Samsung Galaxy S24 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Our verdict: When it comes to contract value, the Samsung Galaxy S24 wins — it's £417.80 less than the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra overall. Screen lovers will prefer the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and its 6.9" display running at 498 PPI. Keen photographers will appreciate the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and its 200MP main camera. If weight matters, the Samsung Galaxy S24 is easier to pocket at 167g.

Expert Rating
4.2
10 reviews
4.4
12 reviews
Screen
6.2" 6.9"
Display
Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1080 x 2340 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch
416 498
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 200 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, 1TB
OS
Android 14 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/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 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm
Weight
167 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
£20.00/mo (£29.00 upfront) £11.95/mo (£705.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£289.00 £999.00
Samsung Galaxy S24 Samsung Galaxy S24 Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Expert Rating 4.2
10 reviews
4.4
12 reviews
Screen 6.2" 6.9"
Display Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch 416 498
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 200 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, 1TB
OS Android 14 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/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 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm
Weight 167 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 £20.00/mo
£29.00 upfront
£11.95/mo
£705.00 upfront
SIM-free £289.00 £999.00
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S24 is cheaper on contract at £544.00 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 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S24's 6.2", the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the sharper display at 498 pixels per inch versus 416, and both use Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panels.

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

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

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 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy S24 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.

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

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

The Samsung Galaxy S24 is the more portable of the two — it's 47g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 147.0 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm, and is slimmer at 7.6mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S24 or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy S24 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 S24 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra run?

The Samsung Galaxy S24 runs Android 14 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.