By
Alex Choros - Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor
Last updated

Samsung's Galaxy S26 family is now available, and as expected, there are three new devices: the Galaxy S26, the Galaxy S26 Plus, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra. In this guide, we'll focus on the standard Galaxy S26, Samsung's new base model. 

Samsung Galaxy S26 plans


The Galaxy S26 is available on mobile plans from Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone. All three providers offer the choice of 24-month and 36-month repayments. A 24-month term means you own your Galaxy S26 faster, while a 36-month term brings down your monthly cost.

36-month Galaxy S26 plans

Samsung Galaxy S26 256GB Plans

Samsung Galaxy S26 256GB
#1
Optus
Optus

$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan

  • 100GB data
  • 36 mths device payments
  • Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply.
$82.02/mth
Min. cost $1,587.72
#2
Vodafone
Vodafone

$58 Small Plan

  • 65GB data
  • 36 mths device payments
  • Deal: Includes $13/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply.
$88.02/mth
Min. cost $1,593.72
#3
Vodafone
Vodafone

$68 Medium Plan

  • 220GB data
  • 36 mths device payments
  • Deal: Includes $18/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply.
$93.02/mth
Min. cost $1,598.72
#4
Vodafone
Vodafone

$78 Large Plan

  • 420GB data
  • 36 mths device payments
  • Deal: Includes $23/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply.
$98.02/mth
Min. cost $1,603.72
#5
Optus
Optus

$69 Optus Promo Plan

  • 360GB data
  • 36 mths device payments
  • Deal: Upgrade & Protect included when you add a phone on a payment plan. Plus, get up to $10/mth SubHub credit for 12 mths. T&Cs apply.
$112.02/mth
Min. cost $1,617.72
#6
Optus
Optus

$70 Optus Choice Plus Plan

  • 240GB data
  • 36 mths device payments
$113.02/mth
Min. cost $1,618.72
#7
Telstra
Telstra

$74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan

  • 50GB data
  • 36 mths device payments
$117.02/mth
Min. cost $1,622.72
Link not supplied
#8
Telstra
Telstra

$84 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan

  • 180GB data
  • 36 mths device payments
$127.02/mth
Min. cost $1,632.72
Link not supplied
#9
Optus
Optus

$90 Optus Choice Plus Plan

  • 480GB data
  • 36 mths device payments
  • SubHub: Receive up to $20/mth SubHub credit when you have an active SubHub account with subs greater than $0. T&Cs apply
$133.02/mth
Min. cost $1,638.72
#10
Telstra
Telstra

$99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan

  • 300GB data
  • 36 mths device payments
$142.02/mth
Min. cost $1,647.72
Link not supplied

Samsung Galaxy S26 512GB Plans

Samsung Galaxy S26 512GB
#1
Optus
Optus

$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan

  • 100GB data
  • 36 mths device payments
  • Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply.
$90.36/mth
Min. cost $1,887.96
#2
Vodafone
Vodafone

$58 Small Plan

  • 65GB data
  • 36 mths device payments
  • Deal: Includes $13/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply.
$96.36/mth
Min. cost $1,893.96
#3
Vodafone
Vodafone

$68 Medium Plan

  • 220GB data
  • 36 mths device payments
  • Deal: Includes $18/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply.
$101.36/mth
Min. cost $1,898.96
#4
Vodafone
Vodafone

$78 Large Plan

  • 420GB data
  • 36 mths device payments
  • Deal: Includes $23/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply.
$106.36/mth
Min. cost $1,903.96
#5
Optus
Optus

$69 Optus Promo Plan

  • 360GB data
  • 36 mths device payments
  • Deal: Upgrade & Protect included when you add a phone on a payment plan. Plus, get up to $10/mth SubHub credit for 12 mths. T&Cs apply.
$120.36/mth
Min. cost $1,917.96
#6
Optus
Optus

$70 Optus Choice Plus Plan

  • 240GB data
  • 36 mths device payments
$121.36/mth
Min. cost $1,918.96
#7
Telstra
Telstra

$74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan

  • 50GB data
  • 36 mths device payments
$125.36/mth
Min. cost $1,922.96
Link not supplied
#8
Telstra
Telstra

