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The Galaxy S26+ launched in the US at $1,099.99, $100 above the Galaxy S24+’s $999.99 US launch price. That is a comparison of starting launch prices—not today’s prices. Samsung’s launch specifications show many headline similarities, including a 6.7-inch QHD+ display, 4,900mAh typical battery, and a 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP telephoto rear-camera setup. The S26+ brings a newer processor generation and launched with Android 16 and One UI 8.5, versus Android 14 and One UI 6.1 on the S24+.
Price difference: the S26+ launched $100 higher
Samsung’s US launch announcements list the 256GB Galaxy S24+ at $999.99 in 2024 and the 256GB Galaxy S26+ at $1,099.99 in 2026. The S26+ therefore started $100 higher. These are launch prices, not verified current retail prices; they do not account for inflation, promotions, trade-ins, taxes, carrier financing, or used and refurbished sales. Samsung’s S24 announcement and Samsung’s S26 announcement are the sources for those launch figures.
Both models are listed with 256GB and 512GB storage, but availability can vary by region and carrier. For a useful buying comparison, match storage capacity and compare the current unlocked prices, any trade-in offer, and remaining software support for the specific device being considered.
Galaxy S24+ vs S26+ specifications
| Specification | Galaxy S24+ 5G | Galaxy S26+ |
|---|---|---|
| US starting launch price | $999.99 (2024, 256GB) | $1,099.99 (2026, 256GB) |
| Availability | Available January 31, 2024 | General availability March 11, 2026 |
| Display | 6.7-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X; 1–120Hz | 6.7-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X; adaptive 1–120Hz |
| US launch processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy |
| Launch software | Android 14, One UI 6.1 | Android 16, One UI 8.5 |
| Rear cameras | 50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto; 3x optical zoom | 50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x telephoto |
| Typical battery capacity | 4,900mAh | 4,900mAh |
| Wired charging | Up to 45W | 45W |
| Storage options | 256GB / 512GB | 256GB / 512GB |
| Water and dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
Specifications and launch dates are from Samsung’s US announcements for the Galaxy S24 series and Galaxy S26 series. The processor entries are for US launch material; regional models can differ, so check the exact market and model number. Software versions above are the versions each phone launched with, not necessarily the versions installed today.
#1 Best Overall
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- RICHER COLOR. SHARPER DETAIL: The ultra-vivid display on Galaxy S26+ automatically makes every image sharper for a more immersive experience
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
What changed—and what stayed similar?
Processor and software generation
The S26+ launched with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy and Android 16 with One UI 8.5. The S24+ launched with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy and Android 14 with One UI 6.1. This makes the S26+ the newer platform generation, but the cited launch specifications do not establish a particular performance gain in everyday use or benchmark results.
Display
Both phones have a 6.7-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, with a 1–120Hz refresh-rate range listed for each. The S26 US launch table describes its refresh rate as adaptive. The diagonal measurement does not represent the full viewable area because the display corners are rounded.
Rank #2
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- RICHER COLOR. SHARPER DETAIL: The ultra-vivid display on Galaxy S26+ automatically makes every image sharper for a more immersive experience
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Cameras
Samsung lists the same headline rear-camera resolutions for both: a 50MP wide camera, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto. The S24+ launch material specifies 3x optical zoom, while the S26+ lists a 3x telephoto. Similar listed hardware does not prove that photos look identical—or that one model takes better real-world pictures. The available launch specifications do not provide comparative photo testing.
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Both phones list a 4,900mAh typical battery capacity. Typical capacity alone does not show how long either phone lasts in a particular person’s use, and no comparable battery-life test is established by these specifications.
Rank #3
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- RICHER COLOR. SHARPER DETAIL: The ultra-vivid display on Galaxy S26+ automatically makes every image sharper for a more immersive experience
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Samsung lists wired charging up to 45W for both. Its S24+ announcement reports charging to up to 65% in about 30 minutes under Samsung’s stated lab conditions with the specified adapter and cable; that test figure should not be treated as a measured head-to-head result against the S26+. Samsung says the S24+ adapter and cable are sold separately and recommends a 45W adapter with a 5A USB-C cable. See Samsung’s S24 launch details for the accessory and test qualifications.
Storage and durability rating
Samsung lists 256GB and 512GB options and an IP68 rating for both models. Storage availability depends on market and carrier. IP68 is a laboratory rating, not a guarantee against wear or every kind of water exposure.
Rank #4
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Which phone makes more sense to buy?
Consider the S26+ if
- You want the newer processor and launch software generation.
- You value buying the newer model and its new-device warranty, after confirming the warranty terms where you live.
- The current price after discounts and trade-in makes the $100 launch-price gap irrelevant to your budget.
Consider the S24+ if
- You find it substantially cheaper at a reputable seller and the device condition, warranty, and return terms suit you.
- The shared headline display, battery capacity, camera resolutions, and storage options meet your needs.
- You have checked the phone’s current software status and are comfortable with its remaining support period.
Samsung’s launch announcements establish original pricing and stated specifications, but not today’s retailer prices, inventory, current trade-in values, or comparative hands-on performance. Check live listings for the same storage capacity and market before deciding; Samsung names Amazon, Best Buy, its own stores and website, and carriers among S26 retail channels, but that does not establish a live price or stock status.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- MULTIPLE TASKS WITH ONE ASK: Streamline your day with an assistant that gets you. Ask it to Google search for a pet-friendly vegan restaurant nearby and text it to your friend— your Galaxy S25+ handles multiple tasks with a single ask.¹
- START THE DAY SMARTER: Stay one step ahead with a phone that gives you the info you need before you even know you need it with Now Brief.²
- REDUCE THE NOISE. REVEAL THE MAGIC: AI Camera with Audio Eraser lets you capture vibrant videos in low light and minimize unwanted noises so you can relive your favorite moments with fewer distractions.³
- BRING OUT THE BEST IN EVERY FACE: Capture every portrait with clarity and confidence on the Galaxy S25+ Series. The advanced portrait features adjust skin tones and preserve natural textures, giving every shot a polished, professional look.
- MORE POWER TO YOU: Reimagine what’s possible with the Galaxy S25+, featuring our most powerful processor yet. Effortlessly translate your calls, slow down a video, or edit your photos without skipping a beat.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
