Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Galaxy S25 Ultra: Expected differences
Slight design changes, faster charging, and an improved main image sensor could make the Galaxy S26 Ultra feel surprisingly different.
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The Galaxy Ultra series has consistently been one of the best Android flagships on the market, blending power, camera prowess, and productivity in a single package. The current Galaxy S25 Ultra continues to hold that crown well into late 2025, but the next in line is fast approaching.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to debut around January 2026, and based on the leaks we've seen so far, we will likely see more smaller upgrades sprinkled across the board, instead of any monumental ones.
This preliminary comparison looks at how the Galaxy S26 Ultra might build upon the solid foundation of the S25 Ultra, and whether the expected upgrades — like a new camera sensor, smarter OLED display and faster charging — will make it worth the wait.
*Rumored/expected
The general layout of buttons, ports, and the S Pen silo should remain identical. Early rumors suggesting the stylus might disappear have since been debunked, and leaked CADs confirm it’s still there, though Samsung reportedly had to rework its internal layout to maintain Qi2 wireless charging readiness without magnetic interference from the pen’s digitizer.
*Rumored/expected
*Rumored/expected
*Rumored/expected
*Rumored/expected
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This preliminary comparison looks at how the Galaxy S26 Ultra might build upon the solid foundation of the S25 Ultra, and whether the expected upgrades — like a new camera sensor, smarter OLED display and faster charging — will make it worth the wait.
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Galaxy S25 Ultra expected differences:
| Galaxy S26 Ultra* | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|
| Larger 200MP sensor or wider f/1.4 lens for the main camera | 200MP main on a ~1/1.3" sensor (still very good) |
| Brighter, more efficient OLED display | Excellent 6.9" OLED |
| ~3,000-nits maximu brightness | ~2,600-nits |
| Display anti-reflection improvements | Anti-reflective Gorilla Armor |
| Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (for Galaxy) with bigger GPU/NPU gains | Snapdragon 8 Elite (for Galaxy) already very fast; can throttle under extreme load |
| Potential 60W wired charging | 45W wired |
| Potential Qi2 magnetic wireless charging | 15W wireless; “Qi2-ready” without magnets |
| One UI 8/Android 16 with expanded Galaxy AI and 7-year support | One UI 7/Android 15; 7-year support already promised |
| Slimmer body and possible return of a camera island | Flat-sided design with “floating” lens rings that collect lint |
Table of Contents:
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Design and Size
The Ultra may get slimmer and get a new look for the camera system
Samsung has been carefully sculpting the Ultra’s design over the years. The Galaxy S25 Ultra brought back the flat sides, but with subtly rounded corners. It has a sleek, serious look, which is reminiscent of the old Galaxy Note days.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra isn’t expected to deviate far from that, though there are whispers of a slightly slimmer frame, around 0.4 mm thinner than before. Apart from that, though, the body will stay mostly the same in terms of shape and materials.
The general layout of buttons, ports, and the S Pen silo should remain identical. Early rumors suggesting the stylus might disappear have since been debunked, and leaked CADs confirm it’s still there, though Samsung reportedly had to rework its internal layout to maintain Qi2 wireless charging readiness without magnetic interference from the pen’s digitizer.
| Galaxy S26 Ultra* | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|
| Thickness 7.9 mm | Thickness 8.2 mm |
| Dimensions Around 162.8 x 77.6 mm | Dimensions 162.8 x 77.6 mm |
| Weight Around 217 grams | Weight 218 grams |
We might, however, see some tweaks on the back side of the S26 Ultra. The S25 Ultra’s “floating camera rings” design wasn’t exactly universally loved, as the protruding lenses tend to gather pocket lint.
The S26 Ultra may reintroduce a raised camera island to create a more cohesive look and accommodate the rumored larger camera sensor. The phone could also feel slightly different in hand thanks to its slimmer build, though the weight is expected to stay roughly the same.
Color options are likely to stay within Samsung’s familiar palette of restrained, professional hues, so we can safely expect a black, silver, gray, and blue variants, alongside Samsung.com exclusives for those who want something a bit different.
Color options are likely to stay within Samsung’s familiar palette of restrained, professional hues, so we can safely expect a black, silver, gray, and blue variants, alongside Samsung.com exclusives for those who want something a bit different.
One thing to keep note when getting one of those Samsung.com exclusive colors is that they often take longer to repair if you have Samsung Care Plus. That's because spare parts for those special models are not as mass-produced, which means some regions might have limited quantities, if at all.
Display Differences
Samsung’s displays have long been an industry benchmark, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel is already quite impressive with its excellent visibility and color accuracy.
On the S26 Ultra, the screen size will stay roughly the same, but Samsung is reportedly switching to its new M14 OLED material stack with CoE (Color-on-Encapsulation) technology.
