Samsung Galaxy S26+ vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Samsung Galaxy S26+

US models get the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, while the rest of the world gets Samsung's Exynos 2600 on a 2nm process. The return of the Exynos split after the globally-Snapdragon S25 series is a disappointment. The Exynos 2600 benchmarks slightly lower on CPU but has a slightly faster GPU.

• The return of Exynos for non-US markets is a step backwards after the S25 went Snapdragon globally — the Exynos 2600 scores ~15% lower on CPU benchmarks
• US buyers get the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, which is a genuine performance powerhouse — but this creates an unfair two-tier system
• 12GB LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB/512GB storage options — the 256GB base is a welcome upgrade from 128GB

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 powers the S26 Ultra globally — no Exynos split for the Ultra model. Geekbench scores of ~3,724 single-core and ~11,738 multi-core represent a meaningful generational leap. Samsung's custom "for Galaxy" variant is clocked at 4.74GHz on the prime core.

• Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 delivers ~3,724 single-core and ~11,738 multi-core in Geekbench 6 — a significant generational improvement
• Samsung mercifully keeps the Snapdragon chip in all regions for the Ultra — no Exynos lottery for the top-tier model
• 12GB RAM on the 256GB and 512GB models; only the 1TB variant gets 16GB — may feel stingy for a $1,300+ phone in 2026

Samsung Galaxy S26+

The S26+ adopts a more "Ultra-like" design with less rounded corners for a unified family look. The Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection are solid. At ~7.3mm thin and ~190g, it's comfortable to hold.

• The more angular design brings it closer to the Ultra aesthetic — Samsung is creating a more unified design language across the S26 family
• IP68 water resistance and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 mean the S26+ remains one of the more durable options in its class

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

The S26 Ultra is the thinnest (7.9mm) and lightest (214g) Ultra ever, ditching the titanium frame in favor of Armor Aluminum. Rounder corners improve the hand feel significantly. Gorilla Glass Armor 2 protects the display. The design change from titanium to aluminum is divisive — some see it as a downgrade, others say it doesn't matter in real use.

• At 7.9mm thin and 214g, this is the thinnest and lightest Galaxy Ultra ever — noticeably more comfortable to hold than the S25 Ultra
• Rounder corners give the S26 Ultra a more comfortable grip — a welcome departure from the sharp-edged Ultra design language of recent years
• Switching from titanium to Armor Aluminum may disappoint those who valued the premium feel, though Samsung argues the weight savings justify the change

Samsung Galaxy S26+

The 4,900 mAh battery pairs with 45W wired charging (unchanged) and 20W Qi2 wireless charging (up from 15W). A modest wireless charging improvement, but no increase in wired speed or battery capacity.

• Qi2 wireless charging at 20W is a nice bump from 15W, and confirms Qi2 adoption across the S26 lineup (except the base S26)
• 45W wired charging is unchanged from the S25+ — Samsung reserves its 60W upgrade for the Ultra only

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

The 5,000 mAh battery remains the same capacity, but charging speeds jump dramatically: 60W wired (from 45W) and 25W Qi2 wireless (from 15W). Samsung claims 0-75% in approximately 30 minutes. Real-world battery life and charging speed tests will come with full reviews.

• 60W wired charging is a long-overdue upgrade — Samsung finally closes the gap with Chinese competitors, promising 0-75% in about 30 minutes
• Qi2 wireless charging at 25W (up from 15W) is a major improvement — and confirms Samsung's commitment to the Qi2 standard
• Battery capacity remains at 5,000 mAh — no increase, though the more efficient Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 may help endurance