Samsung Galaxy S26 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Our Verdict: If you are choosing between Samsung Galaxy S26 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, display quality is the main reason to lean one way. The Ultra has a larger 6.9-inch screen, a sharper 498 PPI display, and a higher-resolution 200MP rear camera; the regular S26 mainly responds with a lighter 167g body. A bigger mAh figure is useful context, but real battery life still depends on software and chipset efficiency. The Ultra is the better fit for display quality, while the regular S26 is the one to consider for portability.

The S26 is the cheaper one to own: around £670 over a typical contract, £254 less than the S26 Ultra.

Expert Rating
3.9
11 reviews
4.4
12 reviews
Screen
6.3" 6.9"
Display
Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1080 x 2340 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch
409 498
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 200 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery
4,300 mAh 5,000 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/6e/7
Bluetooth
5.4, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm
Weight
167 grams 214 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts
£27.54/mo (£9.00 upfront) £37.29/mo (£29.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£629.00 £899.00
Samsung Galaxy S26 Samsung Galaxy S26 Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Expert Rating 3.9
11 reviews
4.4
12 reviews
Screen 6.3" 6.9"
Display Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch 409 498
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 200 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery 4,300 mAh 5,000 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/6e/7
Bluetooth 5.4, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm
Weight 167 grams 214 grams
Water Resistance IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts £27.54/mo
£9.00 upfront
£37.29/mo
£29.00 upfront
SIM-free £629.00 £899.00
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Samsung Galaxy S26
Samsung Galaxy S26

24 Months

256GB

Black

10GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£27.54 per month, £9 upfront.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

24 Months

256GB

Black

Refurbished

10GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£37.29 per month, £29 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung Galaxy S26 or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 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 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S26's 6.3", the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the sharper display at 498 pixels per inch versus 409, and both use Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panels.

Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S26 or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 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 or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £629.00.

What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

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

What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra use?

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

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S26 or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 is the more portable of the two: it's 47g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm, and is slimmer at 7.2mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S26 or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is rated IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min).

What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra run?

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