Samsung Galaxy S26 vs Samsung Galaxy S26+

Our verdict: On contract, the Samsung Galaxy S26 works out £300.54 cheaper overall than the Samsung Galaxy S26+. The Samsung Galaxy S26+ wins on display with a bigger 6.7" screen and a sharper 513 PPI. If you'd rather buy outright, the Samsung Galaxy S26 starts at £656.10 SIM-free.

Screen
6.3" 6.7"
Display
Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1080 x 2340 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch
409 513
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Storage
256GB, 512GB 256GB, 512GB
OS
Android 16 Android 16
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/6e/7
Bluetooth
5.4, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm
Weight
167 grams 190 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP 68
Contracts
£19.00/mo (£299.00 upfront) £26.00/mo (£449.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£656.10 £854.10
Samsung Galaxy S26 Samsung Galaxy S26 Samsung Galaxy S26+ Samsung Galaxy S26+
Screen 6.3" 6.7"
Display Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch 409 513
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Storage 256GB, 512GB 256GB, 512GB
OS Android 16 Android 16
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/6e/7
Bluetooth 5.4, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm
Weight 167 grams 190 grams
Water Resistance IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP 68
Contracts £19.00/mo
£299.00 upfront
£26.00/mo
£449.00 upfront
SIM-free £656.10 £854.10
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung Galaxy S26 or Samsung Galaxy S26+ cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is cheaper on contract at £620.90 over the life of the deal from £19.00 per month with £299.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S26 or Samsung Galaxy S26+?

The Samsung Galaxy S26+ has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S26's 6.3", the Samsung Galaxy S26+ has the sharper display at 513 pixels per inch versus 409, and both use Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panels.

Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S26 or Samsung Galaxy S26+?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 features a 50 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 Samsung Galaxy S26 or Samsung Galaxy S26+?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £656.10.

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

The Samsung Galaxy S26 is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26+ comes in 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Samsung Galaxy S26+ use?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 is powered by the Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 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 Samsung Galaxy S26 or Samsung Galaxy S26+?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 is the more portable of the two — it's 23g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm.

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

The Samsung Galaxy S26 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy S26+ is rated IP 68.

What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Samsung Galaxy S26+ run?

Both phones run Android 16.