Samsung Galaxy S26 vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5
The S26 is the cheaper one to own: around £600 over a typical contract, £1875 less than the Z Fold5 5G.
11 reviews 4.0
12 reviews
Prices updated 11 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy S26
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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 3.9 11 reviews |
4.0 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.3" | 7.6" |
| Display | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X | Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1812 x 2176 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 409 | 373 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 4 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) | Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 4,300 mAh | 4,400 mAh |
| 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 | 5.2 with A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Dimensions | 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm | 158.5 x 67.5 x 14.5 mm |
| Weight | 167 grams | 275 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 |
£20.00/mo
£179.00 upfront |
£38.94/mo
£970.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £645.05 | £399.99 |
| Prices updated 11 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy S26 or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 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 Z Fold5?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 has the bigger screen at 7.6" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S26's 6.3", the Samsung Galaxy S26 has the sharper display at 409 pixels per inch versus 373, and the Samsung Galaxy S26 uses a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 has a Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S26 or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 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 Z Fold5?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £399.99.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 use?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is powered by the Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 uses the Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S26 or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5?
It's a trade-off: the Samsung Galaxy S26 is lighter but the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 is more compact. It's 108g lighter at 167 grams, though the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 is actually the more compact phone at 158.5 x 67.5 x 14.5 mm, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is slimmer at 7.2mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S26 or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 is rated IPX8 - water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins).
What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 run?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 runs Android 16 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.