Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S26
Our Verdict: If you've got the Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G, the Galaxy S26 is six years of updates on from it. The S20 Ultra 5G leads on camera hardware with a 108MP main sensor to the S26's 50MP, plus a 40MP selfie camera against 12MP, and the S20 Ultra 5G packs the bigger battery, 5000mAh against 4300mAh, which usually means longer between charges. The S20 Ultra 5G has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.9" against 6.3" and sharper at 509 PPI, and the S26 is the lighter phone at 167g against 221g. If you're on the S20 Ultra 5G, the S26 is a real step up, but only worth it if the changes above matter to you.
22 reviews 3.9
11 reviews
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G
|
Samsung Galaxy S26
|
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 3.9 22 reviews |
3.9 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.9" | 6.3" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED capacitive touchscreen | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 509 | 409 |
| Rear Camera | 108 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 40 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Exynos 990 | Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 4,300 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 512GB | 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/ax | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE, apt-X | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 167 x 76 x 8.8 mm | 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm |
| Weight | 221 grams | 167 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts | - |
£26.29/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | - | £569.00 |
| Prices updated 27 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
Cheapest Deals
Samsung Galaxy S26
£26.29 per month, £29 upfront.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S26's 6.3", the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G has the sharper display at 509 pixels per inch versus 409, and the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G uses a Dynamic AMOLED capacitive touchscreen panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26 has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G features a 108 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.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G and Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G is available in 128GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G and Samsung Galaxy S26 use?
The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G is powered by the Exynos 990, 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 S20 Ultra 5G or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is the more portable of the two: it's 54g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm, and is slimmer at 7.2mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G or Samsung Galaxy S26?
Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G and Samsung Galaxy S26 run?
The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G 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.