Comparison
Galaxy S26 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra: Which One Is Right for You?
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is the most capable Galaxy, with a 200MP camera, 5x zoom, a built-in S Pen, the Privacy Display and 60W charging. The Galaxy S26 is the pick if you want a small, light phone with the same chip and the same rated video playback.
Buy the Galaxy S26 if you want a compact 6.3-inch flagship that weighs 167 g, with the same Snapdragon chip as the Ultra. Buy the Galaxy S26 Ultra if you want a 6.9-inch screen with Privacy Display, a 200MP camera with 5x zoom, a built-in S Pen and much faster charging.
You want the best Galaxy cameras and 5x zoom
You want the S Pen
You want the Privacy Display
You want 60W charging and up to 1TB
You want a small, light phone
You want the flagship chip
Your photos are mostly at 1x and 3x
You don't need an S Pen
Skip both if: you want a big screen without the Ultra price. The Galaxy S26+ has a 6.7-inch QHD+ screen.
The short version
In Canada, both phones run the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy with 12GB of RAM in the 256GB and 512GB models. Both have a 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, a 12MP selfie camera, a 10MP 3x telephoto, IP68, Wi-Fi 7, Galaxy AI and up to seven major Android updates. Samsung rates both at up to 31 hours of video playback.
The Ultra adds a lot on top. A 6.9-inch QHD+ screen with Samsung's new Privacy Display. A 200MP main camera, a 50MP ultra wide and a 50MP 5x telephoto. A built-in S Pen. A 5000 mAh battery with 60W wired charging. A 1TB option with 16GB of RAM.
The S26 gives you the flagship chip in a phone that is much smaller and 47 g lighter.
What's different
See every spec side by side
| Galaxy S26 | Galaxy S26 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|
| Released | March 2026 | March 2026 |
| Screen | 6.3" FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X | 6.9" QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Refresh rate | 1 to 120Hz | 1 to 120Hz |
| Privacy Display | No | Yes |
| Front glass | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Gorilla Armor 2, anti-reflective |
| Chip (Canada) | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB (16GB with 1TB) |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Main camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 200MP, f/1.4 |
| Ultra wide | 12MP | 50MP |
| Telephoto | 10MP 3x | 10MP 3x + 50MP 5x |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| S Pen | No | Built in |
| Battery | 4300 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Video playback | Up to 31 hours | Up to 31 hours |
| Wired charging | 25W, up to 55% in about 30 min | 60W, up to 75% in about 30 min |
| Wireless charging | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 | Super Fast Wireless Charging |
| Size | 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm | 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm |
| Weight | 167 g | 214 g |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Refurbished price | From $1,509.99 | From $2,209.99 |
Size and screen
This is the first question.
Read more
The Galaxy S26 is 149.6 by 71.7 mm and weighs 167 g. It is easy to use with one hand and fits small pockets. The S26 Ultra is 163.6 by 78.1 mm and weighs 214 g. It is a big phone.
The Ultra's 6.9-inch screen is sharper at QHD+ and uses Gorilla Armor 2 with an anti-reflective coating, which cuts glare outdoors. It also has the new Privacy Display, which makes the screen hard to read from the side when you turn it on, for example when you type a PIN on the bus. The S26 has a 6.3-inch FHD+ screen with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and no Privacy Display.
Cameras
Both have a 3x telephoto and a 12MP selfie camera.
Read more
Past that, the Ultra is in a different class.
Its 200MP main camera has a much larger sensor and a wide f/1.4 aperture, so it takes in more light at night and indoors. Its 50MP ultra wide is far sharper than the S26's 12MP, and its 50MP 5x telephoto gives real long-range zoom with 10x optical-quality shots. The S26 has a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultra wide and a 10MP 3x telephoto.
If photos and zoom matter a lot to you, the Ultra is worth it. For everyday photos of friends, food and places, the S26 does a very good job.
Battery and charging
The Ultra has the bigger battery, 5000 mAh against 4300 mAh, but it also powers a bigger, sharper screen.
Read more
Samsung rates both at up to 31 hours of video playback, so in practice their battery life is close.
Charging is very different. The Ultra reaches up to 75% in about 30 minutes with a 60W adapter. The S26 reaches up to 55% in about 30 minutes with a 25W adapter. The Ultra also supports faster wireless charging. Adapters are sold separately.
S Pen and productivity
Only the Ultra has a built-in S Pen.
Read more
It is great for handwritten notes, signing documents, sketching and precise photo edits. If you have used a Note or an earlier Ultra and liked the pen, this decides it.
Both phones have the same Galaxy AI features, Samsung DeX support and seven major Android updates.
Performance
In Canada, both use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, so everyday speed is the same.
Read more
Samsung gave the Ultra a redesigned vapor chamber to stay cool under long gaming sessions. The Ultra also offers a 1TB model with 16GB of RAM.
Price range
Refurbished, the Galaxy S26 starts at $1,509.99 and the Galaxy S26 Ultra starts at $2,209.99. The Galaxy S26+ starts at $1,809.99. Higher storage and better grades cost more. Prices on this page update live from our store.
Browse the full Galaxy S26 series. Upgrading from an older Galaxy? You can sell or trade it in.
Should you buy new or refurbished?
Refurbished takes a big bite out of the Ultra's price in particular.
Read more
Every phone we sell is inspected and tested, unlocked, and backed by up to a 1-year warranty and 14-day returns. Grades describe looks only. Read new vs used vs refurbished to learn more.
Still choosing? Our buying guides: best phones in Canada, best camera phones, best battery life and best phones for seniors.
FAQ
Is the Galaxy S26 Ultra worth it over the S26?
If you want the S Pen, 5x zoom, the Privacy Display or a big screen, yes. If you want a compact phone, the S26 has the same chip.
Do the S26 and S26 Ultra have the same chip?
In Canada, yes. Samsung Canada lists the S26 with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, the same chip family as the S26 Ultra.
Which has better battery life, S26 or S26 Ultra?
Samsung rates both at up to 31 hours of video playback. The Ultra has a bigger 5000 mAh battery and charges much faster at 60W.
Does the Galaxy S26 have a 5x telephoto?
No. The S26 has a 10MP 3x telephoto. The S26 Ultra has both a 10MP 3x and a 50MP 5x telephoto.
How much heavier is the S26 Ultra?
The S26 Ultra weighs 214 g. The S26 weighs 167 g.
Still choosing? Read our guide to which Samsung Galaxy to buy.
See them side by side: compare every spec and today's prices by condition, or add a third phone.
Skip the new-phone price
Get the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra pre-owned from $2,209.99, tested by real technicians with up to a 1-year warranty and 14-day returns.
