HONOR Magic 8 Lite vs Samsung Galaxy S26
Our verdict: On contract, the HONOR Magic 8 Lite works out £255.97 cheaper overall than the Samsung Galaxy S26. The HONOR Magic 8 Lite wins on display with a bigger 6.8" screen and a sharper 427 PPI. If you'd rather buy outright, the HONOR Magic 8 Lite starts at £347.00 SIM-free. The Samsung Galaxy S26 gives you more flexibility with 2 storage options to choose from.
HONOR Magic 8 Lite
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Samsung Galaxy S26
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|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.79" | 6.3" |
| Display | AMOLED | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1200 x 2640 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 427 | 409 |
| Rear Camera | 108 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 16 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) |
| Storage | 512GB | 256GB, 512GB |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 16 |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM + Nano SIM | nano-SIM and e-SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 with A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 161.9 x 76.1 x 7.8 mm | 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm |
| Weight | 189 grams | 167 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP65/68 - Dust and water proof up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts |
£13.99/mo
£9.00 upfront |
£19.00/mo
£299.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £347.00 | £656.10 |
| Deals | Deals |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the HONOR Magic 8 Lite or Samsung Galaxy S26 cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the HONOR Magic 8 Lite is cheaper on contract at £364.93 over the life of the deal from £13.99 per month with £9.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the HONOR Magic 8 Lite or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The HONOR Magic 8 Lite has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S26's 6.3", the HONOR Magic 8 Lite has the sharper display at 427 pixels per inch versus 409, and the HONOR Magic 8 Lite uses a AMOLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26 has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the HONOR Magic 8 Lite or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The HONOR Magic 8 Lite features a 108 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 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 HONOR Magic 8 Lite or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The HONOR Magic 8 Lite is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £347.00.
What storage options are available for the HONOR Magic 8 Lite and Samsung Galaxy S26?
The HONOR Magic 8 Lite is available in 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the HONOR Magic 8 Lite and Samsung Galaxy S26 use?
The HONOR Magic 8 Lite is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 (4 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S26 uses the Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the HONOR Magic 8 Lite or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is the more portable of the two — it's 22g 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 HONOR Magic 8 Lite or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The HONOR Magic 8 Lite is rated IP65/68 - Dust and water proof up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the HONOR Magic 8 Lite and Samsung Galaxy S26 run?
The HONOR Magic 8 Lite runs Android 15 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 runs Android 16. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.