$84 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan

  • 180GB data
  • 36 mths device payments
$135.36/mth
Min. cost $1,932.96
Link not supplied
#9
Optus
Optus

$90 Optus Choice Plus Plan

  • 480GB data
  • 36 mths device payments
  • SubHub: Receive up to $20/mth SubHub credit when you have an active SubHub account with subs greater than $0. T&Cs apply
$141.36/mth
Min. cost $1,938.96
#10
Telstra
Telstra

$99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan

  • 300GB data
  • 36 mths device payments
$150.36/mth
Min. cost $1,947.96
Link not supplied

24-month Galaxy S26 plans

Samsung Galaxy S26 256GB Plans

Samsung Galaxy S26 256GB
#1
Optus
Optus

$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan

  • 100GB data
  • 24 mths device payments
  • Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply.
$103.53/mth
Min. cost $1,587.72
#2
Vodafone
Vodafone

$58 Small Plan

  • 65GB data
  • 24 mths device payments
  • Deal: Includes $13/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply.
$109.54/mth
Min. cost $1,593.96
#3
Vodafone
Vodafone

$68 Medium Plan

  • 220GB data
  • 24 mths device payments
  • Deal: Includes $18/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply.
$114.54/mth
Min. cost $1,598.96
#4
Vodafone
Vodafone

$78 Large Plan

  • 420GB data
  • 24 mths device payments
  • Deal: Includes $23/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply.
$119.54/mth
Min. cost $1,603.96
#5
Optus
Optus

$69 Optus Promo Plan

  • 360GB data
  • 24 mths device payments
  • Deal: Upgrade & Protect included when you add a phone on a payment plan. Plus, get up to $10/mth SubHub credit for 12 mths. T&Cs apply.
$133.53/mth
Min. cost $1,617.72
#6
Optus
Optus

$70 Optus Choice Plus Plan

  • 240GB data
  • 24 mths device payments
$134.53/mth
Min. cost $1,618.72
#7
Telstra
Telstra

$74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan

  • 50GB data
  • 24 mths device payments
$138.54/mth
Min. cost $1,622.96
Link not supplied
#8
Telstra
Telstra

$84 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan

  • 180GB data
  • 24 mths device payments
$148.54/mth
Min. cost $1,632.96
Link not supplied
#9
Optus
Optus

$90 Optus Choice Plus Plan

  • 480GB data
  • 24 mths device payments
  • SubHub: Receive up to $20/mth SubHub credit when you have an active SubHub account with subs greater than $0. T&Cs apply
$154.53/mth
Min. cost $1,638.72
#10
Telstra
Telstra

$99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan

  • 300GB data
  • 24 mths device payments
$163.54/mth
Min. cost $1,647.96
Link not supplied

Samsung Galaxy S26 512GB Plans

Samsung Galaxy S26 512GB
#1
Optus
Optus

$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan

  • 100GB data
  • 24 mths device payments
  • Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply.
$116.04/mth
Min. cost $1,887.96
#2
Vodafone
Vodafone

$58 Small Plan

  • 65GB data
  • 24 mths device payments
  • Deal: Includes $13/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply.
$122.04/mth
Min. cost $1,893.96
#3
Vodafone
Vodafone

$68 Medium Plan

  • 220GB data
  • 24 mths device payments
  • Deal: Includes $18/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply.
$127.04/mth
Min. cost $1,898.96
#4
Vodafone
Vodafone

$78 Large Plan

  • 420GB data
  • 24 mths device payments
  • Deal: Includes $23/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply.
$132.04/mth
Min. cost $1,903.96
#5
Optus
Optus

$69 Optus Promo Plan

  • 360GB data
  • 24 mths device payments
  • Deal: Upgrade & Protect included when you add a phone on a payment plan. Plus, get up to $10/mth SubHub credit for 12 mths. T&Cs apply.
$146.04/mth
Min. cost $1,917.96
#6
Optus
Optus

$70 Optus Choice Plus Plan

  • 240GB data
  • 24 mths device payments
$147.04/mth
Min. cost $1,918.96
#7
Telstra
Telstra

