This guide compares the Galaxy S25 series with the officially announced Galaxy S26 series, so you can decide whether to buy now or upgrade.
*This comparison guide was created by T-Mobile to help you explore accessories in our store. The opinions expressed here reflect our editorial perspective based on publicly available features, specifications, and articles.
Key takeaways of this Samsung Galaxy comparison
Use these quick insights to align the phones with your priorities before diving deeper.
- The Galaxy S26 series launches with Android 16 and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 across models.
- The S26 base increases battery capacity to 4,300 mAh, while the S26 Ultra delivers a 5,000 mAh battery with 60W wired charging.
- Storage now starts at 256GB on S26 models, improving long-term value compared to the 128GB S25 base model.
- The S26 Ultra introduces a 200MP main camera, Gorilla Glass Armor 2, and a built-in Privacy Display feature, the first of its kind.
Overview: Galaxy S26 vs. Galaxy S25 spec comparison
The Galaxy S25 series set a strong foundation with fast chips, polished software, and dependable cameras. The Galaxy S26 series is a measured but meaningful step forward, with the largest gains concentrated on the S26 Ultra.
Think better efficiency, stronger Galaxy AI integration, larger batteries on select models, and display refinements rather than a radical redesign.
The S25 series runs Android 15 with One UI 7 at launch. The S26 series launches with Android 16, giving it a software longevity advantage out of the gate.
If you value proven pricing and immediate availability, the S25 remains a strong choice. If you want bigger battery gains, faster charging on the Ultra, higher base storage, and upgraded glass protection, the S26 delivers tangible improvements.
Samsung Galaxy Comparison
| Feature | Galaxy S25 (base) | Galaxy S26 (base) | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software at launch | Android 15 | Android 16 | Newer model typically receives longer OS support |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Improved efficiency and AI performance |
| Display size | 6.2 inches | 6.3 inches | Slightly more screen space |
| Display brightness | Up to 2,600 nits | Up to 2,600 nits | Strong outdoor visibility |
| Battery capacity | 4,000 mAh | 4,300 mAh | Longer endurance for daily use |
| Wired charging | 25W | 25W | Charging speed remains consistent on base |
| Base storage | 128GB | 256GB | More room for photos, apps, and video |
| Main rear camera | 50MP | 50MP | Hardware similar; processing improvements |
| Overall value | Strong, proven | More storage + larger battery | Better long-term capacity |
Models and design changes
The Galaxy S25 series spans S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra, with the S25 FE serving value shoppers later in the cycle. The Galaxy S26 series includes S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra, maintaining the same three-tier structure.
Design changes are evolutionary rather than dramatic. The base S26 grows slightly to a 6.3-inch display, while the S26+ moves to 6.7 inches and the Ultra to 6.9 inches. Materials remain premium:
- Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on S26 and S26+
- Gorilla Glass Armor 2 on S26 Ultra
- IP68 dust and water resistance across the lineup
The S26 Ultra also includes a built-in Privacy Display feature designed to narrow viewing angles when enabled. Overall, refinements focus on materials, display size adjustments, and durability rather than wholesale design changes.
Display comparison: sizes, refresh rate, and visibility
Samsung’s Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels remain bright and smooth on both generations. The base S25 features a 6.2-inch FHD+ display at 120Hz with up to 2,600 nits peak brightness - great for outdoor use and HDR content.
The base S26 increases slightly to a 6.3-inch FHD+ (2340 x 1080) display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and the same 2,600 nits peak brightness. On the S26 Ultra, the display expands to 6.9 inches with QHD+ resolution (3120 x 1440) and retains a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. The S26 Ultra also includes a built-in Privacy Display feature designed to narrow viewing angles when enabled, the first of its kind. Overall, refinements focus on materials, display size adjustments, and durability rather than wholesale design changes.
