PhoneLifespan

Galaxy S25 FE vs Galaxy S26 Ultra

vs

It depends

Too close to call outright

These two are within 3 points overall — it genuinely depends on price on the day. The Galaxy S26 Ultra edges both longevity and performance, so prefer it when prices are close.

Value Score: Galaxy S25 FE 74 · Galaxy S26 Ultra 77 methodology

The lifespan decider

When specs are close, support length decides it — this is what each phone costs per month of safe use.

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE $599
Safe to buy$7.89/mo
2025◆ Buy-by Oct 20302032
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra $1099
Safe to buy$13.62/mo
2026◆ Buy-by Mar 20312033

Category by category

Display
Galaxy S25 FE 70Galaxy S26 Ultra 100

The Galaxy S26 Ultra's screen is the better one — 6.9-inch dynamic ltpo amoled 2x, qhd+, 1–120hz, up to 2600 nits, with anti-reflective privacy display.

Performance
Galaxy S25 FE 84Galaxy S26 Ultra 100

The Galaxy S26 Ultra's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy is simply the faster chip.

Camera
Galaxy S25 FE 79Galaxy S26 Ultra 96

The Galaxy S26 Ultra has the stronger camera system (4 real rear lenses vs 3).

Battery
Galaxy S25 FE 78Galaxy S26 Ultra 80

Battery capacities are close enough not to decide this.

Software longevity
Galaxy S25 FE 90Galaxy S26 Ultra 96

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is supported until Mar 2033 — 5 months longer than the Galaxy S25 FE.

Value
Galaxy S25 FE 74Galaxy S26 Ultra 77

Pound for pound, these two are equally good deals.

Full spec table
SpecGalaxy S25 FEGalaxy S26 Ultra
Price (street)$599$1099
Display6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, FHD+, up to 120Hz6.9-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, QHD+, 1–120Hz, up to 2600 nits, with anti-reflective Privacy Display
ChipsetExynos 2400Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy
RAM8GB12GB
Storage128GB/256GB/512GB256GB/512GB/1TB
Battery4,900 mAh5,000 mAh
Charging45W wired, 15W wireless60W wired, 25W wireless
Rear cameras50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 8MP telephoto 3x200MP main, 50MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto 3x, 50MP telephoto 5x periscope
Dimensions161.3 × 76.6 × 7.4 mm163.6 × 78.1 × 7.9 mm
Weight190 g214 g
Water resistanceIP68IP68
Supported untilOct 2032Mar 2033

Scores and verdicts are computed from our verified database — see exactly how. Specs from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers.