Samsung Galaxy S26 FE vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Our Verdict: The Galaxy S26 FE and Galaxy S26 Ultra came out side by side, the S26 Ultra as the top model and the S26 FE as the more basic one. The S26 Ultra has the better camera on paper, 200MP versus 50MP, and the S26 Ultra has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.9" against 6.7" and sharper at 498 PPI. The S26 Ultra offers up to 1TB of storage versus 256GB on the S26 FE, and the S26 FE is the lighter phone at 193g against 214g. Only pay up for the S26 Ultra if you'll use what it offers; if not, the S26 FE makes more sense.
Over a full contract, the S26 FE works out around £707 all-in, about £217 less than the S26 Ultra.
Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
|
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.9" |
| Display | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1440 x 3120 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 385 | 498 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Exynos 2500 (3 nm) | Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) |
| Battery | - | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| OS | Android 17 | Android |
| 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 | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 161.3 x 76.6 x 7.4 mm | 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm |
| Weight | 193 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 |
£22.00/mo
£129.00 upfront |
£37.29/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | - | £899.00 |
| Deals | Deals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is cheaper on contract at £707.00 over the life of the deal from £22.00 per month with £129.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE's 6.7", the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the sharper display at 498 pixels per inch versus 385, and both use Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panels.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE 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.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra use?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is powered by the Exynos 2500 (3 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 S26 FE or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is the more portable of the two: it's 21g lighter at 193 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 161.3 x 76.6 x 7.4 mm, and is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE 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 S26 FE and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra run?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE runs Android 17 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.