Galaxy S26 vs. S25: what's the difference?

*All specifications and descriptions provided herein may be different from the actual specifications and descriptions for the product. Samsung reserves the right to make changes to this document and the product described herein, at any time, without obligation on Samsung to provide notification of such change. All functionality, features, specifications, GUI and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation. The contents within the screen are simulated images and are for demonstration purposes only.

*Samsung Account login may be required to use certain AI features.

*Samsung does not make any promises, assurances or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the output provided by AI features.

*Availability of Galaxy AI features may vary depending on the region/country, OS/One UI version, device model and phone carrier.

*Galaxy AI basic features provided by Samsung are free. Future releases may include enhanced features or new services that are offered on a paid basis. Different terms may apply for AI features provided by third parties. Galaxy AI basic features are those services listed under ”Advanced intelligence” in the current Samsung Services Terms and Conditions.

*Galaxy AI service may be limited for minors in certain regions with age restrictions over AI usage.

*Full list of supported languages for Galaxy AI features can be found in the FAQ section.

1. Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated capacity is 4175 mAh for Galaxy S26, 4755 mAh for Galaxy S26+ and 4855 mAh for Galaxy S26 Ultra.
2. Based on Samsung internal lab test conditions with pre-release version of given model connected to earphone via Bluetooth under default settings over LTE. Estimated against battery capacity and measured current over battery power consumption during video playback (video file resolution 720 p, saved on device) on the main screen. Actual video playback time may vary by network connection, settings, video file format, screen brightness, battery condition and many other factors.
3. Actual battery life varies by network environment, features and apps used, frequency of calls and messages, the number of times charged, and many other factors. Estimated against the average usage profile compiled by UX Connect Research. Independently assessed by UX Connect Research between 2026.1.8-2026.1.30 in US and UK with pre-release versions of SM-S942, SM-S947 and SM-S948 under default setting using LTE and 5G Sub6 networks. NOT tested under 5G mmWave network.
4. AP performance improvements shown compared to Galaxy S25 Ultra. Actual performance will depend on user environment, conditions and pre-installed software and applications.
5. Results may vary depending on light condition and/or shooting conditions including multiple subjects, being out of focus or moving subjects.
6. Brightness improvements shown compared to Galaxy S25 Ultra.
7. Optical quality zoom is enabled by the Adaptive Pixel sensor. 3x and 5x distances are optical zoom. 2x and 10x distances are optical quality zoom.
8. 100x Space Zoom includes 10x optical quality zoom and 100x digital zoom with Super Resolution technology. Zoom distances past 10x zoom may express some image deterioration. AI Zoom is applied to distances between digital zoom lengths. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.
9. Based on lab test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. No ingress of dust; complete protection against contact (dust-tight). Water and dust resistance of device is not permanent and may diminish over time because of normal wear and tear.
10. Galaxy AI basic features provided by Samsung are free. Future releases may include enhanced features or new services that are offered on a paid basis. Different terms may apply for AI features provided by third parties.  Galaxy AI basic features are those services listed under "Advanced intelligence" in the current Samsung Services Terms and Conditions. [[For details, visit (LOCAL T&C link)]]
11. Now Nudge feature requires a Samsung Account login. Available functions and features may vary by country, region and language. Text message prompts available with certain third party messaging apps including Samsung Messages, Google Messages, Google Chat, WhatsApp, WhatsApp Business, KakaoTalk, LINE, Signal, Instagram (DM), Tango, NTT Docomo Messages, KDDI Messages. Share photos in Now Nudge works by analysing available image content. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.
12. Availability and timing of Android OS upgrades and security updates may vary by device model.
13. Built-in S Pen is compatible only with its corresponding smartphone model.
14. Super Steady results may vary depending on editing method and/or shooting conditions.
15. Snapdragon branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Snapdragon is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated.
16. Improvements compared to Galaxy S25
17. Privacy Display feature controls the screen's viewing angle to limit peripheral vision and can be activated in Settings. Activation for specific apps also available in Settings. Some changes in image quality may occur outside the viewing angle. Some information may still be visible to others depending on the viewing environment, such as angle or brightness. Caution is advised when exposing sensitive information.
