Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S26
Our verdict: On contract, the Samsung Galaxy S26 works out £176.03 cheaper overall than the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra wins on display with a bigger 6.8" screen and a sharper 505 PPI. If you'd rather buy outright, the Samsung Galaxy S26 starts at £656.10 SIM-free. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra gives you more flexibility with 3 storage options to choose from.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
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Samsung Galaxy S26
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.8" | 6.3" |
| Display | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3120 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 505 | 409 |
| Rear Camera | 200 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) | Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 16 |
| SIM Type | nano-SIM and e-SIM | nano-SIM and e-SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm | 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm |
| Weight | 219 grams | 167 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts |
£28.99/mo
£89.00 upfront |
£19.00/mo
£299.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £709.00 | £656.10 |
| Deals | Deals |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S26 cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is cheaper on contract at £620.90 over the life of the deal from £19.00 per month with £299.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S26's 6.3", the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has the sharper display at 505 pixels per inch versus 409, and both use Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panels.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra features a 200 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 has a 50 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £656.10.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S26 use?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S26 uses the Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is the more portable of the two — it's 52g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm, and is slimmer at 7.2mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S26?
Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S26 run?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra runs Android 15 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 runs Android 16. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.