Samsung Galaxy A57 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Our Verdict: With Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra versus Samsung Galaxy A57, the stronger argument is display quality. The S26 Ultra has the useful edge there with a sharper 498 PPI display, its Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel, and a higher-resolution 200MP rear camera. The A57 still has a role if you prefer its Super AMOLED panel, a higher-resolution 32MP front camera, and a lighter 179g body. The S26 Ultra is the stronger choice for display quality, with the A57 better suited to portability.

The A57 is the cheaper one to own: around £446 over a typical contract, £478 less than the S26 Ultra.

Expert Rating
3.6
11 reviews
4.4
12 reviews
Screen
6.7" 6.9"
Display
Super AMOLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1080 x 2340 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch
385 498
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 200 Megapixels
Front Camera
32 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Exynos 1580 (4 nm) Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery
5,000 mAh 5,000 mAh
Storage
256GB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
OS
Android 16 Android
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth
5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm
Weight
179 grams 214 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts
£14.99/mo (£60.00 upfront) £37.29/mo (£29.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£427.00 £899.00
Samsung Galaxy A57 Samsung Galaxy A57 Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Expert Rating 3.6
11 reviews
4.4
12 reviews
Screen 6.7" 6.9"
Display Super AMOLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch 385 498
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 200 Megapixels
Front Camera 32 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Exynos 1580 (4 nm) Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery 5,000 mAh 5,000 mAh
Storage 256GB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
OS Android 16 Android
SIM Type nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth 5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm
Weight 179 grams 214 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts £14.99/mo
£60.00 upfront
£37.29/mo
£29.00 upfront
SIM-free £427.00 £899.00
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Samsung Galaxy A57
Samsung Galaxy A57

24 Months

256GB

Awesome Navy

30GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£14.99 per month, £60 upfront.

Use code: SAVING10 (£10 off)

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

24 Months

256GB

Black

Refurbished

10GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£37.29 per month, £29 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung Galaxy A57 or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy A57 is cheaper on contract at £445.76 over the life of the deal from £14.99 per month with £60.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy A57 or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Samsung Galaxy A57's 6.7", the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the sharper display at 498 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Samsung Galaxy A57 uses a Super AMOLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy A57 or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy A57 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has a 200 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 A57 or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy A57 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £427.00.

What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy A57 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy A57 is available in 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.

What processors do the Samsung Galaxy A57 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra use?

The Samsung Galaxy A57 is powered by the Exynos 1580 (4 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra uses the Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy A57 or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy A57 is the more portable of the two: it's 35g lighter at 179 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 162.2 x 77.5 x 7.4 mm, and is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy A57 or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min).

What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy A57 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra run?

The Samsung Galaxy A57 runs Android 16 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.