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For most new buyers choosing between the base Galaxy S25 and base Galaxy S26 at similar prices, the S26 is the better buy: it has a slightly larger display, a newer processor and a 256GB US launch base configuration. Choose the S25 if it is meaningfully cheaper or you prefer a smaller, lighter phone. If you already own an S25, the S26’s changes are unlikely to justify upgrading unless you have a specific need.
Galaxy S25 vs. S26 at a glance
| What matters | Galaxy S25 | Galaxy S26 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.2-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz | 6.3-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz |
| Dimensions and weight | 70.5 × 146.9 × 7.2mm; 162g | 71.7 × 149.6 × 7.2mm; 167g |
| Battery capacity | 4,000mAh | 4,300mAh |
| Base camera class | 50MP main camera; 3x optical zoom | 50MP main camera; 3x optical zoom |
| Software identified in Samsung’s comparison | Not stated in the comparison | One UI 8.5 |
| US launch configuration and price | 128GB at $799 | 256GB at $899 |
Specifications are from Samsung UK’s comparison and Samsung product information. US prices are launch figures reported by Tom’s Guide, not current offers. Storage and processor configurations can vary by region.
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Which one should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S26 if you’re choosing at similar prices
The S26 is the newer generation and starts at 256GB in its US launch configuration, compared with 128GB for the S25’s US launch base model. It also has a slightly larger display and newer software features. Compare the same storage capacity, unlocked or carrier status, and local model before deciding: the $799 and $899 figures are historical US launch prices, not a guide to what either phone costs today.
Buy the Galaxy S25 if it is substantially cheaper or you want the smaller phone
The S25 remains a sensible choice when a local discount makes it clearly better value. Its screen is 0.1 inch smaller, and it weighs 5g less. The camera hardware is closely matched to the S26, so paying more for the newer model is not an automatic camera upgrade.
#1 Best Overall
- MULTIPLE TASKS WITH ONE ASK: Streamline your day with an assistant that gets you. Ask it to Google search for a pet-friendly vegan restaurant nearby and text it to your friend— your Galaxy S25+ handles multiple tasks with a single ask.¹
- START THE DAY SMARTER: Stay one step ahead with a phone that gives you the info you need before you even know you need it with Now Brief.²
- REDUCE THE NOISE. REVEAL THE MAGIC: AI Camera with Audio Eraser lets you capture vibrant videos in low light and minimize unwanted noises so you can relive your favorite moments with fewer distractions.³
- BRING OUT THE BEST IN EVERY FACE: Capture every portrait with clarity and confidence on the Galaxy S25+ Series. The advanced portrait features adjust skin tones and preserve natural textures, giving every shot a polished, professional look.
- MORE POWER TO YOU: Reimagine what’s possible with the Galaxy S25+, featuring our most powerful processor yet. Effortlessly translate your calls, slow down a video, or edit your photos without skipping a beat.
Keep your S25 unless the S26 solves a real problem
For an S25 owner, the S26’s larger screen, newer processor and additional software features are incremental reasons to switch, not a compelling upgrade on their own. Consider upgrading if you specifically need more storage, want the newer features, or have a performance-heavy use that benefits from the newer chip. Otherwise, keeping the S25 is the practical choice.
How different are the size and displays?
Samsung lists the S26 at 6.3 inches and the S25 at 6.2 inches. Both are FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with a 120Hz refresh rate. Their listed heights and widths show the S26 is both taller and wider, while thickness remains 7.2mm. Tom’s Guide describes resolution and adaptive 1–120Hz behavior as otherwise similar. The choice is chiefly whether you want the slightly larger screen or the more compact, lighter handset.
Rank #2
- BIG. BRIGHT. SMOOTH : Enjoy every scroll, swipe and stream on a stunning 6.7” wide display that’s as smooth for scrolling as it is immersive.¹
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN, EVERYDAY EASE: With a lightweight build and slim profile, Galaxy S25 FE is made for life on the go. It is powerful and portable and won't weigh you down no matter where your day takes you.
- SELFIES THAT STUN: Every selfie’s a standout with Galaxy S25 FE. Snap sharp shots and vivid videos thanks to the 12MP selfie camera with ProVisual Engine.
