PhoneLifespan

Open vs Galaxy S26 Ultra

vs

Winner

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Lifespan decides this one: the Galaxy S26 Ultra is supported until Mar 2033 at $13.62 per month of safe use, while the Open runs out in Oct 2028 ($32.13/month). On a which-lasts-longer question, that's not a tie — it's the whole answer.

Value Score: Open 57 · Galaxy S26 Ultra 77 — methodology

The lifespan decider

When specs are close, support length decides it — this is what each phone costs per month of safe use.

OnePlus Open $900
Buy with care$32.13/mo
2023◆ Buy-by Oct 20262028
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra $1099
Safe to buy$13.62/mo
2026◆ Buy-by Mar 20312033

Category by category

Display
Open 90Galaxy S26 Ultra 100

The Galaxy S26 Ultra's screen is the better one — 6.9-inch dynamic ltpo amoled 2x, qhd+, 1–120hz, up to 2600 nits, with anti-reflective privacy display.

Performance
Open 85Galaxy S26 Ultra 100

The Galaxy S26 Ultra's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy is simply the faster chip.

Camera
Open 79Galaxy S26 Ultra 96

The Galaxy S26 Ultra has the stronger camera system (4 real rear lenses vs 3).

Battery
Open 76Galaxy S26 Ultra 80

5,000mAh vs 4,805mAh — the Galaxy S26 Ultra lasts longer between charges.

Software longevity
Open 33Galaxy S26 Ultra 96

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is supported until Mar 2033 — 53 months longer than the Open.

Value
Open 57Galaxy S26 Ultra 77

Overall value goes to the Galaxy S26 Ultra at $13.62 per month of safe use.

Full spec table
SpecOpenGalaxy S26 Ultra
Price (street)$900$1099
Display7.82-inch 2K LTPO3 Fluid AMOLED inner foldable (2440×2268, 426 ppi) + 6.31-inch 2K AMOLED cover (2484×1116, 431 ppi), both 120Hz, up to 2800 nits peak6.9-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, QHD+, 1–120Hz, up to 2600 nits, with anti-reflective Privacy Display
ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Gen 2Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy
RAM16GB12GB
Storage512GB256GB/512GB/1TB
Battery4,805 mAh5,000 mAh
Charging67W SUPERVOOC wired, no wireless60W wired, 25W wireless
Rear cameras48MP main, 48MP ultra-wide, 64MP periscope telephoto 3x200MP main, 50MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto 3x, 50MP telephoto 5x periscope
DimensionsUnfolded 153.4 × 143.1 × 5.8 mm; Folded 153.4 × 73.3 × 11.7 mm163.6 × 78.1 × 7.9 mm
Weight239 g214 g
Water resistanceIPX4IP68
Supported untilOct 2028Mar 2033
Open full verdict →Galaxy S26 Ultra full verdict →Longevity master board →

Scores and verdicts are computed from our verified database — see exactly how. Specs from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers.