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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Choose the Galaxy S26 Ultra for its built-in Privacy Display, newer processor, slimmer frame and faster rated charging. Choose the Galaxy S25 Ultra if you find it substantially cheaper at the same storage and condition. The two share a 6.9-inch, 120Hz display foundation, 5,000mAh battery capacity and similar headline camera resolutions. There is no reliable universal price gap to quote: U.S. price information available as of October 7, 2026 conflicts, and a current like-for-like S25 Ultra transaction price is not established.
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs S26 Ultra specs
| Specification | Galaxy S25 Ultra | Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X; adaptive refresh up to 120Hz | 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X; adaptive refresh up to 120Hz; built-in Privacy Display |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy |
| Rear cameras | 200MP main, 50MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x telephoto, 50MP 5x telephoto | 200MP main, 50MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x telephoto, 50MP 5x telephoto |
| Main / 5x camera aperture | f/1.7 main; f/3.4 5x telephoto | f/1.4 main; f/2.9 5x telephoto |
| Thickness and weight | 8.2 mm; 218 g | 7.9 mm; 214 g |
| Frame material | Titanium | Armor Aluminum |
| Battery | 5,000mAh | 5,000mAh; Samsung rates video playback at up to 31 hours |
| Rated charging | 45W wired; 15W wireless | 60W wired; 25W wireless |
| Reported storage options | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB; memory can vary by version |
Samsung’s 2026 published specifications give the S26 Ultra dimensions as 163.6 × 78.1 × 7.9 mm and 214 g, compared with 8.2 mm and 218 g for the S25 Ultra. Both display and platform specifications are listed in Samsung’s U.S. comparison and its 2026 Q1 interim report.
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What changes most: Privacy Display, cameras and performance
Privacy Display is the clearest new feature
The S26 Ultra adds an integrated Privacy Display that can limit visibility from side angles when activated, a feature not identified for the S25 Ultra in this comparison. It is useful when reading messages or handling sensitive information in shared or public settings, and Samsung says the display can be switched and configured. It is not a substitute for locking the phone, using secure accounts or being mindful of what is visible. Samsung announced the feature alongside the S26 Ultra’s U.S. general availability on March 11, 2026; see the Samsung Newsroom US announcement.
Camera resolutions match; the S26 widens two apertures
The rear-camera lineups have the same headline megapixel counts and zoom categories. The more specific hardware difference is aperture: TechRadar’s March 26, 2026 comparison reports f/1.4 for the S26 Ultra’s main camera versus f/1.7 on the S25 Ultra, and f/2.9 for the S26’s 5x telephoto versus f/3.4 on the S25. Wider apertures can let more light reach the sensor, which is relevant in dim conditions, but these figures alone do not establish that every photo will be better. Samsung’s claimed 47% increase in main-camera brightness and 37% increase for the 5x telephoto are manufacturer claims reported by TechRadar, not independent measurements.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
The S26 has a newer processor, not a guaranteed real-world speed advantage
The S26 Ultra moves to Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy from the S25 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy. That establishes a newer platform, but the available comparison does not provide directly comparable testing to quantify how much faster one phone feels in particular tasks.
Size, battery and charging differences
The S26 Ultra is 0.3 mm thinner and 4 g lighter according to Samsung’s published measurements. That is a modest physical change rather than a different size class. The frame material also changes from titanium on the S25 Ultra to Armor Aluminum on the S26 Ultra, so material preference may matter as much as the small weight reduction.
Rank #2
- 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
Both phones are listed with 5,000mAh batteries. Samsung’s S26 Ultra video-playback rating is up to 31 hours, matching the S25 Ultra figure in the cited specifications; those figures do not establish which lasts longer in a particular person’s daily use. The S26’s rated charging rises from 45W wired and 15W wireless to 60W wired and 25W wireless. Rated wattage describes supported charging specifications, not a guaranteed charge time under all conditions.
What the price difference means in the U.S.
The available U.S. price figures conflict, and they mix historical launch prices with a later reported list-price change. They should not be treated as current checkout quotes.
Rank #3
- 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
| Storage | S25 Ultra U.S. launch price reported by TechRadar | S26 Ultra U.S. launch price reported by TechRadar | S26 Ultra U.S. list price reported by Tom’s Guide on October 1, 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 256GB | $1,299 | $1,299.99 | $1,399 |
| 512GB | $1,419 | $1,499.99 | $1,599 |
| 1TB | $1,659 | $1,799.99 | $1,999 |
TechRadar’s figures are historical U.S. launch prices from its March 26, 2026 comparison. Tom’s Guide reported the later S26 Ultra list prices on October 1, 2026. At the same time, Samsung’s U.S. comparison page displayed “From $1,299.99 before trade-in.” That discrepancy makes the live price on Samsung’s page or retailer checkout more useful than either a remembered MSRP or an old deal. Sources: TechRadar’s comparison, Tom’s Guide’s October 1 report, and Samsung’s U.S. comparison page.
No current like-for-like S25 Ultra transaction price is established by these figures. For a useful comparison, check the same storage tier and condition, and note whether each phone is new, renewed or used, unlocked or carrier-specific, and sold outright or financed. Account for trade-in requirements separately from the price. A genuine S25 discount can change the value decision, but the launch-price difference does not tell you what either phone costs today.
Rank #4
- 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
Which phone should you buy?
Choose the Galaxy S26 Ultra if
- You would use the built-in Privacy Display in public or shared spaces.
- You want the newer Snapdragon platform and prefer the latest generation.
- You value faster rated wired and wireless charging or the slightly thinner, lighter design.
- You want the wider-aperture main and 5x cameras, while understanding that aperture specifications alone do not prove an overall camera win.
Choose the Galaxy S25 Ultra if
- You find a verified, meaningful discount against the S26 Ultra for the same storage, condition and purchase terms.
- The S26 Ultra’s Privacy Display and charging changes are not important to how you use a phone.
- You prefer its titanium frame, or the small difference in thickness and weight does not justify paying more.
If you already own the S25 Ultra
The S26 Ultra’s distinct reasons to upgrade are Privacy Display, its newer processor, faster rated charging, modestly reduced weight and revised camera apertures. The similar screen foundation, battery capacity and headline camera layout make the case less compelling if those specific changes do not solve a problem for you.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6.8" Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with 1–120 Hz adaptive refresh rate, up to ~1750 nits brightness, HDR10+ support, and ultra-smooth responsiveness for gaming and scrolling.
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.
