Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Our Verdict: There's six years between the Galaxy S20 Plus 5G and the Galaxy S26 Ultra, so the Galaxy S26 Ultra is ahead on most things. The S26 Ultra has the better camera on paper, 200MP versus 64MP, and there's more battery in the S26 Ultra, 5000mAh to 4500mAh, which usually means longer between charges. The S26 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.9" against 6.7", while the S20 Plus 5G has the sharper one at 524 PPI, and the S26 Ultra goes up to 1TB of storage, where the S20 Plus 5G tops out at 128GB. Coming from the S20 Plus 5G, the S26 Ultra is a genuine upgrade rather than a token one.
If you'd rather pay up front, the S20 Plus 5G is the cheaper buy at £180 SIM-free.
19 reviews 4.4
12 reviews
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 5G
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Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
|
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.4 19 reviews |
4.4 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.9" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED capacitive touchscreen | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1440 x 3120 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 524 | 498 |
| Rear Camera | 64 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 10 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 | Android |
| 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/ax | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE, apt-X | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 162 x 74 x 7.8 mm | 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm |
| Weight | 188 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 | £179.99 | £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 Plus 5G or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 5G's 6.7", the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 5G has the sharper display at 524 pixels per inch versus 498, and the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 5G uses a Dynamic 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 Plus 5G or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 5G features a 64 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 Plus 5G or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 5G is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £179.99.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 5G and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 5G is available in 128GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 5G and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra use?
The Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 5G 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 Plus 5G or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 5G is the more portable of the two: it's 26g lighter at 188 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 162 x 74 x 7.8 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 5G or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus 5G 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 Plus 5G and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra run?
Both phones run Android.