- MOVE IT. REMOVE IT. IMPROVE IT: Generative Edit² on Galaxy S25 FE lets you move, resize and erase distracting elements in your shot. Galaxy AI intuitively recreates every detail so each shot looks exactly the way you envisioned.³
- MORE POWER. LESS PLUGGING IN⁵: Busy day? No worries. Galaxy S25 FE is built with a powerful 4,900mAh battery that’s ready to go the distance⁴. And when you need a top off, Super Fast Charging 2.0⁵ gets you back in action.
The chassis dimensions differ, so an S25 case will not fit an S26. Buy a case made for the exact phone model rather than relying on the similar design or screen size.
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In Tom’s Guide’s tested Snapdragon configurations, the S26 scored higher than the S25 in the review’s benchmarks. Its Geekbench results were 3,531 versus 2,916 in single-core and 10,778 versus 9,886 in multi-core testing. In 3DMark Wild Life Extreme Unlimited, it scored 7,059 at 42.27 frames per second, compared with 5,841 at 33.9 frames per second for the S25. These are results for those tested phones and workloads; they do not translate directly into the same percentage improvement in everyday use.
Rank #3
- 6.2" Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X QHD+, 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate, HDR10+, 1080x2340px, Android 15, up to 7 major Android upgrades, One UI 7
- 128GB, 12GB RAM, No SD Card Slot, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm), Octa-Core, Adreno 830 GPU, 4000mAh Battery
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8, wide + 10MP, f/2.4, telephoto + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/2.2, wide
- 2G: 850/900/1800/1900, 3G: UMTS 1(2100)/2(1900)/4(AWS)/5(850)/8(900), 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: N1/2/5/7/25/28/41/66/71/77/78/257/258/260/261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)
- US Model - Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
Check which processor is in the specific phone sold in your market. Tom’s Guide tested a North American Snapdragon S26 and said it had not tested an international S26. Samsung UK identifies Exynos 2600 for the S26 and S26+ in its market. The review’s Snapdragon results should not be treated as a direct benchmark comparison for every regional S26 variant.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Are the cameras better on the S26?
There is no decisive across-the-board camera winner established for these base models. Samsung’s comparison identifies a 50MP main-camera class and 3x optical zoom for both generations. Tom’s Guide found broadly similar daylight output in its side-by-side samples, while noting differences in brightness, digital-zoom rendering and low-light photos. Those observations describe that review’s examples rather than a guarantee for every scene.
Rank #4
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Samsung’s UK product comparison describes the S26 and S26+ as retaining the same 50MP camera as the S25 and S25+, with 3x optical zoom and 30x digital zoom with AI-powered Space Zoom. That is Samsung’s product statement, not independent proof of image quality.
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Does the bigger battery last longer?
Samsung rates the S26 battery at 4,300mAh and the S25 at 4,000mAh, but capacity alone does not determine screen-on time. In Tom’s Guide’s test, which continuously refreshed a webpage over 5G with each screen set to 150 nits, the S25 lasted 11 hours 54 minutes and the S26 lasted 11 hours 28 minutes. That is one review’s result under specified conditions, not a prediction that the S25 will always outlast the S26. Both phones reached 57% after 30 minutes in the same review’s charging test.
What about software and AI features?
Samsung lists One UI 8.5 for the S26 and highlights newer AI features, including Now Nudge. Tom’s Guide reported new proactive-assistant features on the S26 at review time, but said it was uncertain which features would remain exclusive as updates reach the S25. Treat feature availability as something that can change with software updates and region; the available information does not establish permanent exclusivity or a complete region-by-region support end date.
Quick Recap
What should you check before buying?
- Compare current local prices for the same storage tier; US launch prices do not establish today’s street prices elsewhere.
- Check the exact regional model and processor rather than assuming all S26 versions match the North American Snapdragon review sample.
- Decide whether the S26’s slightly larger screen is worth its extra size and weight to you.
- Choose a model-specific case: S25 cases do not fit the S26.
- If you already have an S25, identify a concrete need the S26 addresses before spending on an upgrade.
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.
