Galaxy S25 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S25
Starting at
£475.30£799.00 new
Galaxy S26 Ultra
Starting at
£894.79£1,449.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S26 Ultra?
Galaxy S25 vs S26 Ultra comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy S25 starts at £475.30, £419.49 less than the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is the newer model, released in 2026.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Main camera
Front camera
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) on the Galaxy S25, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
- The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
- The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a bigger screen: 6.9 inch vs 6.2 inch.
Galaxy S25 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra specs
The Galaxy S25 suits those who prefer a more compact phone with a 6.2 inch screen and a high-resolution front camera. The Galaxy S26 Ultra offers a larger 6.9 inch display with higher resolution, a more versatile camera system, and more storage options up to 1TB. It is a better fit for users who want a bigger device with enhanced photographic capabilities and extra storage. Both phones are unlocked and support dual SIM options, but the S26 Ultra includes an eSIM alongside a physical SIM.
Galaxy S25 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra price
Galaxy S25 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra battery life and software updates
These factors mean both devices offer reliable software support and similar durability expectations regarding software.
Software Compatibility
This means you can expect current software features and security patches on either device, making them good choices for ongoing use.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S25 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S25 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra screen
Screen size, resolution, and refresh rate influence how you experience media, gaming, and daily use. The Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S26 Ultra share a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate, but their size and resolution differ significantly.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S25 has a 6.2 inch screen, which suits users who prefer a compact phone that is easier to handle and fits comfortably in one hand. The Galaxy S26 Ultra offers a larger 6.9 inch display, providing more room for watching videos, browsing, and multitasking.
Resolution
The Galaxy S25 features a resolution of 1080x2340 pixels, delivering clear and vibrant images on its smaller screen. The Galaxy S26 Ultra offers a higher resolution of 1440x3120 pixels, making it ideal for those who want sharper detail, especially on its larger screen.
Refresh Rate
Both devices have a 120 Hz refresh rate, providing smooth scrolling, animations, and gaming experiences. This makes either phone responsive and pleasant to use.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S25 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra camera
Camera setup and front-facing camera specifications affect photo quality and video calls. The Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S26 Ultra differ in camera type and front camera resolution.
Camera Configuration
The Galaxy S25 has a triple camera system, suitable for versatile photography needs. The Galaxy S26 Ultra adds an extra camera, with a quadruple setup, which may offer additional photographic options and flexibility.
Front Camera Detail
The Galaxy S25 offers a 50 MP front camera with an f/1.8 aperture and 24mm wide lens, making it well suited for high-detail selfies and video calls. The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a 12 MP front camera, which still supports quality video and photos but with fewer megapixels.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S25 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra size and design
Physical size, SIM options, storage, and weight all shape how the phone fits your lifestyle. The Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S26 Ultra vary in these areas, catering to different preferences.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy S25 measures 146.9 mm in height, 70.5 mm in width, and 7.2 mm in depth, weighing 162 g. It suits users looking for a lighter, smaller phone. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is larger and heavier, at 163.6 mm tall, 78.1 mm wide, 7.9 mm thick, and 214 g, fitting users who prioritise screen size and don't mind extra bulk.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy S25 supports Dual Physical SIM cards, which is useful for managing two physical numbers. The Galaxy S26 Ultra combines a physical SIM with an eSIM, offering flexibility to add a second number without a physical card.
Storage Choices
The Galaxy S25 comes in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB versions, which covers most everyday storage needs. The Galaxy S26 Ultra starts at 256GB and goes up to 1TB, ideal for users requiring more space for apps, media, and files.
Connector Type
Both phones use a USB-C connector, standard for charging and data transfer.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S25 or Galaxy S26 Ultra: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S25 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £475.30, £419.49 less than the Galaxy S26 Ultra
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (50 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
- you want a lighter build (162 g vs 214 g)
Buy the Galaxy S26 Ultra if
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4000 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.2 inch)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (200 megapixels vs 50 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy S25 praise its battery health and overall condition, often noting that it looks like new even after refurbishment. Many appreciate its camera quality and performance, with some mentioning that the phone feels like a brand new device. The size and feel suit those who want a manageable phone, and the lack of an SD card slot is offset by sufficient internal storage options. Some customers noticed minor cosmetic flaws that do not affect daily use.
Reviews of the Galaxy S26 Ultra highlight its excellent condition and camera quality. Users enjoy the larger screen and storage options, finding it suitable for heavy use and multimedia needs. Battery life receives positive comments, with the phone handling demanding tasks well. Customers appreciate the device's premium feel and the flexibility of the eSIM alongside a physical SIM. A few mention minor issues with screen protectors and photo quality on certain apps, but overall satisfaction is high.
The Galaxy S25 is well suited for buyers who want a compact, high-resolution front camera and a lighter device. The Galaxy S26 Ultra fits those who prefer a larger screen, more camera versatility, and higher storage capacities.
Galaxy S25 vs Galaxy S26 Ultra FAQs
Galaxy S25 vs S26 Ultra comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) on the Galaxy S25, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
The Galaxy S25 is cheaper refurbished, from £475.30 compared with £894.79 for the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a higher-resolution main camera: 200 megapixels vs 50 megapixels.
The Galaxy S25 gets updates until Feb 2032. The Galaxy S26 Ultra gets updates until Mar 2033.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra adds a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4000 mAh), a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.2 inch) and a higher-resolution main camera (200 megapixels vs 50 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £419.49 more (from £894.79 vs £475.30).
Refurbished, the Galaxy S25 comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
