Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S26+

Our verdict: On contract, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra works out £124.51 cheaper overall than the Samsung Galaxy S26+. If you'd rather buy outright, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra starts at £709.00 SIM-free. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra gives you more flexibility with 3 storage options to choose from.

Screen
6.8" 6.7"
Display
Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1440 x 3120 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch
505 513
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 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm
Weight
219 grams 190 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP 68
Contracts
£28.99/mo (£89.00 upfront) £26.00/mo (£449.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£709.00 £854.10
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S26+ Samsung Galaxy S26+
Screen 6.8" 6.7"
Display Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1440 x 3120 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch 505 513
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 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm
Weight 219 grams 190 grams
Water Resistance IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP 68
Contracts £28.99/mo
£89.00 upfront
£26.00/mo
£449.00 upfront
SIM-free £709.00 £854.10
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 S25 Ultra is cheaper on contract at £796.93 over the life of the deal from £28.99 per month with £89.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S26+?

Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.8", both screens are similarly sharp at around 505 pixels per inch, 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 S25 Ultra is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £709.00.

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 29g lighter at 190 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm, and is slimmer at 7.3mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S26+?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy S26+ is rated IP 68.

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.