Samsung Galaxy S26+ vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8

Our Verdict: Comparing Samsung Galaxy S26+ and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8, the choice mostly comes down to display quality versus simplicity. The Z Fold8 gives you a larger 7.6-inch screen, its LTPO AMOLED 2X panel, and 256GB to 1000GB storage, while the S26+ is more appealing for a sharper 513 PPI display and its Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel. Choose the Z Fold8 for display quality; choose the S26+ if simplicity matters more.

Over a full contract, the S26+ works out around £816 all-in, about £559 less than the Z Fold8.

Expert Rating
3.9
10 reviews
4.4
10 reviews
Screen
6.7" 7.6"
Display
Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2
Resolution
1440 x 3120 1828 x 2584
Pixels Per Inch
513 416
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 10 Megapixels
Chipset
Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Battery
4,900 mAh 4,800 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/6/7
Bluetooth
5.4, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions
158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm 161.4 x 123.9 x 4.9 mm
Weight
190 grams 199 grams
Water Resistance
IP 68 IP48 dust and water resistant (dust > 1mm; immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts
£32.79/mo (£29.00 upfront) £44.99/mo (£269.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£799.00 £1389.00
Samsung Galaxy S26+ Samsung Galaxy S26+ Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8
Expert Rating 3.9
10 reviews
4.4
10 reviews
Screen 6.7" 7.6"
Display Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2
Resolution 1440 x 3120 1828 x 2584
Pixels Per Inch 513 416
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 10 Megapixels
Chipset Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Battery 4,900 mAh 4,800 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/6/7
Bluetooth 5.4, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm 161.4 x 123.9 x 4.9 mm
Weight 190 grams 199 grams
Water Resistance IP 68 IP48 dust and water resistant (dust > 1mm; immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts £32.79/mo
£29.00 upfront
£44.99/mo
£269.00 upfront
SIM-free £799.00 £1389.00
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Samsung Galaxy S26+
Samsung Galaxy S26+

24 Months

256GB

Black

Refurbished

10GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£32.79 per month, £29 upfront.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8

24 Months

256GB

Graphite

100GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£44.99 per month, £269 upfront.

Use code: IDM10OFF (£10 off)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung Galaxy S26+ or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 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 Fold8?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 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 416, and the Samsung Galaxy S26+ uses a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 has a LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2.

Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8?

The Samsung Galaxy S26+ features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 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 Fold8?

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 Z Fold8?

The Samsung Galaxy S26+ is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.

What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S26+ and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 use?

The Samsung Galaxy S26+ is powered by the Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 uses the Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8?

The Samsung Galaxy S26+ is the more portable of the two: it's 9g lighter at 190 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 is slimmer at 4.9mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8?

The Samsung Galaxy S26+ is rated IP 68, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 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+ and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 run?

The Samsung Galaxy S26+ runs Android 16 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.