Spec cross-check · 2026-10-14

Samsung Galaxy S25 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Samsung Galaxy S25 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra lines up the January 2025 Samsung Galaxy S25 with the March 2026 Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. The spec score is a weighted share of comparable published rows. Manufacturer spec sheets are the source.

Spec score

1.6 / 10

Samsung Galaxy S25 specs

Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy

Spec lead

8.4 / 10

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra specs

Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads Samsung Galaxy S25 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra on the weighted spec sheet, ahead on chip, storage, camera hardware, and optical zoom.

Spec sheet

Samsung Galaxy S25 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra published specs. Display lead uses refresh rate, pixel density, peak brightness, and always-on when both phones publish them. Camera lead is a hardware class, not a photo test. Battery is scored only when both phones publish the same kind of figure.
Spec	Samsung Galaxy S25	Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Display	6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 2340×1080, 416 ppi, 120Hz, 2,600 nits peak, always-onTie	6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, QHD+, 120Hz, always-onTie
Chip	Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy	Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for GalaxyLeads
Memory	12GBTie	12GB (16GB with 1TB)Tie
Storage	128GB, 256GB, 512GB	256GB, 512GB, 1TBLeads
Camera hardware	50MP f/1.8 main, 10MP 3x optical telephoto, 12MP ultrawide	200MP f/1.4 main, 50MP 5x optical (10x optical-quality), 10MP 3x optical, 50MP f/1.9 ultrawideLeads
Optical zoom	3x	5xLeads
Front camera	12MP	12MP
Battery	4,000 mAh; up to 29 hours video playback	5,000 mAhLeads
Charging	25W wired. Wireless charging, Wireless PowerShare	60W, about 75% in 30 minutes. Super Fast Wireless Charging, Wireless PowerShareLeads
Weight	162 gLeads	214 g
Water resistance	IP68Tie	IP68Tie
Software support	7 years of OS and security updatesTie	7 years of OS and security updatesTie
Launch price	$799 launch price	£1,279 UK RRP
Software	Android 15, One UI 7 at launch	Android 16, One UI 8.5
Biometrics	Ultrasonic fingerprint	Ultrasonic fingerprint
Connectivity	USB-C, 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4	USB-C, 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0

Who should buy which

Choose the Samsung Galaxy S25 if you want Android 15, One UI 7 at launch. It leads on weight.

Choose the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra if you want Android 16, One UI 8.5. It leads on chip, storage, camera hardware, optical zoom, battery, and charging.

Questions

Which is better, Samsung Galaxy S25 or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leads Samsung Galaxy S25 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra on the weighted spec sheet, ahead on chip, storage, camera hardware, and optical zoom.