Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Our verdict: On contract, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra works out £515.49 cheaper overall than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 has a bigger 8" screen, but the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is sharper at 498 PPI. If you'd rather buy outright, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra starts at £1016.10 SIM-free. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra gives you more flexibility with 3 storage options to choose from.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
|
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|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.9" | 8" |
| Display | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X | Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3120 | 1968 x 2184 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 498 | 367 |
| Rear Camera | 200 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) |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB |
| OS | Android | 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 | 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm | 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.2 mm |
| Weight | 214 grams | 215 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) | IP48 dust and water resistant (dust > 1mm; immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| Contracts |
£22.00/mo
£649.00 upfront |
£59.99/mo
£69.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £1016.10 | £1229.99 |
| Deals | Deals |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is cheaper on contract at £1005.44 over the life of the deal from £22.00 per month with £649.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 has the bigger screen at 8" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra's 6.9", the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the sharper display at 498 pixels per inch versus 367, and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 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 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra features a 200 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 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £1016.10.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 use?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 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 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is the more portable of the two — they weigh about the same (214 grams vs 215 grams), it's also the more compact phone at 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is slimmer at 4.2mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is rated IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min), 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 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 run?
Both phones run Android.