Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy XCover 7
The XCover 7 is the cheaper one to own: around £380 over a typical contract, £576 less than the S26 Ultra.
12 reviews 3.6
6 reviews
Prices updated 11 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
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Samsung Galaxy XCover 7
|
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.4 12 reviews |
3.6 6 reviews |
| Screen | 6.9" | 6.6" |
| Display | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X | PLS LCD |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3120 | 1080 x 2408 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 498 | 400 |
| Rear Camera | 200 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 | 5,000 mAh | 4,050 mAh |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB |
| OS | Android | 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 | 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm | 169 x 80.1 x 10.2 mm |
| Weight | 214 grams | 240 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts |
£15.00/mo
£585.00 upfront |
£13.79/mo
£49.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £899.00 | £331.55 |
| Prices updated 11 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 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 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy XCover 7?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Samsung Galaxy XCover 7's 6.6", the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the sharper display at 498 pixels per inch versus 400, and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 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 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy XCover 7?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra features a 200 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 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy XCover 7?
The Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £331.55.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy XCover 7?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 comes in 128GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 use?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 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 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy XCover 7?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is the more portable of the two: it's 26g lighter at 214 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm, and is slimmer at 7.9mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy XCover 7?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is rated IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min), 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 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 run?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra runs Android 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.