This approach lowers power consumption and helps deliver higher peak brightness — up to 3,000 nits, compared to the S25 Ultra’s 2,600-nit ceiling. On top of that, the next Gorilla Armor layer is rumored to be even less reflective, improving outdoor visibility further.
| Galaxy S26 Ultra* | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|
| Size 6.9" | Size 6.9" |
| Brightness 3000 nits (peak) | Brightness 2600 nits (peak) |
*Rumored/expected
Another interesting feature floating around the rumor mill is “Flex Magic Pixel”, a system that can subtly limit viewing angles to enhance privacy without dimming the screen. Early firmware leaks mention a “Privacy Display” toggle, suggesting the feature might be software-controlled if it ships.
Aside from that, you can expect the same sharp QHD+ resolution, buttery 1–120 Hz refresh rate, and vivid HDR output we’ve come to expect from the Ultra line. The ultrasonic fingerprint scanner should also remain as fast and accurate as before, with face recognition enabled by the front camera.
Aside from that, you can expect the same sharp QHD+ resolution, buttery 1–120 Hz refresh rate, and vivid HDR output we’ve come to expect from the Ultra line. The ultrasonic fingerprint scanner should also remain as fast and accurate as before, with face recognition enabled by the front camera.
Performance and Software
A new Snapdragon era, more AI smarts on board
Under the hood, the Galaxy S26 Ultra will almost certainly make the jump to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (for Galaxy) chip.
Built on a refined 3 nm process, it promises significant GPU and NPU gains (around 30% and 40% respectively) along with slightly faster CPU clocks compared to the Snapdragon 8 Elite powering the S25 Ultra. Additionally, a new Adreno 840 GPU should bring better energy efficiency during graphic-intensive tasks.
One recent report also claims that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will mark the return of Exynos to Samsung’s top model for the first time since the S22 Ultra, with the new 2 nm Exynos 2600 powering units in some regions instead of Snapdragon. Early leaked benchmarks paint a surprisingly optimistic picture: the chip is said to beat Apple’s A19 Pro in multi-core, graphics, and especially AI workloads, and even outpace Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in AI and GPU performance.
A separate report, however, paints a more cautious picture. While the 2 nm Exynos 2600 looks extremely powerful in burst performance, sources familiar with Samsung’s foundry claim that its 2 nm process still trails TSMC’s 3 nm node when it comes to efficiency
| Galaxy S26 Ultra* | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|
| Chip Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (for Galaxy) | Chip Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (for Galaxy) |
| Process 3nm | Process 3nm |
| RAM, Storage 12/256GB 12/512GB 12/1TB 16/1TB nLPDDR5X RAM UFS 4.0 storage | RAM, Storage 12/256GB 12/512GB 12/1TB 16/1TB LPDDR5X RAM UFS 4.0 storage |
Samsung is also expected to stick with 12 GB of LPDDR5X RAM, though this year’s memory modules are rumored to be an improved, faster version that should use slightly less power while boosting speeds.
Storage options will likely remain the same — 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB — and we can again expect Samsung to offer a “free storage upgrade” during the launch period for early adopters.
On the software front, the S26 Ultra will debut with Android 16 and One UI 8, extending Samsung’s seven-year update promise all the way to 2033.
We can also expect deeper integration with Google’s Gemini AI, as well as Samsung’s own generative tools like Live Translate, Note Assist, and AI-enhanced photo editing. Some rumors point to Samsung exploring partnerships with Perplexity AI, though Gemini remains the backbone of Galaxy AI for now.
Some reports claim that Samsung will be adding a new 5G modem, the Qualcomm X85. If so, we expect it to bring faster data transfers, better battery efficiency, and AI tuning to top it off. The exact specs in the reports state peak download speeds of 12.5 Gbps and upload speeds of 3.7 Gbps.
Camera
A familiar formula with a potentially game-changing main sensor
The Galaxy S25 Ultra brought modest camera changes, improving software tuning and toning down Samsung’s tendency to oversharpen the image. For the Galaxy S26 Ultra, the changes might finally come in the form of hardware.
According to the latest leaks, the main 200 MP sensor could be replaced by a larger 1/1.1-inch Sony sensor ; or, alternatively, Samsung might retain its HP2 sensor but widen the aperture to f/1.4.
According to the latest leaks, the main 200 MP sensor could be replaced by a larger 1/1.1-inch Sony sensor ; or, alternatively, Samsung might retain its HP2 sensor but widen the aperture to f/1.4.
Either path would significantly improve the ability to capture more light, which would result in an increased dynamic range and a shallower depth of field, giving photos a more natural bokeh without relying on portrait mode.
The rest of the setup is expected to remain the same: a 50 MP ultra-wide camera, a telephoto camera with 5x zoom, and a secondary telephoto camera with 3x zoom. Samsung’s color tuning will likely continue the “realistic” approach introduced with the S25 Ultra, favoring balanced colors over the overly vibrant look of older generations.
The rest of the setup is expected to remain the same: a 50 MP ultra-wide camera, a telephoto camera with 5x zoom, and a secondary telephoto camera with 3x zoom. Samsung’s color tuning will likely continue the “realistic” approach introduced with the S25 Ultra, favoring balanced colors over the overly vibrant look of older generations.
