Samsung Galaxy S26+ vs Samsung Galaxy XCover 7

Our Verdict: For buyers focused on the sharper display and a higher-resolution front camera, the Galaxy S26+ is the more convincing choice. It backs that up with 6.7-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display, 50MP rear and 12MP front cameras and 4900mAh battery, while the Galaxy XCover 7 counters with 65 active deals. Current active deals start around £332 for the Galaxy XCover 7, versus about £796 for the Galaxy S26+. Choose the Galaxy S26+ for the sharper display and a higher-resolution front camera; pick the Galaxy XCover 7 if you would rather prioritise lower current deal pricing.

Over a full contract, the XCover 7 works out around £380 all-in, about £484 less than the S26+.

Expert Rating
3.9
10 reviews
3.6
6 reviews
Screen
6.7" 6.6"
Display
Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X PLS LCD
Resolution
1440 x 3120 1080 x 2408
Pixels Per Inch
513 400
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 5 Megapixels
Chipset
Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm)
Battery
4,900 mAh 4,050 mAh
Storage
256GB, 512GB 128GB
OS
Android 16 Android 14
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
Bluetooth
5.4, A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm 169 x 80.1 x 10.2 mm
Weight
190 grams 240 grams
Water Resistance
IP 68 IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts
£12.00/mo (£565.00 upfront) £13.79/mo (£49.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£799.00 £349.00

Prices updated 27 July 2026

Samsung Galaxy S26+ Samsung Galaxy S26+ Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Samsung Galaxy XCover 7
Expert Rating 3.9
10 reviews
3.6
6 reviews
Screen 6.7" 6.6"
Display Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X PLS LCD
Resolution 1440 x 3120 1080 x 2408
Pixels Per Inch 513 400
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 5 Megapixels
Chipset Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm)
Battery 4,900 mAh 4,050 mAh
Storage 256GB, 512GB 128GB
OS Android 16 Android 14
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
Bluetooth 5.4, A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm 169 x 80.1 x 10.2 mm
Weight 190 grams 240 grams
Water Resistance IP 68 IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts £12.00/mo
£565.00 upfront
£13.79/mo
£49.00 upfront
SIM-free £799.00 £349.00
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Samsung Galaxy S26+
Samsung Galaxy S26+

24 Months

256GB

White

300GB

Data

£12 per month, £565 upfront.

Use code: 30JNOFF (£30)

Samsung Galaxy XCover 7
Samsung Galaxy XCover 7

24 Months

128GB

Black

10GB

Data

£13.79 per month, £49 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung Galaxy S26+ or Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 is cheaper on contract at £379.96 over the life of the deal from £13.79 per month with £49.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ or Samsung Galaxy XCover 7?

The Samsung Galaxy S26+ has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Samsung Galaxy XCover 7's 6.6", the Samsung Galaxy S26+ has the sharper display at 513 pixels per inch versus 400, and the Samsung Galaxy S26+ uses a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel while the Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 has a PLS LCD.

Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ or Samsung Galaxy XCover 7?

The Samsung Galaxy S26+ features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 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 S26+ or Samsung Galaxy XCover 7?

The Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £349.00.

What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S26+ and Samsung Galaxy XCover 7?

The Samsung Galaxy S26+ is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 comes in 128GB.

What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S26+ and Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 use?

The Samsung Galaxy S26+ is powered by the Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 uses the Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ or Samsung Galaxy XCover 7?

The Samsung Galaxy S26+ is the more portable of the two: it's 50g 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 XCover 7?

The Samsung Galaxy S26+ is rated IP 68, while the Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.

What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy S26+ and Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 run?

The Samsung Galaxy S26+ runs Android 16 and the Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 runs Android 14. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.