Samsung Galaxy A26 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Our verdict: On contract, the Samsung Galaxy A26 works out £676.51 cheaper overall than the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra wins on display with a bigger 6.9" screen and a sharper 498 PPI. If you'd rather buy outright, the Samsung Galaxy A26 starts at £239.00 SIM-free. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra gives you more flexibility with 3 storage options to choose from.

Screen
6.7" 6.9"
Display
Super AMOLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1080 x 2340 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch
385 498
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 200 Megapixels
Front Camera
13 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
5nm Exynos 1280 Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Storage
128GB, 256GB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
OS
Android Android
SIM Type
Nano SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth
5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
164 x 77.5 x 7.7 mm 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm
Weight
200 grams 214 grams
Water Resistance
IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts
£11.99/mo (£29.00 upfront) £22.00/mo (£649.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£239.00 £1016.10
Samsung Galaxy A26 Samsung Galaxy A26 Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Screen 6.7" 6.9"
Display Super AMOLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch 385 498
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 200 Megapixels
Front Camera 13 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset 5nm Exynos 1280 Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Storage 128GB, 256GB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
OS Android Android
SIM Type Nano SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth 5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 164 x 77.5 x 7.7 mm 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm
Weight 200 grams 214 grams
Water Resistance IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts £11.99/mo
£29.00 upfront
£22.00/mo
£649.00 upfront
SIM-free £239.00 £1016.10
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung Galaxy A26 or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy A26 is cheaper on contract at £328.93 over the life of the deal from £11.99 per month with £29.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy A26 or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Samsung Galaxy A26's 6.7", the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the sharper display at 498 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Samsung Galaxy A26 uses a Super AMOLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy A26 or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy A26 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 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 A26 or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy A26 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £239.00.

What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy A26 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy A26 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.

What processors do the Samsung Galaxy A26 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra use?

The Samsung Galaxy A26 is powered by the 5nm Exynos 1280 , while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra uses the Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy A26 or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy A26 is the more portable of the two — it's 14g lighter at 200 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 164 x 77.5 x 7.7 mm.

Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy A26 or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy A26 is rated IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min), while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is rated IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min).

What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy A26 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra run?

Both phones run Android.