In day-to-day use, a larger screen can make typing, multitasking, and video more comfortable without compromising reachability too much. High refresh rates keep scrolling fluid, and strong peak brightness improves visibility in direct sunlight while supporting vivid HDR playback.
| Series/Model | Panel | Size | Resolution | Refresh rate | Peak brightness (nits) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S25 (base) | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | 6.2 inches | FHD+ | 120Hz adaptive | Up to 2,600 |
| Galaxy S26 (base) | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | 6.3 inches | 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) | 120Hz adaptive | Up to 2,600 |
| Galaxy S26 Ultra | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | 6.9 inches | 3120 x 1440 (QHD+) | 120Hz adaptive | Up to 2,600; Privacy Display supported |
Performance and software: Chips, AI, and longevity
The Galaxy S25 series delivers flagship speed, anchored by the Snapdragon 8 Elite and tuned for smooth multitasking, gaming, and camera processing, with Android 15 and One UI 7 at launch.
The Galaxy S26 series upgrades to Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 across models and launches with Android 16. The new chipset emphasizes improved efficiency, stronger on-device AI processing, and better sustained performance.
What does “AI” mean here? Think features that run directly on the phone: smarter photo cleanup, real-time language tools, contextual suggestions, and faster image processing. Efficiency gains can also help with battery life by offloading tasks to dedicated AI engines rather than the main CPU or GPU.
Gamers may see steadier frame rates and improved thermals. Creators benefit from faster processing during edits. Heavy multitaskers may notice quicker app switching and smoother background management.
Memory and storage: Options that fit your needs
The S25 series typically starts at 12GB of RAM, with storage options from 128GB to 512GB, and the Ultra reaching up to 1TB.
The S26 series now starts at 256GB on the base model, with 512GB available on higher tiers. The S26 Ultra offers:
- 12GB / 256GB
- 12GB / 512GB
- 16GB / 1TB
There is no expandable storage on S26 models. The increase to 256GB base storage provides more room for 4K video, photos, apps, and offline media without immediate storage pressure.
Battery and charging: All-day power and faster top-ups
Battery is one of the clearest areas of improvement in this Samsung Galaxy comparison.
The S25 base model uses a 4,000 mAh battery with 25W wired charging. It’s dependable, but power users may still reach for a mid-day top-up.
The base S26 increases to 4,300 mAh while retaining 25W wired charging. The S26+ steps up to a 4,900 mAh battery with 45W wired charging and 20W wireless charging. The S26 Ultra includes a 5,000 mAh battery with 60W wired charging and 25W wireless charging.
What does this mean for you? Fewer low-battery moments on the base model, faster charging on the Ultra, and better endurance for long camera sessions, gaming, or travel days.
- S25 (base): 4,000 mAh, 25W wired charging
- S26 (base): 4,300 mAh, 25W wired charging
- S26 Ultra: 5,000 mAh, 60W wired charging over USB-C
Cameras and imaging: Hardware vs. AI gains
The Galaxy S25 and S25+ rely on a proven camera setup: a 50MP main sensor, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP 3x telephoto, paired with a 12MP front camera. It’s a versatile system that handles everyday photography, portraits, and zoom reliably.
The Galaxy S26 and S26+ continue with that same core hardware, including a 50MP main camera (f/1.8), 12MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x optical telephoto, and 12MP front camera. Video support remains strong with 8K recording at 30fps and 4K at 120fps.
In practical use, the biggest gains come from updated image processing powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and Galaxy AI. That translates to faster capture, improved low-light clarity, and smarter on-device editing tools.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is where the hardware makes a more noticeable leap. It features a 200MP main camera (f/1.4), a 50MP ultrawide, and a dual-telephoto system with 50MP and 10MP sensors. Optical zoom options span 2x, 3x, 5x, and 10x, with up to 100x digital zoom available. This gives the Ultra more flexibility for travel, wildlife, sports, and long-distance shots.
