Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Galaxy S25 Ultra | What's New This Year?

Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Galaxy S25 Ultra: What's New This Year?

With the release of the Galaxy S26 Ultra, the obvious question is what's actually new compared to the Galaxy S25 Ultra. At first glance the two phones look similar, but digging deeper reveals meaningful upgrades: a next-generation Snapdragon chip, a new Privacy Display, refined design, improved cameras and smarter AI. This guide compares the two across design, display, performance, camera and software so you can decide whether the S26 Ultra is worth the upgrade.

Design and Build

The S26 Ultra keeps the premium Ultra feel but refines it. Corners are more rounded for comfort, and the rear camera moves to a pill-shaped island reminiscent of the Galaxy Z Fold 7, giving the back a cleaner, more unified look. Samsung swaps the titanium frame for Armor Aluminum 2, which is thinner and lighter: 214g versus 218g and 7.9mm versus 8.2mm. Both retain IP68 and Gorilla Glass Armor 2 protection, and both support the S Pen. The S25 Ultra's titanium frame feels slightly boxier; the S26 Ultra is more comfortable to hold. Durability differences will become clearer with long-term testing, but both are well protected.

Display

Both phones use a 6.9-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X at 3120 x 1440 resolution with 1-120Hz adaptive refresh and 2600 nits peak brightness. Day-to-day, the experience is nearly identical. The S26 Ultra's standout addition is Privacy Display, a pixel-based technology that darkens screen edges so nearby people cannot snoop on your content. You can toggle it in Quick Settings, enable it automatically for banking or messaging apps, or apply it to notifications. It is one of the most practical display innovations in recent years and a genuine reason to consider the newer model.

Performance and Internals

The S26 Ultra takes a meaningful step forward with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, compared to the Snapdragon 8 Elite in the S25 Ultra. Geekbench multi-core scores rise from roughly 9,829 to an estimated 12,208, and GPU performance is strong enough to beat the iPhone 17 Pro Max in certain benchmarks. The S25 Ultra remains fast for everyday tasks, but the S26 Ultra wins on heavy multitasking, gaming and futureproofing. RAM options are 12GB standard, with 16GB on the 1TB S26 Ultra model. Storage runs 256GB to 1TB on both, Wi-Fi 7 on both, and Bluetooth improves from 5.4 to 6.0. The S26 Ultra ships with One UI 8.5 on Android 16 versus One UI 8 on Android 15.

Camera

On paper the camera systems look similar, but the S26 Ultra upgrades key apertures. The main camera moves from f/1.7 to f/1.4 for better low-light performance, while the 5x periscope improves from f/3.4 to f/2.9. Ultrawide, 3x telephoto and front camera specs remain the same. The S26 Ultra also adds Horizon Lock for stabilized video. These changes make a real difference in dim conditions and at distance, though in bright daylight the gap narrows. If photography matters to you, especially low-light and zoom, the S26 Ultra is the better camera phone.

Software and AI

The S26 Ultra launches with One UI 8.5 and Android 16, bringing the latest Galaxy AI enhancements for photo editing, translation, summarization and search. The S25 Ultra runs One UI 8 on Android 15 and will receive updates, but starts one generation behind. Samsung's extended support policy means both will be updated for years, yet the S26 Ultra has a longer runway. New AI features and Privacy Display integration make the software experience feel fresher on the newer model.

Battery and Charging

Both phones carry large batteries with all-day endurance. The S26 Ultra benefits from the more efficient Gen 5 chip, which can stretch battery life under heavy use. Charging speeds are comparable, and neither introduces a dramatic change in charging time. The efficiency gain is the main battery story here.

Price and Value

The S26 Ultra commands a premium as the newest flagship, while the S25 Ultra is now discounted. If you want the latest chip, Privacy Display, improved low-light camera and longer software support, the S26 Ultra justifies its price. If your S25 Ultra still performs well, upgrading is optional rather than essential. The S25 Ultra remains a top-tier phone and a strong value at reduced prices.

Who Should Buy Which

• Choose the Galaxy S26 Ultra if you want the newest chip, Privacy Display, better low-light camera, Horizon Lock and longest software support.
• Choose the Galaxy S25 Ultra if you want to save money while keeping a flagship experience, or if your current phone already meets your needs.
• Upgrade from S25 Ultra if Privacy Display, low-light photography or futureproofing matter to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the S26 Ultra a big upgrade over the S25 Ultra?

It is meaningful in performance, privacy features and low-light camera, but not a radical redesign.

What is Privacy Display?

A pixel-based feature that darkens screen edges so only you can see your content, ideal for public use.

Does the S26 Ultra have a better camera?

Key apertures improve for low light and zoom, with added Horizon Lock for video stabilization.

Is the S Pen still included?

Yes, both models support the S Pen.

Which has better battery life?

The S26 Ultra benefits from a more efficient chip, giving it a modest edge.

Does either support wireless charging?

Both support wireless charging as flagship models.

Should I upgrade from the S25 Ultra?

Only if Privacy Display, low-light photography or futureproofing matter to you.

Bottom line: The S26 Ultra refines the Ultra formula with smarter display tech and faster silicon. Upgrade for those gains; otherwise the S25 Ultra remains excellent.