Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Galaxy Xcover 5
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S26 Ultra
Starting at
£894.79£1,449.00 new
Galaxy Xcover 5
Starting at
£60.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S26 Ultra and Galaxy Xcover 5?
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Xcover 5 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy Xcover 5 starts at £60, £834.79 less than the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is the newer model, released in 2026.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Refresh rate
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Exynos 850 on the Galaxy Xcover 5.
- The Galaxy S26 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Galaxy Xcover 5 specs
The Galaxy S26 Ultra and the Galaxy Xcover 5 suit very different users due to their distinct features. The Galaxy S26 Ultra offers a large, high-resolution screen with a fast 120 Hz refresh rate, 12 GB of RAM, and multiple cameras for detailed photography. It supports 5G and includes advanced SIM options. The Galaxy Xcover 5 is smaller and simpler, with a screen size and resolution suited for everyday tasks and a single camera. It supports 4G and has expandable storage via microSDXC. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is for those wanting a premium, feature-rich device, while the Galaxy Xcover 5 fits users looking for a straightforward, durable phone with extra storage flexibility.
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Galaxy Xcover 5 price
Colour
Storage
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Galaxy Xcover 5 battery life and software updates
Durability includes the operating system and release year, which can influence software compatibility and support. The two devices differ in Android version and release year.
Operating System
The Galaxy Xcover 5 runs Android 11, offering a solid base for everyday use. The Galaxy S26 Ultra uses Android without a specified version, which may mean a more current or customised experience.
Release Year
The Galaxy S26 Ultra was released in 2026 and the Galaxy Xcover 5 came out in 2021. The release year simply shows when each device became available but does not alone indicate performance or support.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Galaxy Xcover 5 performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Galaxy Xcover 5 screen
Screen quality affects how you view content, from video to reading and gaming. The Galaxy S26 Ultra offers a larger and sharper display with a faster refresh rate, while the Galaxy Xcover 5 has a smaller, simpler screen.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a 6.9 inch screen, providing a spacious viewing area for videos, multitasking, and detailed content. The Galaxy Xcover 5's 5.3 inch screen is more compact and easier to hold, suitable for users who prefer a smaller device.
Resolution
With a resolution of 1440 x 3120, the Galaxy S26 Ultra delivers sharp and clear images, making text and photos look detailed. The Galaxy Xcover 5's 720 x 1480 resolution offers clear visuals for everyday use but with fewer pixels for fine detail.
Refresh Rate
The Galaxy S26 Ultra features a 120 Hz refresh rate, which means smoother motion when scrolling or gaming. The Galaxy Xcover 5 has a 60 Hz refresh rate, standard for everyday tasks like browsing and calls.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Galaxy Xcover 5 camera
Camera capabilities shape how you capture images and video calls. The two devices provide different camera setups and front camera resolutions.
Rear Camera Setup
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a quadruple camera array, allowing for versatile photography including wide, zoom, and detailed shots. The Galaxy Xcover 5 has a single rear camera, which suits basic photo needs and simple snapshots.
Front Camera
The Galaxy S26 Ultra offers a 12.0 megapixel front camera, good for clear selfies and video calls. The Galaxy Xcover 5 has a 5 megapixel front camera, suitable for everyday video chats and casual selfies.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Galaxy Xcover 5 size and design
Other features include network support, physical dimensions, and storage options, which affect how the phones fit your lifestyle and usage.
Mobile Network
The Galaxy S26 Ultra supports 5G connectivity, enabling faster data speeds where 5G networks are available. The Galaxy Xcover 5 supports 4G, which is sufficient for many everyday internet activities.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S26 Ultra comes in large internal storage options up to 1TB, suitable for storing many apps, photos, and videos without needing extra cards. The Galaxy Xcover 5 has 64GB storage but includes a microSDXC slot, allowing you to add storage via a memory card, useful if you want to expand capacity.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy S26 Ultra measures 163.6 mm height, 78.1 mm width, and 7.9 mm depth, weighing 214 g. This makes it larger and heavier, fitting users comfortable with bigger phones. The Galaxy Xcover 5 is smaller and lighter at 147.1 mm height, 71.6 mm width, 9.2 mm depth, and 172 g weight, suiting those who want a more compact device.
SIM and Connectivity
The Galaxy S26 Ultra supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, offering flexible network options. The Galaxy Xcover 5 supports a physical SIM only. Both devices are unlocked and use USB Type-C connectors.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S26 Ultra or Galaxy Xcover 5: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S26 Ultra if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 3000 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 5.3 inch)
Buy the Galaxy Xcover 5 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £60, £834.79 less than the Galaxy S26 Ultra
- you want a lighter build (172 g vs 214 g)
- you want a memory card slot
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Galaxy S26 Ultra praise its condition, with many saying it looks like new or brand new even when refurbished. They highlight the camera quality, speed, and battery life as strong points. Some mention slight imperfections visible only from a distance, which do not affect use. The phone is described as solid and fun to use, with a few noting advanced features like AI tutorials. Overall, buyers find it a premium device that meets high expectations.
Users of the Galaxy Xcover 5 appreciate its toughness and reliability. Many say it works well and suits everyday needs. Customers like its size and ease of use, with some noting the removable back cover and the ability to add a second battery. The phone is described as excellent condition or close to new, with minor scratches expected. Setup can be a bit daunting for less tech-savvy users, but the phone performs as needed for basic tasks.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra appeals to those wanting a feature-rich, large screen device with high performance and advanced cameras. The Galaxy Xcover 5 suits buyers looking for a smaller, simpler phone with durable design and expandable storage for everyday use.
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Galaxy Xcover 5 FAQs
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Xcover 5 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Exynos 850 on the Galaxy Xcover 5. The Galaxy S26 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
The Galaxy Xcover 5 is cheaper refurbished, from £60 compared with £894.79 for the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a higher-resolution main camera: 200 megapixels vs 16 megapixels.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra gets updates until Mar 2033. We don't have published update dates for the Galaxy Xcover 5.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra adds more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 3000 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 5.3 inch). Refurbished, it costs £834.79 more (from £894.79 vs £60).
Refurbished, the Galaxy S26 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the Galaxy Xcover 5 in 64GB.
