The Galaxy S26 Ultra vs S25 Ultra is the most interesting comparison, and will help you decide which phone is better. Samsung’s Ultra lineup rarely sees massive yearly leaps, but the S26 Ultra brings meaningful refinements that could sway upgraders.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra launched on February 3, 2025 (announced January 22, 2025), while the Galaxy S26 Ultra was announced on February 25, 2026, with release on March 6, 2026. If you’re deciding between the two powerhouses right now, this detailed Galaxy S26 Ultra vs S25 Ultra breakdown covers every key area with side-by-side tables and clear explanations.
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs S25 Ultra: Build and Dimensions
| Feature | Galaxy S25 Ultra | Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm | 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm |
| Weight | 218 g | 214 g |
| Frame Material | Grade-5 Titanium | Armor Aluminum (refined) |
| Front Glass | Corning Gorilla Armor 2 | Corning Gorilla Armor 2 |
| Back Glass | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| Protection | IP68 + S Pen | IP68 + S Pen |
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is noticeably slimmer (0.3 mm thinner) and 4 g lighter than the S25 Ultra, making it more comfortable for one-handed use and pocket carry. Samsung rounded the corners further for better ergonomics and adopted a refined Armor Aluminum frame (still extremely premium and durable).
Titanium on the S25 Ultra feels slightly more luxurious to some, but the S26 Ultra’s design feels more modern and unified. Both retain full IP68 water/dust resistance and built-in S Pen support. Overall, the S26 Ultra wins on everyday comfort with minimal trade-offs.
Display: Galaxy S26 Ultra vs S25 Ultra
| Feature | Galaxy S25 Ultra | Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Size & Type | 6.9″ Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X | 6.9″ Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution & Refresh | 1440 x 3120, 1-120 Hz | 1440 x 3120, 1-120 Hz |
| Peak Brightness | 2600 nits | 2600 nits (some tests show higher peaks) |
| Protection | Gorilla Armor 2 + anti-reflective | Gorilla Armor 2 + anti-reflective + Privacy Display |
| Other | HDR10+ | HDR10+ + world’s first built-in Privacy Display |
On paper the panels are nearly identical — same size, resolution, refresh rate, and brightness. However, the Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces the industry-first Privacy Display, which dynamically dims and blurs the screen from side angles to prevent shoulder-surfing in public.
Both offer excellent anti-reflective coatings, but the privacy feature makes the S26 Ultra significantly better for business users or anyone concerned about screen security.
Everyday viewing experience remains class-leading on both.
Memory Options
| Variant | Galaxy S25 Ultra | Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Base | 12 GB RAM / 256 GB | 12 GB RAM / 256 GB |
| Mid-tier | 12 GB RAM / 512 GB | 12 GB RAM / 512 GB |
| Top-tier | 12 GB or 16 GB / 1 TB | 16 GB RAM / 1 TB standard |
| Storage Type | UFS 4.0 | UFS 4.X (slightly faster) |
Memory configurations are very similar, but the Galaxy S26 Ultra makes 16 GB RAM standard on the 1 TB model and offers it more broadly.
This benefits heavy multitaskers, AI workloads, and future-proofing. Storage speeds see a minor bump on the S26 Ultra. If you need maximum RAM for productivity or gaming, the S26 Ultra edges ahead; otherwise, both are generously equipped.
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs S25 Ultra: Camera Comparison
| Camera | Galaxy S25 Ultra | Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Main (Wide) | 200 MP, f/1.7, 1/1.3″, OIS | 200 MP, f/1.4 (brighter), 1/1.3″, OIS |
| Ultrawide | 50 MP, f/1.9, 120° | 50 MP, f/1.9, 120° |
| Telephoto 3x | 10 MP, f/2.4, 1/3.52″ | 10 MP, f/2.4, 1/3.94″ (slightly smaller sensor) |
| Periscope 5x | 50 MP, f/3.4, 111 mm | 50 MP, f/2.9 (brighter), 111 mm |
| Front | 12 MP | 12 MP + improved AI ISP |
Hardware is extremely close, but the Galaxy S26 Ultra delivers clear low-light advantages with a wider f/1.4 main aperture and brighter f/2.9 5x periscope.
