Galaxy A26 Vs Galaxy S24+

Galaxy A26
Galaxy A26
Starting at

Refurbished price:£152.00

Versus £419.55 new

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Galaxy S24+
Galaxy S24+
Starting at

Refurbished price:£335.00

Versus £949.36 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A26 5G, released in March 2025, and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus, launched in January 2024, represent different segments of Samsung's smartphone lineup. While both devices operate on the Android platform with Samsung's One UI, the S24 Plus is positioned as a flagship offering with advanced features, whereas the A26 5G provides a more accessible experience. Key differentiators lie in their overall performance capabilities, display quality, and camera systems.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are important factors.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S24 Plus was released in January 2024, making it an earlier model compared to the Galaxy A26 5G, which launched in March 2025.
  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S24 Plus offers an extended software support commitment, providing up to seven years of OS upgrades and security updates. The Galaxy A26 5G is supported with six generations of OS upgrades and six years of security updates. This means the S24 Plus will receive software support for a longer duration.
  • Durability Features: The Galaxy S24 Plus features an Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, along with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. The Galaxy A26 5G comes with an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance and Gorilla Glass 5 for screen protection.

Year of Release

2024

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone impacts how smoothly applications run, how quickly tasks are completed, and the overall responsiveness of the user interface.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S24 Plus is equipped with a high-end processor designed for demanding applications, intensive multitasking, and advanced gaming, ensuring a very responsive user experience. The Galaxy A26 5G utilizes a mid-range processor that handles everyday tasks and general use effectively, though it may show some limitations with very heavy multitasking or graphically intensive games.
  • Memory and Storage: The S24 Plus typically comes with 12 GB of RAM and offers storage options of 256 GB or 512 GB, utilizing faster UFS 4.0 storage. The A26 5G is available with 6 GB or 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB or 256 GB of UFS 2.2 storage, with the added flexibility of a microSD card slot for expandable storage.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S24 Plus houses a 4900 mAh battery, providing reliable power for extended use, with support for 45W wired and 15W wireless charging. The Galaxy A26 5G features a larger 5000 mAh battery, contributing to a full day of typical usage.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and differences in screen technology and specifications can significantly affect the viewing experience.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy S24 Plus features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a QHD+ resolution (3120 x 1440 pixels), offering exceptional clarity and detail. The Galaxy A26 5G also has a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks, but with an FHD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels).
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The S24 Plus boasts a peak brightness of 2600 nits, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions, and features an adaptive refresh rate that can scale from 1Hz to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and power efficiency. The A26 5G offers a 120Hz refresh rate for fluid visuals and a peak brightness of 1000 nits, which is suitable for most indoor and outdoor viewing.
  • Viewing Experience: Both devices offer large displays suitable for media consumption. The S24 Plus's higher resolution and adaptive refresh rate provide a more refined and immersive visual experience, particularly for high-definition content and gaming. The A26 5G's display still delivers a good viewing experience for everyday tasks and general media.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1440 x 3120

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, influencing the quality of photos and videos captured in various environments.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S24 Plus features a versatile triple camera setup, including a 50 MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12 MP ultrawide lens, and a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, allowing for detailed shots across different focal lengths. The Galaxy A26 5G also has a triple rear camera system, comprising a 50 MP main camera with OIS, an 8 MP ultrawide lens, and a 2 MP macro lens, suitable for everyday photography.
  • Photography Performance: The S24 Plus benefits from advanced image processing and AI enhancements, contributing to strong performance in various lighting conditions, including improved low-light photography. User feedback for the S24 Plus camera indicates generally good results, though some users have noted occasional issues with image processing. The A26 5G's camera system provides clear and vibrant photos in good lighting, with its OIS helping to reduce blur.
  • Video and Audio: The S24 Plus offers advanced video recording capabilities, including higher resolutions and features. Both devices provide adequate microphone quality for calls and recordings, and their speaker outputs are suitable for media consumption.

Front camera

13 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and device functionality.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy S24 Plus supports advanced connectivity standards, including 5G, Wi-Fi 6E/7, and Bluetooth 5.3, with a USB Type-C port supporting USB 3.2 for faster data transfer. The Galaxy A26 5G also offers 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, and Bluetooth v5.3, featuring a USB Type-C port (USB 2.0).
  • Biometric Security: Both devices incorporate modern biometric security features. The S24 Plus includes an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor and face recognition. The A26 5G features a side-mounted fingerprint scanner integrated into the power button.
  • Design and Handling: The S24 Plus has a premium build with an Armor Aluminum frame and a sleek design, measuring 7.7 mm in thickness and weighing 195g. The A26 5G also features a slim 7.7 mm body with an elegant glass back. The S24 Plus does not include a headphone jack, while the A26 5G also uses a USB Type-C port for audio.

Weight

197 g

196 g

Screen size (in)

6.5

6.7

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus and Galaxy A26 5G cater to different user needs and priorities. The S24 Plus, a flagship device from early 2024, is praised by users for its powerful performance, vibrant and bright display, and extended software support. Its advanced camera system and premium build quality are also frequently highlighted. Some users have noted that while the camera is capable, its image processing might not always meet the highest expectations compared to some competitors.

The Galaxy A26 5G, released in early 2025, is recognized for offering a strong mid-range experience. Users appreciate its large Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, reliable battery life, and the inclusion of a microSD card slot for expandable storage. Its IP67 water and dust resistance and six years of software updates also contribute to its appeal as a durable and long-lasting option. While its processor handles daily tasks well, it is not designed for the same level of intensive use as a flagship device.

Users prioritizing cutting-edge performance, a superior display with higher resolution and brightness, and the longest possible software support may find the Galaxy S24 Plus well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users who value a large, smooth display, excellent battery life, expandable storage, and a robust software update policy in a more accessible package may lean toward the Galaxy A26 5G. Both devices offer quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers looking to make informed and sustainable choices.

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