Samsung Galaxy S20 FE vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Our Verdict: The Galaxy S20 FE and the Galaxy S26 Ultra are six years apart, which is enough for a real difference. The S26 Ultra has the better camera on paper, 200MP versus 12MP, and only the S26 Ultra is a 5G phone; the S20 Fan Edition maxes out at 4G. The S26 Ultra packs the bigger battery, 5000mAh against 4500mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use, and the S26 Ultra has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.9" against 6.5" and sharper at 498 PPI. The S26 Ultra is the better phone; upgrade from the S20 Fan Edition if you want the newer hardware, or hold on if yours still does the job.
Buying outright, the S20 Fan Edition starts at £105 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.4
12 reviews
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE
|
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 10 reviews |
4.4 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.5" | 6.9" |
| Display | Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1440 x 3120 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 405 | 498 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 32 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Exynos 990 | Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) |
| Battery | 4,500 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| OS | Android 10 | Android |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | nano-SIM and e-SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 4G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm | 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm |
| Weight | 190 grams | 214 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| Contracts | - |
£16.00/mo
£545.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £104.99 | £899.00 |
| Prices updated 27 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE's 6.5", the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the sharper display at 498 pixels per inch versus 405, and the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE uses a Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE features a 12 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 S20 FE or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £104.99.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is available in 128GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra use?
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is powered by the Exynos 990, 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 S20 FE or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is the more portable of the two: it's 24g lighter at 190 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is slimmer at 7.9mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is rated IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min).
What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra run?
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE runs Android 10 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.