blue

300GB

Data

£12 per month, £565 upfront.

Use code: 30JNOFF (£30)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung Galaxy A26 or Samsung Galaxy S26+ 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 S26+?

Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", the Samsung Galaxy S26+ 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 S26+ has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy A26 or Samsung Galaxy S26+?

The Samsung Galaxy A26 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S26+ 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 S26+?

The Samsung Galaxy A26 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £194.99.

What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy A26 and Samsung Galaxy S26+?

The Samsung Galaxy A26 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26+ comes in 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Samsung Galaxy A26 and Samsung Galaxy S26+ use?

The Samsung Galaxy A26 is powered by the 5nm Exynos 1280 , while the Samsung Galaxy S26+ uses the Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy A26 or Samsung Galaxy S26+?

The Samsung Galaxy S26+ is the more portable of the two: it's 10g lighter at 190 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm, and is slimmer at 7.3mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy A26 or Samsung Galaxy S26+?

The Samsung Galaxy A26 is rated IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min), while the Samsung Galaxy S26+ is rated IP 68.

What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy A26 and Samsung Galaxy S26+ run?

The Samsung Galaxy A26 runs Android and the Samsung Galaxy S26+ runs Android 16. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.