The 3x telephoto sensor is marginally smaller, but real-world tests show the improved apertures and new AI ISP (first time on the 12 MP selfie) produce sharper, more natural colors and less noise in challenging conditions.
If photography is your top priority, the S26 Ultra’s hardware tweaks give it the edge for night shots and zoomed portraits.
Video Capabilities
Both phones record 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps, and support 10-bit HDR, HDR10+, gyro-EIS, and stereo audio.
Key differences:
- Galaxy S26 Ultra benefits from the brighter apertures and vastly more powerful NPU/ISP for superior stabilization, noise reduction, and AI video enhancements (e.g., better object tracking and natural bokeh in 4K).
- Super Steady mode and low-light video performance are noticeably improved on the S26 Ultra.
Video specs on paper are almost identical, but the Galaxy S26 Ultra pulls ahead in real-world quality thanks to the faster chipset and optical improvements.
If you shoot a lot of 4K/8K footage or vlogs in varied lighting, the S26 Ultra is the better choice. Casual users will be happy with either.
Chipset and Software
| Feature | Galaxy S25 Ultra | Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) |
| CPU/GPU/NPU | Up to 4.47 GHz, Adreno 830 | Faster cores (up to 4.74 GHz), Adreno 840 |
| RAM (max) | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| OS at Launch | Android 15 + One UI 8 | Android 16 + One UI 8.5 |
| Software Support | 7 years OS + security | 7 years OS + security |
Commentary: The Galaxy S26 Ultra’s Gen 5 chipset delivers ~19% faster processing, better ray-tracing for gaming, and significantly stronger AI performance.
Paired with Android 16 and One UI 8.5 out of the box, it feels snappier and more future-proof. Both get seven years of updates, but the S26 Ultra will stay smoother longer.
Battery Life: Galaxy S26 Ultra vs S25 Ultra
| Feature | Galaxy S25 Ultra | Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Wired Charging | 45W (65% in 30 min) | 60W (75% in 30 min) |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 25W (Qi2.2) |
| Video Playback (claimed) | Up to 31 hours | Up to 31 hours |
| Real-world endurance | Excellent | Slightly better efficiency |
Battery capacity is unchanged, but the Galaxy S26 Ultra charges dramatically faster (60W vs 45W) and supports quicker wireless charging.
Improved thermal management and chipset efficiency give it a small but noticeable edge in real-world battery life during heavy AI or gaming sessions. Both easily last a full day for power users.
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs S25 Ultra Price Comparison
| Model (256 GB) | Galaxy S25 Ultra | Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $1,299 | ~$1,300 |
| 512 GB | ~$1,420 | ~$1,500 |
| 1 TB | ~$1,660 | ~$1,800 (16 GB) |
Pricing is virtually identical at launch for base models.
The S26 Ultra commands a small premium on higher storage tiers due to the standard 16 GB RAM and newer silicon.
With trade-in deals and carrier promotions common at release, the real cost difference is often under $100–200.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs S25 Ultra: Final Verdict
Choose the Galaxy S26 Ultra if:
- You want the slimmer design, Privacy Display, faster charging, and latest AI/camera tweaks.
- You plan to keep the phone for 3+ years (better future-proofing).
- Photography, video, or gaming performance matters most.
Stick with the Galaxy S25 Ultra if:
- You can find it heavily discounted now that the S26 is out.
- You don’t need the privacy screen or 60W charging.
- You already own an S25 Ultra — the upgrade is incremental, not revolutionary.
In the Galaxy S26 Ultra vs S25 Ultra battle, Samsung delivered a refined evolution rather than a revolution.
The S26 Ultra is the better phone overall thanks to its thinner body, groundbreaking Privacy Display, faster charging, and improved low-light camera performance.
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