Samsung Galaxy S26+ vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Our Verdict: The clearest split between Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S26+ is camera hardware against portability. For the S26 Ultra, that means a higher-resolution 200MP rear camera, 256GB to 1000GB storage, and its IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) rating. The S26+ is easier to recommend for a lighter 190g body. Go with the S26 Ultra for camera hardware; lean toward the S26+ if portability is higher on your list.

Over a full contract, the S26+ works out around £804 all-in, about £120 less than the S26 Ultra.

Expert Rating
3.9
10 reviews
4.4
12 reviews
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)
Battery
4,900 mAh 5,000 mAh
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
£32.29/mo (£29.00 upfront) £37.29/mo (£29.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£799.00 £899.00
Samsung Galaxy S26+ Samsung Galaxy S26+ Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Expert Rating 3.9
10 reviews
4.4
12 reviews
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)
Battery 4,900 mAh 5,000 mAh
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 £32.29/mo
£29.00 upfront
£37.29/mo
£29.00 upfront
SIM-free £799.00 £899.00
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Samsung Galaxy S26+
Samsung Galaxy S26+

24 Months

256GB

Sky Blue

3GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£32.29 per month, £29 upfront.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

24 Months

256GB

Sky Blue

Refurbished

10GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£37.29 per month, £29 upfront.

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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 £803.96 over the life of the deal from £32.29 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 £799.00.

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.