Samsung Galaxy S26 vs Samsung Galaxy XCover 7
Over a full contract, the XCover 7 works out around £380 all-in, about £280 less than the S26.
11 reviews 3.6
6 reviews
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy S26
|
Samsung Galaxy XCover 7
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 3.9 11 reviews |
3.6 6 reviews |
| Screen | 6.3" | 6.6" |
| Display | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X | PLS LCD |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2408 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 409 | 400 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 5 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) |
| Battery | 4,300 mAh | 4,050 mAh |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB | 128GB |
| OS | Android 16 | Android 14 |
| 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 |
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm | 169 x 80.1 x 10.2 mm |
| Weight | 167 grams | 240 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 |
£26.29/mo
£29.00 upfront |
£13.79/mo
£49.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £569.00 | £349.00 |
| Prices updated 27 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy S26 or Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 is cheaper on contract at £379.96 over the life of the deal from £13.79 per month with £49.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S26 or Samsung Galaxy XCover 7?
The Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 has the bigger screen at 6.6" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S26's 6.3", both screens are similarly sharp at around 409 pixels per inch, and the Samsung Galaxy S26 uses a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel while the Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 has a PLS LCD.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S26 or Samsung Galaxy XCover 7?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 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 XCover 7?
The Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £349.00.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Samsung Galaxy XCover 7?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 comes in 128GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 use?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is powered by the Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 uses the Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S26 or Samsung Galaxy XCover 7?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is the more portable of the two: it's 73g 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 XCover 7?
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 XCover 7 run?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 runs Android 16 and the Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 runs Android 14. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.