Samsung Galaxy S26 vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

Our Verdict: With Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 versus Samsung Galaxy S26, the stronger argument is display quality. The Z Fold has the useful edge there with a larger 8-inch screen, its Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel, and a higher-resolution 200MP rear camera. The S26 still has a role if you prefer a sharper 409 PPI display, its Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel, and a lighter 167g body. The Z Fold is the stronger choice for display quality, with the S26 better suited to portability.

Over a full contract, the S26 works out around £670 all-in, about £674 less than the Z Fold 7.

Expert Rating
3.9
11 reviews
4.4
12 reviews
Screen
6.3" 8"
Display
Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1080 x 2340 1968 x 2184
Pixels Per Inch
409 367
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 200 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 10 Megapixels
Chipset
Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Battery
4,300 mAh 4,400 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/6/7
Bluetooth
5.4, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions
149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.2 mm
Weight
167 grams 215 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP48 dust and water resistant (dust > 1mm; immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts
£27.54/mo (£9.00 upfront) £54.79/mo (£29.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£649.99 £819.99
Samsung Galaxy S26 Samsung Galaxy S26 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Expert Rating 3.9
11 reviews
4.4
12 reviews
Screen 6.3" 8"
Display Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1968 x 2184
Pixels Per Inch 409 367
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 200 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 10 Megapixels
Chipset Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Battery 4,300 mAh 4,400 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/6/7
Bluetooth 5.4, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.2 mm
Weight 167 grams 215 grams
Water Resistance IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP48 dust and water resistant (dust > 1mm; immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts £27.54/mo
£9.00 upfront
£54.79/mo
£29.00 upfront
SIM-free £649.99 £819.99
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Samsung Galaxy S26
Samsung Galaxy S26

24 Months

256GB

Cobalt Violet

10GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£27.54 per month, £9 upfront.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

24 Months

256GB

Jet Black

Refurbished

30GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£54.79 per month, £29 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung Galaxy S26 or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 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 Z Fold 7?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 has the bigger screen at 8" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S26's 6.3", the Samsung Galaxy S26 has the sharper display at 409 pixels per inch versus 367, and the Samsung Galaxy S26 uses a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 has a Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S26 or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 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 Z Fold 7?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £649.99.

What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.

What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 use?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 is powered by the Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 uses the Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S26 or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 is the more portable of the two: it's 48g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is slimmer at 4.2mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S26 or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is rated IP48 dust and water resistant (dust > 1mm; immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min).

What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 run?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 runs Android 16 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.