Galaxy S26 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S26
Starting at
£658.95£999.00 new
Galaxy S26 Ultra
Starting at
£894.79£1,449.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Ultra?
Galaxy S26 vs Ultra comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy S26 starts at £658.95, £235.84 less than the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Main camera
Weight
- Chipset: Exynos 2600 on the Galaxy S26, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
- The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4300 mAh.
- The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a bigger screen: 6.9 inch vs 6.3 inch.
Galaxy S26 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra specs
The Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Ultra share the same release year and core features like 12 GB RAM and 120 Hz refresh rate, but they differ mainly in size, screen resolution, camera setup, and storage options. The Galaxy S26 is smaller with a 6.3 inch screen and a triple camera system, suited for those who prefer a more compact phone for everyday use. The Galaxy S26 Ultra offers a larger 6.9 inch screen with higher resolution and a quadruple camera array, making it better for users who want a bigger display and enhanced photography options. Storage choices also vary, with the Ultra offering up to 1TB, ideal for heavy media users or those needing extra space.
Galaxy S26 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra price
Galaxy S26 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra battery life and software updates
Neither model is foldable, which keeps their designs straightforward and durable.
Software Updates
This means you can expect ongoing improvements and security patches on either device, keeping your phone supported with new features for a similar length of time.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S26 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S26 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra screen
The screen differences between the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Ultra affect how you experience visuals and interact with your phone. Size and resolution are the key factors to consider depending on your preferences for display clarity and workspace.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S26 has a 6.3 inch screen, making it more compact and easier to handle with one hand. The Galaxy S26 Ultra features a larger 6.9 inch display, which provides more room for watching videos, gaming, or multitasking.
Screen Resolution
The Galaxy S26 offers a resolution of 1080 by 2340 pixels, sharp enough for everyday use and clear visuals. The Galaxy S26 Ultra's higher resolution of 1440 by 3120 pixels delivers finer detail and crisper images, suited for users who want the best possible clarity on their screen.
Refresh Rate
Both phones have a 120 Hz refresh rate, which means smooth scrolling and fluid animations. This feature benefits everyone equally by making interactions feel responsive and visually pleasant.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S26 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra camera
Camera setups differ between the two models, with the Ultra offering more versatility. Both share the same front camera resolution, which suits video calls and selfies.
Rear Cameras
The Galaxy S26 has a triple rear camera system, which provides solid photography options for most situations. The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a quadruple camera setup, adding an extra lens for more creative or detailed shots, benefiting users who take many photos or like experimenting with different camera modes.
Front Camera
Both phones have a 12 megapixel front camera, ideal for clear selfies and video calls. This means video chats and self-portraits will have similar quality on either device.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S26 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra size and design
The Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Ultra differ in physical size, weight, and storage options, which influence portability and capacity. Both support 5G and unlocked carrier compatibility for flexible network use.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy S26 measures 149.6 mm in height, 71.7 mm in width, and 7.2 mm in depth, weighing 167 g. This makes it lighter and easier to carry for those who prefer smaller phones. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is larger at 163.6 mm tall, 78.1 mm wide, and 7.9 mm thick, weighing 214 g. It suits users comfortable with bigger devices that offer a bigger screen and battery.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S26 comes with 256GB or 512GB of storage, which is ample for everyday apps, photos, and media. The Galaxy S26 Ultra adds a 1TB storage option, ideal for power users who store large files, games, or extensive media libraries.
Connectivity and SIM
Both phones use USB-C connectors and support 5G networks. They accept a physical SIM card plus eSIM, giving users flexible options for mobile plans without relying on one type of SIM.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S26 or Galaxy S26 Ultra: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S26 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £658.95, £235.84 less than the Galaxy S26 Ultra
- you want a lighter build (167 g vs 214 g)
Buy the Galaxy S26 Ultra if
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4300 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.3 inch)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (200 megapixels vs 50 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Galaxy S26 tend to appreciate its sharp and bright screen with good battery life that lasts a full day on moderate use. Many say it feels solid and looks like new, with ample storage for photos and apps. Some users mention minor cosmetic marks but find the phone works smoothly for work emails, video calls, and everyday tasks. Overall, the Galaxy S26 is praised for being straightforward and reliable, suitable for those who want a compact phone with strong performance.
Reviews for the Galaxy S26 Ultra highlight its excellent condition, smooth performance, and long-lasting battery, even under heavy use. Users enjoy the larger screen and the camera quality, finding it fun and versatile for photography and daily use. Some mention occasional minor marks or challenges with screen protectors and speaker volume, but these do not detract from their general satisfaction. The Ultra appeals to those who value a bigger display, more storage capacity, and an advanced camera setup.
Both phones offer strong experiences in their own ways. The Galaxy S26 fits well for users who prefer a lighter, smaller device for everyday use. The Galaxy S26 Ultra suits those who want a larger screen and more storage for multimedia and detailed photography.
Galaxy S26 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra FAQs
Galaxy S26 vs Ultra comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Exynos 2600 on the Galaxy S26, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4300 mAh.
The Galaxy S26 is cheaper refurbished, from £658.95 compared with £894.79 for the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4300 mAh.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a higher-resolution main camera: 200 megapixels vs 50 megapixels.
The Galaxy S26 gets updates until Mar 2033. The Galaxy S26 Ultra gets updates until Mar 2033.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S26 comes in 256GB and 512GB, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
