Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra
The S26 Ultra is the cheaper one to own: around £975 over a typical contract, £540 less than the Z Fold8 Ultra.
Prices updated 7 August 2026
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
|
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.9" | 8" |
| Display | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X | LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3120 | 1968 x 2184 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 498 | 367 |
| Rear Camera | 200 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) | Qualcomm SM8850-1-AD Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| OS | Android | 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 | 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm | 161.4 x 123.9 x 4.9 mm |
| Weight | 214 grams | 215 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) | IP48 dust and water resistant (dust > 1mm; immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| Contracts |
£16.00/mo
£545.00 upfront |
£44.99/mo
£449.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £899.00 | £1799.00 |
| Prices updated 7 August 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is cheaper on contract at £975.00 over the life of the deal from £16.00 per month with £545.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra has the bigger screen at 8" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra's 6.9", the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the sharper display at 498 pixels per inch versus 367, and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra uses a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra has a LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra features a 200 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 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 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £899.00.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra use?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra uses the Qualcomm SM8850-1-AD Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is the more portable of the two: they weigh about the same (214 grams vs 215 grams), it's also the more compact phone at 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is slimmer at 4.9mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra?
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 Z Fold8 Ultra 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 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra run?
Both phones run Android.