Samsung Galaxy S24 vs Samsung Galaxy S26

Our verdict: You'll pay £81.10 less overall on contract with the Samsung Galaxy S24 than the Samsung Galaxy S26. For those who prefer to buy upfront, the Samsung Galaxy S24 starts from £289.00 unlocked.

Expert Rating
4.2
10 reviews
3.9
11 reviews
Screen
6.2" 6.3"
Display
Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1080 x 2340 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
416 409
Rear Camera
50 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)
Storage
128GB, 256GB 256GB, 512GB
OS
Android 14 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/6e 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
147.0 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm
Weight
167 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
£20.00/mo (£29.00 upfront) £19.00/mo (£299.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£289.00 £656.10
Samsung Galaxy S24 Samsung Galaxy S24 Samsung Galaxy S26 Samsung Galaxy S26
Expert Rating 4.2
10 reviews
3.9
11 reviews
Screen 6.2" 6.3"
Display Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 416 409
Rear Camera 50 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)
Storage 128GB, 256GB 256GB, 512GB
OS Android 14 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/6e 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 147.0 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm
Weight 167 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 £20.00/mo
£29.00 upfront
£19.00/mo
£299.00 upfront
SIM-free £289.00 £656.10
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S24 is cheaper on contract at £540.75 over the life of the deal from £20.00 per month with £29.00 upfront.

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

Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.2", both screens are similarly sharp at around 416 pixels per inch, and both use Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panels.

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

The Samsung Galaxy S24 features a 50 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 or Samsung Galaxy S26?

The Samsung Galaxy S24 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £289.00.

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

The Samsung Galaxy S24 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 comes in 256GB, 512GB.

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

The Samsung Galaxy S24 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 or Samsung Galaxy S26?

The Samsung Galaxy S24 is the more portable of the two — they weigh about the same (167 grams vs 167 grams), it's also the more compact phone at 147.0 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is slimmer at 7.2mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S24 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 S24 and Samsung Galaxy S26 run?

The Samsung Galaxy S24 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.