Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S26+

Our Verdict: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S26+ suit different priorities. The S24 Ultra is stronger for camera hardware, helped by a higher-resolution 200MP rear camera, 256GB to 1000GB storage, and its IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes rating, while the S26+ is better suited to a lighter 190g body. Choose the S24 Ultra for camera hardware; choose the S26+ if portability matters more.

The S26+ is the cheaper one to own: around £816 over a typical contract, £59 less than the S24 Ultra.

Expert Rating
4.6
11 reviews
3.9
10 reviews
Screen
6.8" 6.7"
Display
Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1440 x 3088 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch
501 513
Rear Camera
200 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery
5,000 mAh 4,900 mAh
Storage
256GB, 512GB, 1TB 256GB, 512GB
OS
Android 14 Android 16
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/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth
5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
162.3 x 79 x 8.6 mm 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm
Weight
232 grams 190 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP 68
Contracts
£29.00/mo (£129.00 upfront) £32.79/mo (£29.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£439.99 £799.00
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S26+ Samsung Galaxy S26+
Expert Rating 4.6
11 reviews
3.9
10 reviews
Screen 6.8" 6.7"
Display Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1440 x 3088 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch 501 513
Rear Camera 200 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery 5,000 mAh 4,900 mAh
Storage 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 256GB, 512GB
OS Android 14 Android 16
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/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth 5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 162.3 x 79 x 8.6 mm 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm
Weight 232 grams 190 grams
Water Resistance IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP 68
Contracts £29.00/mo
£129.00 upfront
£32.79/mo
£29.00 upfront
SIM-free £439.99 £799.00
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

24 Months

256GB

Titanium Black

200GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£29 per month, £129 upfront.

Samsung Galaxy S26+
Samsung Galaxy S26+

24 Months

256GB

Black

Refurbished

10GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£32.79 per month, £29 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S26+ cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ is cheaper on contract at £815.96 over the life of the deal from £32.79 per month with £29.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S26+?

Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.8", the Samsung Galaxy S26+ has the sharper display at 513 pixels per inch versus 501, and both use Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panels.

Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S26+?

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra features a 200 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 S24 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S26+?

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £439.99.

What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S26+?

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26+ comes in 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S26+ use?

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm), 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 S24 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S26+?

The Samsung Galaxy S26+ is the more portable of the two: it's 42g 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 S24 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S26+?

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy S26+ is rated IP 68.

What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S26+ run?

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra runs Android 14 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.