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Not at Samsung’s listed US prices on October 7, 2026. Samsung showed the 256GB Galaxy S25 Ultra at $1,299.99, while its unlocked 256GB Galaxy S26 Ultra was $1,199.99 after a displayed $200 reduction. On those prices, the newer phone costs $100 less and adds a built-in Privacy Display. The S25 Ultra becomes the smarter buy only if you find a genuine, like-for-like discount large enough to outweigh the S26’s additions.
What did Samsung’s US listings show?
These are observed prices, not guaranteed or universal prices. Samsung’s purchase pages can change, and the S25 listing accessed on October 7 showed a Verizon configuration and some colors out of stock.
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| Phone and listing | Storage | Displayed price | Price context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S25 Ultra, Samsung US | 256GB | $1,299.99 | Listing price; not evidence of a discount. [Samsung US] |
| Galaxy S25 Ultra, Samsung US | 512GB | $1,419.99 | Listing price. [Samsung US] |
| Galaxy S25 Ultra, Samsung US | 1TB | $1,659.99 | Listing price. [Samsung US] |
| Galaxy S26 Ultra, Samsung US unlocked | 256GB | $1,199.99 | Shown as $200 below $1,399.99; Samsung also displayed up to $720 in instant trade-in credit. [Samsung US] |
Samsung’s S26 purchase page displayed a trade-in credit of up to $720, but that is not a guaranteed discount: the value depends on the eligible device and offer terms. Compare cash prices before trade-in unless you have confirmed the value you will actually receive. [Samsung US]
The price context has shifted: Tom’s Guide reported on October 1, 2026 that the S26 Ultra’s 256GB and 512GB prices had risen to $1,399 and $1,599. Samsung’s later purchase-page display showed the 256GB unlocked model at $1,199.99 after a $200 reduction. Those are different price states, so the live transaction price matters more than a past list price. [Tom’s Guide]
#1 Best Overall
- Stunning 6.9″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with adaptive 1–120 Hz refresh rate, ultra‑bright up to ~2600 nits, HDR support, “Vision Booster,” and adaptive color tone — giving vivid colours, great outdoor visibility, and super‑smooth scrolling.
- Powerful internals: it runs on the new Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy (3 nm) chip, with 12 GB (or in some markets up to 16 GB) RAM and up to 1 TB UFS 4.0 storage — offering significantly improved CPU/GPU/NPU performance, especially for AI tasks, gaming, and heavy multitasking.
- Advanced quad‑camera system: 200 MP wide main sensor, plus a 50 MP ultrawide, a 50 MP periscope telephoto (5× optical zoom), and a 10 MP telephoto (3× optical zoom) — giving flexibility from ultra‑wide through detailed telephoto shots, and strong performance in varied lighting.
- 5,000 mAh battery with 45 W fast wired charging, wireless charging (Qi2) and reverse wireless charging — balancing long battery life with flexible charging options.
- Durable, premium build: Titanium‑frame body, protected by Corning Gorilla Armor 2 glass, with IP68 dust/water resistance, ultrasonic in‑display fingerprint sensor, modern connectivity (5G, Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth, UWB, USB‑C), and long‑term software support (Android 15 / One UI 7, promised 7 major OS/security updates).
What does the S26 Ultra add?
Built-in Privacy Display
Samsung lists Privacy Display as an S26 Ultra feature. If you often use your phone where people can see the screen, that feature may be worth paying for; whether it matters depends on your habits. [Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra]
A modestly thinner design
Samsung’s comparison page says the S26 Ultra is 0.3 mm thinner than the S25 Ultra. That is a manufacturer-stated dimension difference, not proof of a meaningful comfort improvement for every user. [Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra]
Rank #2
- Stunning 6.9″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with adaptive 1–120 Hz refresh rate, ultra‑bright up to ~2600 nits, HDR support, “Vision Booster,” and adaptive color tone — giving vivid colours, great outdoor visibility, and super‑smooth scrolling.
- Powerful internals: it runs on the new Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy (3 nm) chip, with 12 GB (or in some markets up to 16 GB) RAM and up to 1 TB UFS 4.0 storage — offering significantly improved CPU/GPU/NPU performance, especially for AI tasks, gaming, and heavy multitasking.
- Advanced quad‑camera system: 200 MP wide main sensor, plus a 50 MP ultrawide, a 50 MP periscope telephoto (5× optical zoom), and a 10 MP telephoto (3× optical zoom) — giving flexibility from ultra‑wide through detailed telephoto shots, and strong performance in varied lighting.
- 5,000 mAh battery with 45 W fast wired charging, wireless charging (Qi2) and reverse wireless charging — balancing long battery life with flexible charging options.
- Durable, premium build: Titanium‑frame body, protected by Corning Gorilla Armor 2 glass, with IP68 dust/water resistance, ultrasonic in‑display fingerprint sensor, modern connectivity (5G, Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth, UWB, USB‑C), and long‑term software support (Android 15 / One UI 7, promised 7 major OS/security updates).
