Samsung Galaxy S26 vs Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro
Our Verdict: The Galaxy S26 is 19 years newer than the Galaxy XCover 7 Pro, and it shows in the specs. The S26 goes up to 512GB of storage, where the XCover 7 Pro tops out at 128GB, and the XCover 7 Pro has the bigger screen, 6.6" against 6.3". The S26 uses an OLED panel, which gives it richer contrast than the XCover 7 Pro's LCD, and the S26 is the lighter phone at 167g against 240g. If you're on the XCover 7 Pro, the S26 is a real step up, but only worth it if the changes above matter to you.
Buying outright, the XCover 7 Pro starts at £499 SIM-free.
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy S26
|
Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.3" | 6.6" |
| Display | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X | IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2408 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 409 | 400 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 13 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) | Qualcomm SM7635 Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 4,300 mAh | 4,350 mAh |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB | 128GB |
| OS | Android 16 | Android 15 |
| 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 | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm | 168.6 x 79.9 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 |
- |
| SIM-free | £569.00 | £499.00 |
| Prices updated 27 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S26 or Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro?
The Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro 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 Pro has a IPS LCD.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S26 or Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro 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 Pro?
The Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £499.00.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro comes in 128GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro 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 Pro uses the Qualcomm SM7635 Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S26 or Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro?
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 Pro?
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 Pro run?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 runs Android 16 and the Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro runs Android 15. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.