PhoneLifespan

Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Galaxy S26

vs

It depends

Too close to call outright

These two are within 0 points overall — it genuinely depends on price on the day. The Galaxy S26 edges both longevity and performance, so prefer it when prices are close.

Value Score: Galaxy S25 Ultra 75 · Galaxy S26 75 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 Ultra $902
Safe to buy$13.34/mo
2025◆ Buy-by Feb 20302032
Samsung Galaxy S26 $799
Safe to buy$9.90/mo
2026◆ Buy-by Mar 20312033

Category by category

Display
Galaxy S25 Ultra 100Galaxy S26 90

The Galaxy S25 Ultra's screen is the better one — 6.9-inch dynamic ltpo amoled 2x, qhd+, 1–120hz, up to 2600 nits.

Performance
Galaxy S25 Ultra 98Galaxy S26 100

Performance is a wash — same chip tier.

Camera
Galaxy S25 Ultra 96Galaxy S26 79

The Galaxy S25 Ultra has the stronger camera system (4 real rear lenses vs 3).

Battery
Galaxy S25 Ultra 80Galaxy S26 66

5,000mAh vs 4,300mAh — the Galaxy S25 Ultra lasts longer between charges.

Software longevity
Galaxy S25 Ultra 81Galaxy S26 96

The Galaxy S26 is supported until Mar 2033 — 13 months longer than the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Value
Galaxy S25 Ultra 75Galaxy S26 75

Pound for pound, these two are equally good deals.

Full spec table
SpecGalaxy S25 UltraGalaxy S26
Price (street)$902$799
Display6.9-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, QHD+, 1–120Hz, up to 2600 nits6.3-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, FHD+, 1–120Hz, up to 2600 nits
ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Elite for GalaxySnapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy
RAM12GB12GB
Storage256GB/512GB/1TB256GB/512GB
Battery5,000 mAh4,300 mAh
Charging45W wired (65% in 30 min), 15W wireless (Qi2 Ready), 4.5W reverse wireless25W wired, 15W wireless (Qi2.2 Ready)
Rear cameras200MP main, 50MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto 3x, 50MP periscope 5x50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto 3x
Dimensions162.8 × 77.6 × 8.2 mm149.6 × 71.7 × 7.2 mm
Weight218 g167 g
Water resistanceIP68IP68
Supported untilFeb 2032Mar 2033

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