Specifications are not comparative test results
Samsung lists a 6.9-inch display, 200MP wide camera and 5,000mAh battery for the S26 Ultra. Those figures describe the phone, but do not establish that it takes better photos, lasts longer or performs faster in everyday use. The available evidence here does not include controlled independent comparisons of camera quality, battery runtime, sustained speed or reliability. [Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra]
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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Is the S25 Ultra still a reasonable long-term phone?
Yes. Samsung’s S25 Ultra specification sheet, identified as current on January 22, 2025, lists Android 15 with One UI 7.0 and a commitment of “7 years of OS and security updates.” That is a substantial published support period, not an indication that the S25 Ultra is abandoned or immediately obsolete. [Samsung S25 Ultra specification sheet]
Rank #3
- Stunning 6.9″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with adaptive 1–120 Hz refresh rate, ultra‑bright up to ~2600 nits, HDR support, “Vision Booster,” and adaptive color tone — giving vivid colours, great outdoor visibility, and super‑smooth scrolling.
- Powerful internals: it runs on the new Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy (3 nm) chip, with 12 GB (or in some markets up to 16 GB) RAM and up to 1 TB UFS 4.0 storage — offering significantly improved CPU/GPU/NPU performance, especially for AI tasks, gaming, and heavy multitasking.
- Advanced quad‑camera system: 200 MP wide main sensor, plus a 50 MP ultrawide, a 50 MP periscope telephoto (5× optical zoom), and a 10 MP telephoto (3× optical zoom) — giving flexibility from ultra‑wide through detailed telephoto shots, and strong performance in varied lighting.
- 5,000 mAh battery with 45 W fast wired charging, wireless charging (Qi2) and reverse wireless charging — balancing long battery life with flexible charging options.
- Durable, premium build: Titanium‑frame body, protected by Corning Gorilla Armor 2 glass, with IP68 dust/water resistance, ultrasonic in‑display fingerprint sensor, modern connectivity (5G, Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth, UWB, USB‑C), and long‑term software support (Android 15 / One UI 7, promised 7 major OS/security updates).
How to decide whether an S25 discount is worth it
- Compare the same configuration. Match storage, unlocked or carrier status, and new, refurbished or used condition. The Samsung S25 listing accessed on October 7 was not a like-for-like unlocked 256GB comparison for every buyer.
- Compare the amount you will actually pay. Use the checkout cash price before uncertain trade-in credit, then account only for a trade-in amount you have verified for your own device.
- Check the seller and purchase protections. Confirm who sells the phone, the warranty, return policy and condition. An advertised S25 price is not a meaningful bargain if it is tied to a different carrier, weaker protections or a used device.
- Decide whether Privacy Display matters to you. If it does, the S26’s feature is part of the value calculation; if not, it may not justify choosing the S26 over a genuinely cheaper S25.
- Factor in how long you keep phones. The S25’s published seven-year OS and security update commitment supports a longer ownership horizon, though your own needs and the exact purchase date still matter.
There is no evidence-based universal discount threshold. At the observed Samsung prices, the S26 Ultra is the clearer choice on price alone: its listed 256GB unlocked price was $100 below the S25 Ultra’s 256GB listing price. A discounted S25 Ultra could be more attractive if its verified, comparable price is materially lower and you do not value the S26’s Privacy Display or design refinement.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to verify before buying from another retailer
No verified current Amazon price for an equivalent new, unlocked S25 Ultra was established. Check the exact model and storage, seller, condition, unlock status and checkout price on the day you buy. Inventory and prices change, and the Samsung figures above are a US snapshot from October 7, 2026—not a survey of every retailer or carrier deal.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Rank #4
- Stunning 6.9″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with adaptive 1–120 Hz refresh rate, ultra‑bright up to ~2600 nits, HDR support, “Vision Booster,” and adaptive color tone — giving vivid colours, great outdoor visibility, and super‑smooth scrolling.
- Powerful internals: it runs on the new Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy (3 nm) chip, with 12 GB (or in some markets up to 16 GB) RAM and up to 1 TB UFS 4.0 storage — offering significantly improved CPU/GPU/NPU performance, especially for AI tasks, gaming, and heavy multitasking.
- Advanced quad‑camera system: 200 MP wide main sensor, plus a 50 MP ultrawide, a 50 MP periscope telephoto (5× optical zoom), and a 10 MP telephoto (3× optical zoom) — giving flexibility from ultra‑wide through detailed telephoto shots, and strong performance in varied lighting.
- 5,000 mAh battery with 45 W fast wired charging, wireless charging (Qi2) and reverse wireless charging — balancing long battery life with flexible charging options.
- Durable, premium build: Titanium‑frame body, protected by Corning Gorilla Armor 2 glass, with IP68 dust/water resistance, ultrasonic in‑display fingerprint sensor, modern connectivity (5G, Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth, UWB, USB‑C), and long‑term software support (Android 15 / One UI 7, promised 7 major OS/security updates).
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