$74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan

  • 50GB data
  • 24 mths device payments
$151.04/mth
Min. cost $1,922.96
Link not supplied
#8
Telstra
Telstra

$84 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan

  • 180GB data
  • 24 mths device payments
$161.04/mth
Min. cost $1,932.96
Link not supplied
#9
Optus
Optus

$90 Optus Choice Plus Plan

  • 480GB data
  • 24 mths device payments
  • SubHub: Receive up to $20/mth SubHub credit when you have an active SubHub account with subs greater than $0. T&Cs apply
$167.04/mth
Min. cost $1,938.96
#10
Telstra
Telstra

$99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan

  • 300GB data
  • 24 mths device payments
$176.04/mth
Min. cost $1,947.96
Link not supplied
Looking for a different Galaxy S26?

Follow these links to compare plans for the rest of the Galaxy S26 family:  

Galaxy S26 deals

If you're looking to get your Galaxy S26 on a plan, there are a couple of offers to consider.

Vodafone: If you grab your Galaxy S26 from Vodafone, you'll get a $400 discount divided across the length of your repayment. This works out to be a saving of $11.11 per month on a 36-month term. Vodafone also has a $14 per month discount on its plans, which runs until March 19. 

On top of this, you can get $300 in extra credit if you trade in your old phone toward your Galaxy S26. This is on top of the phone's existing value, and is available until April 14.

Optus: If you go through Optus, you'll save $500 across the length of your term. That's a discount of $13.89 per month on a 36-month repayment. You can also score a free Galaxy Watch 8 if you add a $10 per month Watch plan to your phone. This deal runs until April 4.

Telstra: If you pick a Telstra plan to go with your Galaxy S26, you'll save $400 on the device. This is divided by the repayment term, and works out to be a saving of $11.11 per month if you go with a 36-month option. This deal is available until April 7.

How much does the Samsung Galaxy S26 cost in Australia?


Galaxy S26 devices all got more expensive this year, with prices increasing between $50 and $250 depending on the model. The standard Galaxy S26 starts at $1,549 this time around, which is a $150 increase compared to the Galaxy S25's launch price. 

Here's full pricing for the Galaxy S26 family: 

Phone RRPSee price on
Samsung Galaxy S26 (256GB) $1,549SamsungAmazon
Samsung Galaxy S26 (512GB) $1,849SamsungAmazon
Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus (256GB) $1,849SamsungAmazon
Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus (512GB) $2,149SamsungAmazon
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (256GB) $2,199SamsungAmazon
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (512GB) $2,499SamsungAmazon
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (1TB) $2,949SamsungAmazon

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Samsung Galaxy S26 features


Galaxy S26 family

The Galaxy S26 family aren't a huge upgrade from a hardware perspective. All three have a chipset: the Exynos 2600 in the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Plus, and the Snapdragon Elite Gen 5 in the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

The standard Galaxy S26 is now slightly larger with a bigger battery, while the Galaxy S26 Plus is otherwise unchanged. The Galaxy S26 Ultra benefits from a few new upgrades like a "privacy mode" on the display and faster cameras. 

There are a few new Galaxy AI features across the board, however. "Now Nudge" is the big new addition, and is meant to bring up contextually useful information when performing tasks. For example, if someone texts to ask if you're free at a certain time, the Now Nudge will check your calendar.

Samsung is also upgrading Now Brief to have more personalised updates based on your usage, and Now Bar to be more proactive. For example, if you've got a meeting in your calendar and there's traffic, you might get a Now Bar prompt encouraging you to leave early.

Samsung Galaxy S26 design

All three Galaxy S26 devices all look pretty similar to last year's models. The standard Galaxy S26 is a little bigger, however, featuring a 6.3-inch display. That's a 0.1-inch increase on last year's phone. 

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is the same size as the Galaxy S25 Ultra, but has rounded corners to make it look more like its siblings, and in the same vein, a new camera bump. There's also a "privacy mode" on the Galaxy S26 Ultra that uses a combination of software and hardware to obscure content to onlookers.

