Galaxy A26 vs Galaxy S25 Ultra
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy A26
Starting at
£179.49£299.00 new
Galaxy S25 Ultra
Starting at
£678.00£1,229.24 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy A26 and Galaxy S25 Ultra?
Galaxy A26 vs S25 Ultra comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy A26 starts at £179.49, £498.51 less than the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- Chipset: Exynos 1380 (5 nm) on the Galaxy A26, Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) on the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
- The Galaxy S25 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a bigger screen: 6.9 inch vs 6.7 inch.
Galaxy A26 vs Galaxy S25 Ultra specs
The Galaxy A26 and Galaxy S25 Ultra cater to different needs and preferences. The Galaxy A26 offers a solid everyday experience with a 6.7 inch Super AMOLED screen, 8 GB of RAM, and a triple camera setup, making it suitable if you want a straightforward phone with expandable storage and dual physical SIM slots. The Galaxy S25 Ultra provides a more advanced experience with a larger 6.9 inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X screen at 120Hz, a powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, and up to 12 GB RAM for smoother multitasking. Its quadruple camera and higher resolution screen suit those who want top-tier multimedia and photo capability. Storage choices also differ, with the S25 Ultra offering options up to 1TB but no microSD slot.
Galaxy A26 vs Galaxy S25 Ultra price
Colour
Galaxy A26 vs Galaxy S25 Ultra battery life and software updates
These factors contribute to how long the phones stay current and powered through daily use.
Battery Capacity
Both the Galaxy A26 and Galaxy S25 Ultra come with a 5000 mAh battery. This means each device can provide a similar amount of power throughout the day, suitable for extended use without frequent charging.
Software Updates
This ensures you receive recent features and security improvements, helping keep your phone secure and up to date.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy A26 vs Galaxy S25 Ultra performance
The performance differences between these devices will shape how they handle apps, multitasking, and demanding tasks. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is designed for users needing more power, while the Galaxy A26 covers everyday performance well.
Chipset Power
The Galaxy A26 uses the Exynos 1380 chipset built on a 5 nm process, suitable for daily tasks and moderate app use. The Galaxy S25 Ultra features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset on a 3 nm process, which offers stronger performance and efficiency for gaming, multitasking, and heavy apps.
RAM Capacity
The Galaxy A26 includes 8 GB of RAM, enough to keep everyday apps running smoothly. The Galaxy S25 Ultra offers 12 GB of RAM, which allows for more apps to stay open simultaneously and better performance with demanding software.
Storage Options
Storage on the Galaxy A26 comes in 128 GB and 256 GB sizes, giving you room for apps and media plus the option to expand with a microSD card. The Galaxy S25 Ultra offers larger capacities of 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB, catering to users who need more built-in storage but without a microSD card slot.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A26 vs Galaxy S25 Ultra screen
Screen quality affects how you view content, from videos to reading and gaming. The Galaxy S25 Ultra's screen has more advanced features and a larger size, suiting those who prioritise display quality.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy A26 has a 6.7 inch screen with a 1080 x 2340 resolution, which is sharp and clear for everyday use. The Galaxy S25 Ultra offers a larger 6.9 inch screen with a higher 1440 x 3120 resolution, providing more detail and a roomier display for movies and multitasking.
Screen Type and Refresh Rate
The Galaxy A26 uses a Super AMOLED screen, providing vibrant colours and good contrast. The Galaxy S25 Ultra features a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, which means smoother motion during scrolling and gaming, ideal if you value fluid visuals.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A26 vs Galaxy S25 Ultra camera
Camera setups and front cameras differ between the two, affecting photo quality and video calls. The Galaxy S25 Ultra offers more camera options, while the Galaxy A26 has a higher resolution front camera.
Rear Cameras
The Galaxy A26 has a triple camera setup, which covers standard photography needs well. The Galaxy S25 Ultra includes four cameras, offering more versatility for different types of photos, such as wide-angle and zoom shots, which suits photography enthusiasts.
Front Camera Resolution
For selfies and video calls, the Galaxy A26 has a 13 megapixel front camera, which captures detailed images. The Galaxy S25 Ultra offers a 12 megapixel front camera, providing slightly lower resolution but still capable for high-quality video communication.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A26 vs Galaxy S25 Ultra size and design
Other features that may influence your choice include SIM and storage options, dimensions, and weight. These details affect how you use the phone day to day and how it fits your preferences.
SIM and Storage Expansion
The Galaxy A26 supports dual physical SIM cards and includes a microSDXC slot for expandable storage. This suits users who want to manage two phone numbers or increase storage. The Galaxy S25 Ultra uses one physical SIM plus an eSIM and does not have expandable storage, which might appeal to those preferring built-in storage only.
Phone Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy A26 measures 164 mm in height, 77.5 mm in width, and is 7.7 mm deep, weighing 197 g. The Galaxy S25 Ultra measures 162 mm in height, 77 mm in width, and is 8 mm deep, weighing 218 g. The weight difference means the S25 Ultra feels a bit heavier in hand, while the A26 is lighter and slightly slimmer.
Network and Connectivity
Both phones are unlocked and support 5G networks, letting you connect to fast mobile internet across compatible networks. Both use USB-C connectors for charging and data transfer.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A26 or Galaxy S25 Ultra: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A26 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £179.49, £498.51 less than the Galaxy S25 Ultra
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (13 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
- you want a lighter build (200 g vs 218 g)
Buy the Galaxy S25 Ultra if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.7 inch)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (200 megapixels vs 50 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers of the Galaxy A26 appreciate its like-new condition and smooth performance for everyday use. They find it easy to set up with data transfers from Samsung phones and praise its reliability after days of use. Some mention good battery life though one found charging slow and occasional issues with moisture detection during charging. The 13 megapixel front camera suits casual selfies and video calls, while the triple rear cameras meet general photography needs. Overall, buyers say the Galaxy A26 is a good choice for straightforward phone use without extra features.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra receives strong praise for its excellent condition, battery health, and powerful performance. Customers highlight the smooth and fast operation, impressive camera quality across different lighting, and the sharp, bright 120Hz screen. The combination of a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset with 12 GB RAM makes multitasking and gaming feel fluid. Some users mention the phone feels just like new and is easy to use despite its advanced features. The extra storage options and the flexibility of one physical SIM plus eSIM add to its appeal. Reviews indicate a premium experience suitable for those wanting top-tier multimedia and productivity.
In summary, the Galaxy A26 suits those looking for a reliable and lighter phone with expandable storage and straightforward performance. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is better for users who value a larger, sharper screen, stronger performance, more camera options, and higher storage capacity.
Galaxy A26 vs Galaxy S25 Ultra FAQs
Galaxy A26 vs S25 Ultra comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Chipset: Exynos 1380 (5 nm) on the Galaxy A26, Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The Galaxy S25 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
The Galaxy A26 is cheaper refurbished, from £179.49 compared with £678 for the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Both have the same battery: 5000 mAh.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a higher-resolution main camera: 200 megapixels vs 50 megapixels.
The Galaxy A26 gets updates until Mar 2031. The Galaxy S25 Ultra gets updates until Feb 2032.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra adds more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB), a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.7 inch) and a higher-resolution main camera (200 megapixels vs 50 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £498.51 more (from £678 vs £179.49).
Refurbished, the Galaxy A26 comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
