Galaxy S26+
Phone (3)
🏆 Verdict
Galaxy S26+ and Phone (3) are very close overall — less than 3 points apart. Pick by the category that matters most to you below.
Phone (3) offers more for the money ($799 vs $999 at launch).
By category
Performance
Galaxy S26+ is faster with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (performance index 100 vs 86). You notice it in heavy games and video editing, less in daily use. Phone (3) has more RAM (16 GB vs 12 GB), which helps multitasking.
Camera
Phone (3) has the higher-resolution selfie camera (50 MP vs 12 MP).
Battery
Phone (3)'s battery is 250 mAh larger (5,150 vs 4,900 mAh), about 5% more. Real battery life also depends on chip and display efficiency.
Charging
Phone (3) charges faster over cable (65W vs 45W).
Display
Galaxy S26+ has the larger screen (6.7" vs 6.67"). Phone (3)'s screen gets brighter (4,500 vs 2,600 nits), which shows outdoors. Galaxy S26+'s screen is sharper (513 vs 460 ppi).
Build & durability
Galaxy S26+ is 28 g lighter.
Updates
Galaxy S26+ should get OS updates for longer (7 vs 3 years, per the maker's policy at launch).
Specifications
| Galaxy S26+ | Phone (3) | |
|---|---|---|
| Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Chipset | Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 |
| 12 GB | RAM | 12 GB / 16 GB |
| 256 GB / 512 GB | Storage | 256 GB / 512 GB |
| 6.7" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Display | 6.67" LTPO AMOLED |
| 120 Hz | Refresh rate | 120 Hz |
| 3120×1440 (513 ppi) | Resolution | 2800×1260 (460 ppi) |
| 2,600 nits | Peak brightness | 4,500 nits |
| 50 MP | Main camera | 50 MP |
| 12 MP | Ultrawide | 50 MP |
| 10 MP · 3× | Telephoto | 50 MP · 3× |
| 12 MP | Front camera | 50 MP |
| 4,900 mAh | Battery | 5,150 mAh |
| 45 W | Wired charging | 65 W |
| 15 W | Wireless charging | 15 W |
| IP68 | Water & dust rating | IP68 |
| aluminium | Frame | aluminium |
| 190 g | Weight | 218 g |
| 7 years | OS updates (estimated) | 3 years |
| $999 | Launch price | $799 |
| 2026-02 | Released | 2025-07 |
Official source: Galaxy S26+ · Official source: Phone (3)
⚠ Data pending confirmation: Galaxy S26+
Galaxy S26+
Pros
- Faster chip (Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5)
- Light at 190 g
- 7 years of updates
Cons
- Slower charging (45W)
- Dimmer screen
- Pricier ($999)
Phone (3)
Pros
- 16 GB RAM
- 65W charging
- 4,500 nits peak
- Lower price ($799)
Cons
- Slower chip
- Heavier (218 g)
- Shorter update window
How is the score calculated?
Each phone gets 0–100 points in seven categories (performance, camera, battery, charging, display, build, updates), computed only from its published specs, then combined with fixed, published weights. A gap under 2.5 points counts as a tie. The performance index is an estimate based on benchmark results published at launch.
Figures come from the manufacturers’ official pages. Some specs vary by market. We do not sell devices or earn commissions.