Samsung Galaxy S26 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
Our Verdict: The Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 FE came out side by side, the S26 FE as the top model and the S26 as the more basic one. The S26 FE has the bigger screen at 6.7" against 6.3", while the S26 has the sharper one at 409 PPI, and the S26 offers up to 512GB of storage versus 256GB on the S26 FE. The S26 is the lighter phone at 167g against 193g. Get the S26 FE if those extras are worth it to you; otherwise the S26 covers the basics for less.
Over a full contract, the S26 works out around £670 all-in, about £37 less than the S26 FE.
Samsung Galaxy S26
|
Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.3" | 6.7" |
| Display | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 409 | 385 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) | Exynos 2500 (3 nm) |
| Battery | 4,300 mAh | - |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | Android 16 | Android 17 |
| 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/6e/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm | 161.3 x 76.6 x 7.4 mm |
| Weight | 167 grams | 193 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts |
£27.54/mo
£9.00 upfront |
£22.00/mo
£129.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £629.00 | - |
| Deals | Deals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy S26 or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is cheaper on contract at £669.96 over the life of the deal from £27.54 per month with £9.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S26 or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S26's 6.3", the Samsung Galaxy S26 has the sharper display at 409 pixels per inch versus 385, and both use Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panels.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S26 or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE has a 50 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Samsung Galaxy S26 FE use?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is powered by the Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE uses the Exynos 2500 (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S26 or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is the more portable of the two: it's 26g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S26 or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Samsung Galaxy S26 FE run?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 runs Android 16 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE runs Android 17. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.