Samsung Galaxy S26 vs Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5

Our verdict: Looking at total contract cost, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is £49.96 less expensive than the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5. On the other hand, both screen size and sharpness go to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5, with a 6.7" display at 426 PPI. With 50MP on the rear, the Samsung Galaxy S26 has the higher-resolution camera. Front-camera quality goes to the Samsung Galaxy S26 at 12MP.

Expert Rating
3.9
11 reviews
4.1
10 reviews
Screen
6.3" 6.7"
Display
Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1080 x 2340 1080 x 2640
Pixels Per Inch
409 426
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 10 Megapixels
Chipset
Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
Storage
256GB, 512GB 256GB, 512GB
OS
Android 16 Android
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e-SIM Nano 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/6/7
Bluetooth
5.4, A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm
Weight
167 grams 187 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IPX8 - water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
Contracts
£21.00/mo (£199.00 upfront) £54.83/mo (£30.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£678.12 £329.99
Samsung Galaxy S26 Samsung Galaxy S26 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5
Expert Rating 3.9
11 reviews
4.1
10 reviews
Screen 6.3" 6.7"
Display Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1080 x 2640
Pixels Per Inch 409 426
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 10 Megapixels
Chipset Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
Storage 256GB, 512GB 256GB, 512GB
OS Android 16 Android
SIM Type nano-SIM and e-SIM Nano 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/6/7
Bluetooth 5.4, A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm
Weight 167 grams 187 grams
Water Resistance IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IPX8 - water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
Contracts £21.00/mo
£199.00 upfront
£54.83/mo
£30.00 upfront
SIM-free £678.12 £329.99
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung Galaxy S26 or Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is cheaper on contract at £643.00 over the life of the deal from £21.00 per month with £199.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S26 or Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S26's 6.3", the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 has the sharper display at 426 pixels per inch versus 409, and the Samsung Galaxy S26 uses a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel while the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 has a Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S26 or Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 has a 12 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 Z Flip5?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £329.99.

What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 comes in 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 use?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 is powered by the Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 uses the Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S26 or Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 is the more portable of the two — it's 20g lighter at 167 grams.

Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S26 or Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 is rated IPX8 - water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins).

What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 run?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 runs Android 16 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.