Samsung Galaxy S26+ vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5

Our Verdict: The clearest split between Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 and Samsung Galaxy S26+ is portability against display quality. For the S26+, that means a sharper 513 PPI display, its Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel, and a higher-resolution 12MP front camera. The Z Fold5 is easier to recommend for a larger 7.6-inch screen, its Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, and its IPX8 - water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins) rating. A bigger mAh figure is useful context, but real battery life still depends on software and chipset efficiency. Go with the S26+ for portability; lean toward the Z Fold5 if display quality is higher on your list.

The S26+ is the cheaper one to own: around £816 over a typical contract, £85 less than the Z Fold5 5G.

Expert Rating
3.9
10 reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Screen
6.7" 7.6"
Display
Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1440 x 3120 1812 x 2176
Pixels Per Inch
513 373
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 4 Megapixels
Chipset
Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)
Battery
4,900 mAh 4,400 mAh
Storage
256GB, 512GB 256GB, 512GB
OS
Android 16 Android
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e-SIM Nano 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 5.2 with A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions
158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm 158.5 x 67.5 x 14.5 mm
Weight
190 grams 275 grams
Water Resistance
IP 68 IPX8 - water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
Contracts
£32.79/mo (£29.00 upfront) £71.50/mo (£30.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£799.00 £359.99
Samsung Galaxy S26+ Samsung Galaxy S26+ Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5
Expert Rating 3.9
10 reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Screen 6.7" 7.6"
Display Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1440 x 3120 1812 x 2176
Pixels Per Inch 513 373
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 4 Megapixels
Chipset Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)
Battery 4,900 mAh 4,400 mAh
Storage 256GB, 512GB 256GB, 512GB
OS Android 16 Android
SIM Type nano-SIM and e-SIM Nano 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 5.2 with A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm 158.5 x 67.5 x 14.5 mm
Weight 190 grams 275 grams
Water Resistance IP 68 IPX8 - water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
Contracts £32.79/mo
£29.00 upfront
£71.50/mo
£30.00 upfront
SIM-free £799.00 £359.99
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Samsung Galaxy S26+
Samsung Galaxy S26+

24 Months

256GB

Black

Refurbished

10GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£32.79 a month, £29 upfront.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5

12 Months

512GB

Phantom Black

Refurbished

5GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£71.50 a month, £30 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung Galaxy S26+ or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ is cheaper on contract at £815.96 over the life of the deal from £32.79 per month with £29.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 has the bigger screen at 7.6" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S26+'s 6.7", the Samsung Galaxy S26+ has the sharper display at 513 pixels per inch versus 373, and the Samsung Galaxy S26+ uses a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 has a Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5?

The Samsung Galaxy S26+ features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 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 Z Fold5?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £359.99.

What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S26+ and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5?

The Samsung Galaxy S26+ is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 comes in 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S26+ and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 use?

The Samsung Galaxy S26+ is powered by the Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 uses the Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5?

It's a trade-off: the Samsung Galaxy S26+ is lighter but the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 is more compact. It's 85g lighter at 190 grams, though the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 is actually the more compact phone at 158.5 x 67.5 x 14.5 mm, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ is slimmer at 7.3mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5?

The Samsung Galaxy S26+ is rated IP 68, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 is rated IPX8 - water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins).

What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy S26+ and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 run?

The Samsung Galaxy S26+ runs Android 16 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.