HONOR Magic 8 Lite vs Samsung Galaxy S26+
Our verdict: On contract, the HONOR Magic 8 Lite works out £556.51 cheaper overall than the Samsung Galaxy S26+. The Samsung Galaxy S26+ has the sharper display at 513 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
|
Samsung Galaxy S26+
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.79" | 6.7" |
| Display | AMOLED | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1200 x 2640 | 1440 x 3120 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 427 | 513 |
| 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 | 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm |
| Weight | 189 grams | 190 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP65/68 - Dust and water proof up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes | IP 68 |
| Contracts |
£13.99/mo
£9.00 upfront |
£26.00/mo
£449.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £347.00 | £854.10 |
| 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+?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.8", the Samsung Galaxy S26+ has the sharper display at 513 pixels per inch versus 427, 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 — they weigh about the same (189 grams vs 190 grams), it's also the more compact phone at 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm, and is slimmer at 7.3mm 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 IP 68.
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.