Samsung Galaxy S26 FE vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

Our Verdict: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Samsung Galaxy S26 FE separate most clearly on screen size, where the Z Fold offers a larger 8-inch screen, a higher-resolution 200MP rear camera, and 256GB to 1TB storage. By contrast, the S26 FE offers a lighter 193g body and its IP68 rating, which may matter more if portability is your priority. That makes the Z Fold the better match for screen size, while the S26 FE suits a preference for portability.

The S26 FE is the cheaper one to own: around £648 over a typical contract, £838 less than the Z Fold 7.

Expert Rating
3.7
5 reviews
4.4
12 reviews
Screen
6.7" 8"
Display
Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1080 x 2340 1968 x 2184
Pixels Per Inch
385 367
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 200 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 10 Megapixels
Chipset
Exynos 2500 (3 nm) Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Battery
4,900 mAh 4,400 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/6/7
Bluetooth
5.4, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions
161.3 x 76.6 x 7.4 mm 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.2 mm
Weight
193 grams 215 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP48 dust and water resistant (dust > 1mm; immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts
£14.99/mo (£259.00 upfront) £13.00/mo (£1149.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£697.00 £719.99
Samsung Galaxy S26 FE Samsung Galaxy S26 FE Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Expert Rating 3.7
5 reviews
4.4
12 reviews
Screen 6.7" 8"
Display Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1968 x 2184
Pixels Per Inch 385 367
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 200 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 10 Megapixels
Chipset Exynos 2500 (3 nm) Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Battery 4,900 mAh 4,400 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/6/7
Bluetooth 5.4, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions 161.3 x 76.6 x 7.4 mm 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.2 mm
Weight 193 grams 215 grams
Water Resistance IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP48 dust and water resistant (dust > 1mm; immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts £14.99/mo
£259.00 upfront
£13.00/mo
£1149.00 upfront
SIM-free £697.00 £719.99
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
Samsung Galaxy S26 FE

24 Months

256GB

Pistachio

150GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£14.99 a month, £259 upfront.

Use code: SAVING10 (£10 off)

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

24 Months

512GB

Jet Black

100GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£13 a month, £1149 upfront.

Use code: 30JNOFF (£30 off)

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is cheaper on contract at £648.36 over the life of the deal from £14.99 per month with £259.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 has the bigger screen at 8" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE's 6.7", the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE has the sharper display at 385 pixels per inch versus 367, and the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE uses a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 has a Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 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 S26 FE or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £697.00.

What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.

What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 use?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is powered by the Exynos 2500 (3 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 uses the Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is the more portable of the two: it's 22g lighter at 193 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 161.3 x 76.6 x 7.4 mm, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is slimmer at 4.2mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is rated IP48 dust and water resistant (dust > 1mm; immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min).

What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 run?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE runs Android 17 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.