For most users, the S26 and S26+ refine what already worked well on the S25. For those who prioritize zoom range and maximum resolution, the S26 Ultra clearly leads the lineup.
| Model | Main camera | Ultrawide | Telephoto | Front camera | Notable features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S25 / S25+ | 50MP | 12MP | 10MP 3x optical | 12MP | Reliable HDR and fast capture |
| Galaxy S26 / S26+ | 50MP (f/1.8) | 12MP | 10MP 3x optical | 12MP | AI-driven processing improvements; 8K video |
| Galaxy S26 Ultra | 200MP (f/1.4) | 50MP | 50MP + 10MP | 12MP | Expanded optical zoom options; 100x digital zoom |
Security and durability: everyday peace of mind
Toughness and quick unlocks remain consistent. All models include IP68 dust and water resistance and an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor.
The S26 Ultra adds Privacy Display support and upgrades to Gorilla Glass Armor 2 for improved durability. The S26 and S26+ use Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
Which should you buy? S26 vs. S25 by user type
If you want a phone today with proven performance and similar base cameras to the S26, the S25 series remains a strong choice.
If you can wait, the S26 series will deliver better battery life and stronger AI‑driven features. The move to 256GB starting storage also boosts long‑term value for most people.
Creators, gamers, and heavy multitaskers may prefer the S26 Ultra for its 5,000 mAh battery, 60W wired charging, expanded optical zoom system, and 16GB RAM option.
- Choose Galaxy S25 if you want reliable value now with familiar cameras and polished software.
- Choose Galaxy S26 if battery life and 256GB base storage matter most.
- Power users and gamers: S26 Ultra leads in camera flexibility and charging speed.
- Consider storage needs: S26 models now start at 256GB.
- Check your region for pricing and storage availability.
FAQs about the S25 vs. S26
The Galaxy S26 series launches with Android 16 and runs on Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Battery capacity increases on the base model to 4,300 mAh (up from 4,000 mAh on the S25 base). Charging remains 25W wired on the base S26, while the S26 Ultra steps up to 60W wired charging and 25W wireless charging, paired with a 5,000 mAh battery.
Choose the S25 if you want proven value and immediate availability with dependable performance and familiar camera hardware. Choose the S26 if you want 256GB base storage, Android 16 at launch, and a larger base battery. If you care most about faster charging, the most advanced camera system, and maximum storage and memory options, the S26 Ultra is the best fit.
Yes, especially on the base model and Ultra. The Galaxy S26 base increases to a 4,300 mAh battery compared to 4,000 mAh on the S25 base. The Galaxy S26 Ultra pairs a 5,000 mAh battery with efficiency gains from Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, which can help extend battery life during heavy use.
Charging speeds depend on the model. The base Galaxy S26 supports 25W wired charging, similar to the S25 base. The Galaxy S26 Ultra supports 60W wired charging and 25W wireless charging, making it the clear choice if you care about faster top-ups.
On the S26 and S26+, camera hardware stays similar to the S25 series: a 50MP main camera, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x telephoto, and a 12MP front camera. Improvements are more likely to come from processing gains enabled by Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and Galaxy AI. The S26 Ultra is a bigger step forward, with a 200MP main camera, a 50MP ultrawide, and a dual-telephoto system (50MP and 10MP) with expanded optical zoom options.
Samsung typically provides long-term OS and security updates for flagship Galaxy devices. The S25 launched with Android 15, while the S26 launches with Android 16. Buying the newer model usually means you’ll stay on the latest Android version for longer over the life of the device.
Yes. Galaxy S26 models start at 256GB of storage. The Galaxy S25 base model commonly starts at 128GB, so the S26 lineup offers more space for photos, videos, apps, and offline media right from the start.
If you already have a Galaxy S25, upgrading to S26 may feel incremental unless you specifically want 256GB base storage, a larger base battery, Android 16 at launch, or the S26 Ultra’s charging and camera upgrades. If you have a Galaxy S24, the S26 can feel like a more noticeable step forward due to software longevity, newer silicon, and the improved base storage.
The Galaxy S26 series uses Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is designed for people who want the most camera flexibility in a phone. Its 200MP main camera, upgraded ultrawide, and dual-telephoto system with multiple optical zoom options make it a strong choice for travel, social content, and everyday photography. While a dedicated camera may still be better for specialized professional work, the S26 Ultra is more than capable for most real-world shooting needs.
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