Samsung Galaxy S26 camera

The Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Plus cameras are unchanged from last year: there's a 50MP primary lens, 12MP ultra-wide lens, 10MP 3x zoom lens, and a 12MP selfie camera.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a similar configuration to last year's model too: a 200MP primary lens, 50MP ultra-wide lens, 10MP 3x zoom lens, 50MP 5x zoom lens, and a 12MP selfie camera. The 200MP lens and 50MP zoom lens both have faster apertures, however. This allows for more light capture, which results in better low-light photography and less motion. 

Samsung Galaxy S26 battery

The standard Galaxy S26 has a small increase in battery capacity, taking it from 4,000mAh to 4,300mAh. The Galaxy S26 Plus and Galaxy S26 Ultra have a 4,900mAh and 5,000mAh battery, respectively, just like last year's models. 

Samsung Galaxy S26 processor

The Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Plus are powered by Samsung's in-house Exynos 2600 chipset. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S26 Ultra uses Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. 

Samsung Galaxy S26 5G

The Galaxy S26 family all naturally have 5G connectivity. 

WhistleOut's coverage checker tool has 5G coverage maps, making it easy to see whether you can get 5G. All you need to do is pop in your address when searching for a new phone plan. After you've done so and hit Search, you can jump straight to the coverage map by tapping See Coverage Map and then tapping Click To Activate Interactive Map. 

This map will show you what kind of coverage you have in your area. 5G coverage is highlighted using the darkest shade of purple, but unticking 4G and 3G can help make it clearer. The drop-down menu lets you choose between telcos.

Coverage maps are only approximate, only show outdoor coverage, and may be impacted by local conditions such as buildings. 

Galaxy S26 specs

Galaxy S26 Galaxy S26 Plus Galaxy S26 Ultra
Display Flat 6.3-inch Flat 6.7-inch Flat 6.9-inch with Privacy Mode
Resolution 1080p+ Quad HD+  Quad HD+
Refresh Rate 1 - 120Hz 1 - 120Hz 1 - 120Hz
Rear Cameras 50MP + 12MP + 10MP 50MP + 12MP + 10MP 200MP + 50MP + 10MP + 50MP
Front Camera 12MP 12MP 12MP
Processor Exynos 2600 Exynos 2600 Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
Storage 256GB - 512GB 256GB - 512GB 256GB - 1TB
RAM 12GB 12GB 12GB - 16GB
Battery 4,300mAh 4,900mAh 5,000mAh
Water-Resistance IP68 
IP68 IP68
Durability Gorilla Glass Victus 2 Gorilla Glass Victus 2 Gorilla Glass Armor 2
5G Sub 6 Sub 6 Sub 6
Material Aluminium Aluminium Aluminium
S Pen No No Yes
Price From $1,449 From $1,849 From $2,199

Samsung Galaxy S26 plan providers


Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone are all ranging the Galaxy S26 family. Here's a breakdown of the major benefits you can expect each provider to offer. 

Telstra Galaxy S26 plans

Telstra

  • Widest 5G coverage in Australia
  • Access to the Telstra Plus perks and rewards program

Telstra Galaxy plans are often the priciest on the Australian market, but they do come with a host of perks.

Telstra lets you pay your Galaxy off over 12, 24, or 36 months, and all plans are free from excess data charges. If you go over your cap, your data will simply be slowed to speeds of 1.5Mbps, which is still fast enough to stream video in SD. But speeds may be slower during peak times.

Optus Galaxy S26 plans

Optus

  • Discounted access to streaming services through SubHub
  • $5 for 5GB of roaming data when overseas 

Optus Galaxy plans come with solid data inclusions. 

Higher-end Optus plans also come with unlimited international calls to selected destinations included with the plan. 

All Optus plans are contract-free, and devices can be paid off across 12, 24, or 36 months.

In addition, all Optus postpaid plans are free from excess data charges. If you go over your allowance, you'll be slowed to 1.5Mbps rather than being billed $10 per gigabyte.

Vodafone Galaxy S26 plans

Vodafone

  • Bundling options
  • Access to Vodafone's famous $5 roaming

Vodafone Galaxy plans may not come with the kinds of freebies and perks you can get from Optus or Telstra, but they have bonuses when it comes to bundling. 

