Samsung Galaxy S26+ vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Our verdict: Add up the full contract cost and the Samsung Galaxy S26+ comes in £118.63 cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. If you want a bigger screen, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has 6.9"; if you prefer sharpness, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ hits 513 PPI. Snap-happy users may prefer the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and its 200MP rear camera. For a lighter carry, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ wins at 190g.

Screen
6.7" 6.9"
Display
Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1440 x 3120 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch
513 498
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 200 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Storage
256GB, 512GB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
OS
Android 16 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
158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm
Weight
190 grams 214 grams
Water Resistance
IP 68 IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts
£38.99/mo (£29.00 upfront) £22.00/mo (£649.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£944.10 £1106.10
Samsung Galaxy S26+ Samsung Galaxy S26+ Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Screen 6.7" 6.9"
Display Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1440 x 3120 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch 513 498
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 200 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Storage 256GB, 512GB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
OS Android 16 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 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm
Weight 190 grams 214 grams
Water Resistance IP 68 IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts £38.99/mo
£29.00 upfront
£22.00/mo
£649.00 upfront
SIM-free £944.10 £1106.10
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ is cheaper on contract at £977.40 over the life of the deal from £38.99 per month with £29.00 upfront.

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

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S26+'s 6.7", the Samsung Galaxy S26+ has the sharper display at 513 pixels per inch versus 498, and both use Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panels.

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

The Samsung Galaxy S26+ 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 S26+ or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy S26+ is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £944.10.

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

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

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

The Samsung Galaxy S26+ is powered by the Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (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+ or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy S26+ is the more portable of the two — it's 24g lighter at 190 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm, and is slimmer at 7.3mm thick.

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

The Samsung Galaxy S26+ is rated IP 68, 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+ and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra run?

The Samsung Galaxy S26+ runs Android 16 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.