PhoneLifespan

Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Galaxy S26 Ultra

vs

It depends

Too close to call outright

These two are within 2 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 Ultra 75 · 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 Ultra $902
Safe to buy$13.34/mo
2025◆ Buy-by Feb 20302032
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra $1099
Safe to buy$13.62/mo
2026◆ Buy-by Mar 20312033

Category by category

Display
Galaxy S25 Ultra 100Galaxy S26 Ultra 100

Both displays are effectively the same class.

Performance
Galaxy S25 Ultra 98Galaxy S26 Ultra 100

Performance is a wash — same chip tier.

Camera
Galaxy S25 Ultra 96Galaxy S26 Ultra 96

Camera systems are comparable on paper — pick by sample photos.

Battery
Galaxy S25 Ultra 80Galaxy S26 Ultra 80

Battery capacities are close enough not to decide this.

Software longevity
Galaxy S25 Ultra 81Galaxy S26 Ultra 96

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

Value
Galaxy S25 Ultra 75Galaxy S26 Ultra 77

Pound for pound, these two are equally good deals.

Full spec table
SpecGalaxy S25 UltraGalaxy S26 Ultra
Price (street)$902$1099
Display6.9-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, QHD+, 1–120Hz, up to 2600 nits6.9-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, QHD+, 1–120Hz, up to 2600 nits, with anti-reflective Privacy Display
ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Elite for GalaxySnapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy
RAM12GB12GB
Storage256GB/512GB/1TB256GB/512GB/1TB
Battery5,000 mAh5,000 mAh
Charging45W wired (65% in 30 min), 15W wireless (Qi2 Ready), 4.5W reverse wireless60W wired, 25W wireless
Rear cameras200MP main, 50MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto 3x, 50MP periscope 5x200MP main, 50MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto 3x, 50MP telephoto 5x periscope
Dimensions162.8 × 77.6 × 8.2 mm163.6 × 78.1 × 7.9 mm
Weight218 g214 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.