Samsung Galaxy S26 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
The S26 is the cheaper one to own: around £600 over a typical contract, £340 less than the S26 Ultra.
11 reviews 4.4
12 reviews
Prices updated 14 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy S26
|
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
|
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|---|---|---|
| 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 |
£20.00/mo
£179.00 upfront |
£16.00/mo
£545.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £645.05 | £899.00 |
| Prices updated 14 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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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 £600.05 over the life of the deal from £20.00 per month with £179.00 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 £645.05.
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.