Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. S25 Ultra: I compared the flagship phones to decide the better buy

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The Samsung Galaxy S26 Extremely is an experiential improve over its predecessor. I would not say “incremental” as a result of some options like Privateness Show and improved agentic AI are very important, but when you have already got the Galaxy S25 Extremely, you are in all probability questioning if these options make it price shopping for. 

I have been testing Samsung’s newest flagship telephone, the Galaxy S26 Extremely, to search out out precisely the way it differentiates from its predecessor, the S25 Extremely. This is how the 2 units instantly examine, and the explanations to purchase one over the opposite.

You can purchase the Samsung Galaxy S26 Extremely if…

1. You want Privateness Show

First, word that the Samsung Galaxy S26 Extremely has the identical show measurement, decision, and refresh charge as its predecessor. Each telephones have a 6.9-inch QDH+ 120Hz AMOLED show with a much less reflective display. When the Galaxy S25 Extremely first got here out, I stated it had the most effective show on a 2025 smartphone. 

Now, Samsung has topped that with the introduction of the Privateness Show function. When turned on, it really works like a stick-on display protector. It limits the viewing angles, so nobody can eavesdrop in your display in public. You possibly can have it turned on for the entire display always, when coming into PINs and passwords, or just for particular apps.

In case you have specified apps and also you obtain a pop-up notification from them, the display will routinely activate Privateness Show for that portion of the display. It’s constructed on a pixel degree, so it is solely out there on the Galaxy S26, which could possibly be definitely worth the improve for a lot of customers. 

2. You need a greater in-hand really feel

Final yr, Samsung redesigned the Galaxy S25 Extremely, chopping down its weight to 218 grams — an enormous feat for a mainstream flagship telephone. Not one of the $1,000-plus telephones from Apple or Google weighs lower than 230 grams. Nonetheless, it was more durable to make use of than the heavier Galaxy S24 Extremely resulting from its sharp rear edges. 

The brand new Samsung telephone has an analogous design, however it’s simpler to make use of. It is Samsung’s slimmest Extremely telephone but, measuring 7.9mm thick and weighing 214 grams, making it slimmer and lighter than the predecessor and its Apple and Google rivals. 

When you do not use a case in your telephone and are uninterested in Galaxy S25 Extremely’s sides digging into your palm, the Galaxy S26 Extremely must be an ergonomic enchancment. 

3. You need working agentic AI

As I wrote in my hands-on, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Extremely is the primary telephone I can see myself utilizing with my voice. It will probably discover and set off contextual actions with out me having to fiddle with Settings or search out the app. 

As an illustration, if I wish to discover the lodge reserving saved on my telephone, I can simply ask for “New York lodge reserving,” and it will present me the tackle, or I can ask it to “Activate Privateness Show,” and it will try this with no need me to search out it within the Settings.

A few of these options must be included within the last-gen Galaxy S25 Extremely, however Samsung hasn’t confirmed something but. And given the battery capability continues to be the identical (5,000mAh), Galaxy S26 Extremely’s 60W quick charging ought to make your life, if all-day AI use eats up extra battery than common. 

You can purchase the Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely if…

1. The Galaxy S26 Extremely has minimal {hardware} adjustments

When you use a case in your telephone, you will not really feel the ergonomic variations. Individually, Samsung hasn’t upgraded as many inner parts as I might hoped. Barring the Privateness Show, you get the identical display, similar battery capability, similar ultrawide and 3x telephoto cameras, and the identical S Pen. There are minimal {hardware} adjustments on the 200MP digital camera and 5x telephoto sensor.

In case your Galaxy S25 Extremely is working advantageous, there isn’t any huge motive to improve. In truth, if yow will discover this telephone for below $800 proper now, it’s a higher deal than the new-gen telephone.

2. AI does not excite you

The Galaxy S26 Extremely’s upgrades embody improved AI options. From Bixby getting a conversational and agentic improve to picture modifying options getting smarter, there’s numerous AI speak. If they do not excite you, it’s higher to attend and see if Samsung rolls out these options to the Galaxy S25 Extremely moderately than shopping for a brand new telephone for its hype. Many, if not all, must be launched for the last-gen mannequin.

Author’s selection

Personally, if I might discover a good trade-in provide, I might improve to the Galaxy S26 Extremely in a heartbeat. As a frequent traveler, I like the Privateness Show as a sensible function. I am in public areas typically, and don’t desire bystanders to see my display. I like its implementation, and the easier-to-hold design simply provides to a greater expertise.

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