Samsung Galaxy S25+ vs Samsung Galaxy S26

Our verdict: Over a typical contract, expect to pay £294.70 less with the Samsung Galaxy S26 than the Samsung Galaxy S25+. On the screen front, the Samsung Galaxy S25+ pulls ahead with 6.7" and 513 PPI. You'll barely notice the Samsung Galaxy S26 in your pocket at 167g. If you'd rather buy outright, the Samsung Galaxy S25+ starts at £584.99 SIM-free.

Expert Rating
4.0
10 reviews
3.9
11 reviews
Screen
6.7" 6.3"
Display
Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1440 x 3120 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
513 409
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Storage
256GB, 512GB 256GB, 512GB
OS
Android 15 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth
5.4, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
158.44 x 75.79 x 7.35 mm 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm
Weight
190 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
£79.00/mo (£30.00 upfront) £11.95/mo (£429.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£584.99 £699.00
Samsung Galaxy S25+ Samsung Galaxy S25+ Samsung Galaxy S26 Samsung Galaxy S26
Expert Rating 4.0
10 reviews
3.9
11 reviews
Screen 6.7" 6.3"
Display Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1440 x 3120 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 513 409
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Storage 256GB, 512GB 256GB, 512GB
OS Android 15 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth 5.4, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 158.44 x 75.79 x 7.35 mm 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm
Weight 190 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 £79.00/mo
£30.00 upfront
£11.95/mo
£429.00 upfront
SIM-free £584.99 £699.00
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung Galaxy S25+ or Samsung Galaxy S26 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is cheaper on contract at £685.80 over the life of the deal from £11.95 per month with £429.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S25+ or Samsung Galaxy S26?

The Samsung Galaxy S25+ has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S26's 6.3", the Samsung Galaxy S25+ has the sharper display at 513 pixels per inch versus 409, and both use Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panels.

Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S25+ or Samsung Galaxy S26?

The Samsung Galaxy S25+ 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 S25+ or Samsung Galaxy S26?

The Samsung Galaxy S25+ is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £584.99.

What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S25+ and Samsung Galaxy S26?

The Samsung Galaxy S25+ is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 comes in 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S25+ and Samsung Galaxy S26 use?

The Samsung Galaxy S25+ is powered by the Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 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 S25+ or Samsung Galaxy S26?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 is the more portable of the two — it's 23g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm.

Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S25+ 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 S25+ and Samsung Galaxy S26 run?

The Samsung Galaxy S25+ runs Android 15 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.