The selfie camera is said to stay at 12 MP, with the long-rumored under-display version unlikely to appear this year.
| Galaxy S26 Ultra* | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|
| Main 200 MP, f/1.7 (or f/1.4) 24 mm ~1/1.1" sensor size | Main 50 MP, f/1.7 24 mm 1/1.3" sensor size |
| Ultrawide 50 MP, f/1.9 13 mm 1/2.5" sensor size | Ultrawide 50 MP, f/1.9 13 mm 1/2.5" sensor size |
| 5x Telephoto 50 MP, f/3.4 5X zoom (111mm) 1/2.52" sensor size | 5x Telephoto 50 MP, f/3.4 5X zoom (111mm) 1/2.52" sensor size |
| 3x Telephoto 10 MP, f/2.4 3x zoom (67mm) 1/3.52" sensor size | 3x Telephoto 10 MP, f/2.4 3x zoom (67mm) 1/3.52" sensor size |
As for video, this might be where Samsung focuses most of its attention. With Apple still leading in cinematic recording and stabilization, we expect Samsung to close the gap through smarter HDR algorithms, improved mic audio, and possibly new shooting modes.
Battery Life and Charging
Same capacity, possibly faster charging at last
Samsung’s conservative approach to batteries will likely continue with the S26 Ultra, with all signs pointing to another 5,000 mAh battery. However, even without an increase in capacity, we might see some energy efficiency gains from the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and the new OLED panel.
Battery life on the S25 Ultra was already solid, scoring eight hours in our custom benchmark. That's not class-leading, but reliable for a full day and then some. The S26 Ultra will likely show similar results.
| Galaxy S26 Ultra* | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|
| Battery size 5,000 mAh | Battery size 5,000 mAh |
Charging speeds 60W wired 15W wireless charging Possible Qi2 magnetic support USB-C 3.2 | Charging speeds 45W wired 15W wireless charging Supports Qi2 but not magnets USB-C 3.2 |
What may finally change are the charging speeds. For the first time in years, Samsung is rumored to upgrade its wired charging to 60W, which would be a welcome bump from the S25 Ultra’s 45W. If true, the S26 Ultra could reach 50% charge in about 25 minutes vs the 35 minutes of the S25 Ultra.
That said, the 60W upgrade isn’t guaranteed. Multiple leakers describe the faster charging as a “medium confidence” rumor.
Wireless charging will likely remain at 15W, but this time with full Qi2 magnetic compatibility if Samsung’s engineers successfully isolate the S Pen digitizer from magnetic interference.
Wireless charging will likely remain at 15W, but this time with full Qi2 magnetic compatibility if Samsung’s engineers successfully isolate the S Pen digitizer from magnetic interference.
Specs Comparison
Here's a quick overview of the expected Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Galaxy S25 Ultra specs:
| Galaxy S26 Ultra* | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|
| Size, weight 162.8 x 77.6 x 7.9mm, 217 g | Size, weight 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm, 218 g |
| Screen 6.9" OLED 120Hz | Screen 6.9" OLED 120Hz |
| Processor Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (for Galaxy) 3nm | Processor Snapdragon 8 Elite (for Galaxy) 3nm |
| Versions: 12/256GB 12/512GB 12/1TB 16/1TB nLPDDR5X | Versions: 12/256GB 12/512GB 12/1TB 16/1TB LPDDR5X |
| Cameras: 200MP main 50MP ultrawide 50MP 5X zoom 10MP 3X zoom 12MP front | Cameras: 200MP main 50MP ultrawide 50MP 5X zoom 10MP 3X zoom 12MP front |
| Battery: 5,000 mAh | Battery: 5,000 mAh |
| Charging: USB-C 60W wired 15W wireless | Charging: USB-C 450W wired 15W wireless |
*Rumored/expected
Summary
If the reports on the S26 Ultra turn out to be true, we are about to see several improvements to Samsung's top Galaxy S model that could have a real impact on the user experience.
There is a potential major upgrade coming to the main camera, an interesting new feature for the display which is already class leading, and faster charging with the possibility of magnetic wireless charging.
The good news is that the price is expected to stay around the 1300 dollar mark, and with Samsung offering its usual trade-in bonuses and storage upgrade promotions you could actually save some money at launch.
There is a potential major upgrade coming to the main camera, an interesting new feature for the display which is already class leading, and faster charging with the possibility of magnetic wireless charging.
The good news is that the price is expected to stay around the 1300 dollar mark, and with Samsung offering its usual trade-in bonuses and storage upgrade promotions you could actually save some money at launch.
The official reveal is rumored for January 2026, though some reports suggest pre-orders could open much later, possibly some time in March 2026.
If you already own a Galaxy S25 Ultra, this might be one of those rare instances where you will be tempted by the next model. If you’re coming from an even older Ultra or simply want the most refined Android flagship Samsung has ever made, the Galaxy S26 Ultra sounds like a great choice so far.
If you already own a Galaxy S25 Ultra, this might be one of those rare instances where you will be tempted by the next model. If you’re coming from an even older Ultra or simply want the most refined Android flagship Samsung has ever made, the Galaxy S26 Ultra sounds like a great choice so far.
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