Samsung Galaxy S26 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 FE

Our Verdict: Samsung Galaxy S26 and Samsung Galaxy S26 FE separate most clearly on portability, where the regular S26 offers a lighter 167g body and 256GB to 512GB storage. By contrast, the FE offers a larger 6.7-inch screen and a larger 4,900 mAh battery, giving it a separate appeal for screen size. The split points to the regular S26 for portability and the FE for screen size.

Over a full contract, the S26 FE works out around £566 all-in, about £117 less than the S26.

Release Date
11 March 2026 1 September 2026
Expert Rating
3.9
15 reviews
3.8
9 reviews
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 4,900 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
£28.29/mo (£9.00 upfront) £11.95/mo (£309.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£629.99 £649.00
Samsung Galaxy S26 Samsung Galaxy S26 Samsung Galaxy S26 FE Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
Release Date 11 March 2026 1 September 2026
Expert Rating 3.9
15 reviews
3.8
9 reviews
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 4,900 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 £28.29/mo
£9.00 upfront
£11.95/mo
£309.00 upfront
SIM-free £629.99 £649.00
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Samsung Galaxy S26
Samsung Galaxy S26

24 Months

256GB

White

Refurbished

10GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£28.29 a month, £9 upfront.

No mid-contract price increases.

Use code: TREAT5 (£5 off)

Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
Samsung Galaxy S26 FE

24 Months

128GB

Pistachio

15GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£11.95 a month, £309 upfront.

No mid-contract price increases.

Use code: 30JNOFF (£30 off)

Related Comparisons

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 FE is cheaper on contract at £565.80 over the life of the deal from £11.95 per month with £309.00 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.

Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Samsung Galaxy S26 or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £629.99.

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.