If you have a Vodafone mobile plan, you can get most of the telco's internet plans - NBN, 5G home internet, and 4G home internet - at a discounted rate. 

Vodafone customers also save 5% on their total mobile bill for each postpaid mobile plan on their account after the first. This discount maxes out at 20% and doesn't include handset repayments. 

Vodafone postpaid plans are all free from excess data charges. When you go over your plan allowance, you'll be capped at 2Mbps.

You'll also get access to Vodafone's $5 roaming, which is still easily the best way to travel with your Australian phone number.

How to choose the best Samsung Galaxy S26 plan for you


There are a few key factors to keep in mind when picking a Samsung Galaxy S26 plan:

  1. Answering "how much mobile data do I use" can help you avoid overspending. Don't pay for more data than you need
  2. Decide whether you want to pay off your phone shorter on a 24-month plan or get a smaller bill over a longer period of time on a 36-month plan
  3. If you're a frequent overseas traveller consider any international roaming inclusions
  4. You may also want to make international phone calls so check if the destinations you may be calling are included in your plan

For a breakdown of the best Samsung plans - from unlimited data plans to plans with international calls - check out our guide.

Looking for a new NBN plan?

These are the most popular NBN 50 plans with WhistleOut users this week:

#1
Dodo
Dodo
All Fixed Line nbn®
Editor's Pick

nbn50 Unlimited Plan

  • nbn® 50/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Incl. $30/mth discount for 6 months based on the standard price $87.99/mth*. Ends 08.12.26. T&Cs apply.
$57.99/mth
Min. cost $57.99
#2
amaysim
amaysim
All Fixed Line nbn®

NBN50

  • nbn® 50/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Special Intro Offer - Includes $10/mth off for the first 6 months, $75/mth for first 6 months, then $85/mth
$75/mth
Min. cost $75
#3
Belong
Belong
All Fixed Line nbn®

NBN Standard Plus – Unlimited

  • nbn® 50/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Includes $36 off for 6 months - $55/mth for first 6 mths, then $91/mth (Offer ends 04.11.26) + Free $80 Mobile SIM
$55/mth
Min. cost $55
#4
Tangerine Telecom
Tangerine Telecom
All Fixed Line nbn®

Value Plus NBN 50/20

  • nbn® 50/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Includes $25/mth off for the first 6 mths, $64.90/month for first 6 months, then $89.90/month.
$64.90/mth
Min. cost $64.90
#5
Superloop
Superloop
All Fixed Line nbn®

Extra-value nbn50/20

  • nbn® 50/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Incl. $20/mth off for 6 months! $69/mth for 6 mths, then $89/mth + Bundle & Save
$69/mth
Min. cost $69
#6
TPG
TPG
All Fixed Line nbn®

nbn50 Unlimited Plan

  • nbn® 50/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $89.99/mth. T&Cs apply.
$69.99/mth
Min. cost $69.99
Link not supplied
#7
iiNet
iiNet
All Fixed Line nbn®

nbn50 Liimitless

  • nbn® 50/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Includes $20/mth off for 6 mths – $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $89.99/mth. Use code SAVE20FOR6
$69.99/mth
+ $10 Upfront
Min. cost $79.99
Link not supplied
#8
Kogan Internet
Kogan Internet
All Fixed Line nbn®

Silver Unlimited

  • nbn® 50/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Incl. $11/mth off for 12mths. $69.90/mth for first 12 months then revert back to $80.90/mth. Offer available until withdrawn.
$69.90/mth
Min. cost $69.90
#9
Flip
Flip
All Fixed Line nbn®

Unlimited Family nbn50

  • nbn® 50/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Incl. $16.90/mth off for 6 months - $68/mth for first 6mths then $84.90/mth. New customers only. Ends 31.10.26. T&Cs apply.
$68/mth
Min. cost $68
#10
Vodafone
Vodafone
All Fixed Line nbn®

Essential+ nbn®

  • nbn® 50/17 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
  • Deal: Save $10/mth when you bundle with a mobile plan with Vodafone. T&Cs apply.
$94/mth
Min. cost $94
Link not supplied

Alex Choros

Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor | X | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

Alex Choros
Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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