Galaxy A55 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy A55
Starting at
£234.03£356.69 new
Galaxy S26 Ultra
Starting at
£894.79£1,449.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy A55 and Galaxy S26 Ultra?
Galaxy A55 vs S26 Ultra comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy A55 starts at £234.03, £660.76 less than the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is the newer model, released in 2026.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Screen size
Main camera
Front camera
- Chipset: Exynos 1480 (4 nm) on the Galaxy A55, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
- The Galaxy S26 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a bigger screen: 6.9 inch vs 6.6 inch.
Galaxy A55 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra specs
The Galaxy A55 and Galaxy S26 Ultra differ in several key areas suited to different needs. The Galaxy A55 is a solid choice for everyday use with 8 GB of RAM, a 6.6 inch Full HD screen, and triple cameras, plus the option to expand storage via microSDXC. The Galaxy S26 Ultra offers a larger 6.9 inch Quad HD screen, 12 GB of RAM for more multitasking, and a quadruple camera setup for more versatile photography. Storage options for the S26 Ultra go up to 1TB but it does not support memory cards. Both run Android and support 5G, with unlocked models and USB-C connectors. The choice depends on whether you want a simpler, expandable device or a larger screen and more memory for demanding use.
Galaxy A55 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra price
Colour
Galaxy A55 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra battery life and software updates
Durability covers software updates and basic design features. Neither device is foldable, so they share a standard form factor.
Latest Software Updates
This ensures you get current security patches and new features as they become available, keeping both devices reliable over time.
Form Factor
Neither the Galaxy A55 nor the Galaxy S26 Ultra is foldable. This means both phones offer a traditional smartphone design, which suits users who prefer a familiar shape without folding mechanisms.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy A55 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A55 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra screen
Screen quality affects how you view content and interact with your phone. The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a larger, higher resolution display, while the Galaxy A55 balances size with Full HD resolution.
Screen Size
The Galaxy A55 has a 6.6 inch screen, providing a comfortable size for daily use and portability. The Galaxy S26 Ultra offers a larger 6.9 inch display, ideal for watching videos or multitasking with more screen space.
Resolution
With a resolution of 1440 x 3120, the Galaxy S26 Ultra delivers sharper and more detailed images, which benefits users who prioritise clarity for media or detailed apps. The Galaxy A55's 1080 x 2340 resolution still offers a clear and vibrant display suitable for everyday tasks.
Refresh Rate
Both phones feature a 120 Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and fluid animation. This makes interactions feel responsive and improves the experience for gaming or browsing on either device.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A55 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra camera
Camera setups and front camera quality vary between the phones, influencing photo and video capabilities as well as video calls and selfies.
Rear Cameras
The Galaxy A55 has a triple camera setup, suitable for a range of photography needs. The Galaxy S26 Ultra features a quadruple camera system that offers more versatility, which benefits users who want additional shooting options or more advanced camera features.
Front Camera
The Galaxy A55's front camera has 32 megapixels, providing higher resolution selfies and video calls. The Galaxy S26 Ultra's front camera is 12 megapixels, which still supports clear self-portraits and video chats but with fewer megapixels.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A55 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra size and design
Other practical differences include storage options, SIM and memory card support, and physical size and weight, which affect daily handling and flexibility.
Storage and Expansion
The Galaxy A55 supports microSDXC cards, allowing you to expand storage beyond the 128GB or 256GB options stocked. The Galaxy S26 Ultra offers larger internal storage from 256GB up to 1TB but does not support memory cards, making storage fixed.
SIM Card Setup
The Galaxy A55 uses dual physical SIM cards, which suits users managing two separate numbers with physical cards. The Galaxy S26 Ultra combines a physical SIM with an eSIM, which can be more flexible if you want to switch carriers or plans without changing a SIM card.
Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy A55 measures 161.1 mm in height, 77.4 mm in width, and 8.2 mm in depth, weighing 213 g. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is slightly taller at 163.6 mm, wider at 78.1 mm, and 7.9 mm thick, with a similar weight of 214 g. The S26 Ultra's larger size complements its bigger screen.
Connectivity
Both phones are unlocked and use USB-C connectors, making them compatible with a wide range of chargers and accessories. Both support 5G networks for fast mobile data.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A55 or Galaxy S26 Ultra: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A55 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £234.03, £660.76 less than the Galaxy S26 Ultra
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (32 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
- you want a memory card slot
Buy the Galaxy S26 Ultra if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.6 inch)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (200 megapixels vs 50 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Galaxy A55 appreciate its condition, with many saying it looks like new and works perfectly. They highlight the ease of transferring data and the clear, fast display. Several mention the usefulness of expandable storage and dual SIM support, with one noting the benefit of using an eSIM. The camera quality receives positive remarks, and many say it is a good upgrade for everyday use at a fair price. Some users find the speakerphone needing for better volume, but overall the phone suits those looking for a reliable, straightforward device.
Galaxy S26 Ultra customers report the phone feels like new or even better than expected. The camera and speed receive praise, with users enjoying the large screen and the device's performance. A few mention minor cosmetic marks but do not find them disruptive with a case. The battery life is noted to last well even with heavy use. Some users comment on challenges with screen protectors affecting the fingerprint sensor or pictures appearing blurry on WhatsApp status, but these are not common. Overall, the S26 Ultra suits those who want a larger screen, more memory, and advanced camera options.
Both phones attract buyers who value their condition and performance. The Galaxy A55 fits those after a simpler, expandable device for everyday tasks. The Galaxy S26 Ultra appeals to users seeking a larger display and more RAM for demanding use and photography.
Galaxy A55 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra FAQs
Galaxy A55 vs S26 Ultra comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Chipset: Exynos 1480 (4 nm) on the Galaxy A55, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The Galaxy S26 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
The Galaxy A55 is cheaper refurbished, from £234.03 compared with £894.79 for the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Both have the same battery: 5000 mAh.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a higher-resolution main camera: 200 megapixels vs 50 megapixels.
The Galaxy A55 gets updates until Mar 2029. The Galaxy S26 Ultra gets updates until Mar 2033.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra adds more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB), a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.6 inch) and a higher-resolution main camera (200 megapixels vs 50 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £660.76 more (from £894.79 vs £234.03).
Refurbished, the Galaxy A55 comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