18. The Dynamic AMOLED 2X display on Galaxy S26 Ultra based on Samsung internal testing for 100 percent Mobile Colour Volume in the DCI-P3 colour range, which means your images aren’t washed out and you’ll get unbelievably vivid colours regardless of differing levels of brightness.
19. Measured diagonally, Galaxy S26 Ultra’s Main Screen size is 6.9” in the full rectangle and 6.7” accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners. Dimensions measured in millimeters.
20. Measured diagonally, Galaxy S26+'s Main Screen size is 6.7” in the full rectangle and 6.5” accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners and camera hole. Dimensions measured in millimeters.
21. Measured diagonally, Galaxy S26's Main Screen size is 6.3” in the full rectangle and 6.1” accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners and camera hole. Dimensions measured in millimeters.
22. Results for illustrative purposes. Gemini Live feature requires internet connection and Google account login. Service availability may vary by country, language, device model. Features may differ depending on subscription and results may vary. Compatible with certain features and certain accounts. Only available to users 18 years or older. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.
23. Generative Edit feature for Photo Assist requires a network connection and Samsung Account login. Editing with Generative Edit may result in a resized photo up to 12MP. A visible watermark is overlaid on the image output upon saving in order to indicate that the image is generated by AI. The accuracy and reliability of the generated output is not guaranteed.
24. Results may vary per video depending on how sounds present in the video. Samsung Account login required. Six types of sound can be detected; voices, music, wind, nature, crowd and noise. The actual sound detection may vary depending on audio source, and the condition of the video. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. Certain types of sound can be detected, such as voices, music, wind, nature, crowd and noise.
25. Terms and conditions apply. Samsung Care+ coverage, service type and promotion details may vary by country/region and a deductible (service fee) may apply. To be eligible for Samsung Care+ promotion benefits, registration may be required. For detailed Samsung Care+ information, please visit https://www.samsung.com/samsung-care-plus/. Care at home & abroad: When in need of Samsung Care+ services during your travel, contact the visiting country/region's local customer services center in advance for Samsung Care+ availability.
26. Connectivity and compatibility is not guaranteed and is dependent on the age, operating system and model of your Samsung devices and may also depend on the version of installed applications. Please read the instructions for each of your Galaxy devices in detail to determine connectivity compatibility.
27. Auto Switch feature only available on Galaxy smartphones and tablets with One UI 4.1.1 or above, on Galaxy Watch4 Series and later models, on Samsung TV models launched in 2022 or later and on Galaxy Book models with One UI 6.0 or above. Galaxy Buds must be paired at least once with your Galaxy smartphone, tablet, watch, TV or Book to use Auto Switch with the devices. Auto Switch is available on Buds2 Pro, Buds3 and Buds3 Pro only and not other models. Eligible products must be logged into the same Samsung account, and have both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on.
28. Second Screen is available on all Galaxy Tab S series from S7 onward and Active4 Pro, Active5 running One UI 5.1.1 and later version. (One UI 6.1.1 or later version is recommended). Requires a same Samsung account logged in on both Galaxy Tab and Galaxy Book to directly launch Second Screen from a PC without activating it on Galaxy Tab. PCs with Wireless Display and Windows 10 20H2 or above are required.
29. Users must link their Samsung Galaxy device to their Windows PC through ‘Link to Windows’ on mobile devices and the Microsoft Phone Link App on PC and follow the set-up prompts, including being signed into the same Microsoft account. Link to Windows is preloaded on select Samsung Galaxy devices. Tablets require One UI 5.1.1 or above. PC (Microsoft Phone Link App) requires Windows 10 or above. Microsoft Phone Link recommends Samsung Galaxy device to be on the same Wi-Fi network as the PC. Some mobile apps may restrict content to be shared on other screens. Some related features may vary by device. Tablets do not include the Call/Message features. 'Recent Websites' is only available when using Samsung Internet app on Samsung Galaxy smartphones with One UI 3.1.1 or above (Samsung Galaxy S, Note, Z Fold, Z Flip), tablets with One UI 5.1.1 or above (available only on Tab S models, not on Tab FE or Tab Lite models) and Windows PCs with Windows 10 20H1 or above. Requires latest app updates to Microsoft Phone Link/Link to Windows/Samsung Internet.
30. .The Personal Data Engine functions under the condition that the Personal Data Intelligence menu is on. Analyzed data will be deleted once the Personal Data Intelligence menu is turned off. Personal Data Engine recognizes select languages and certain accents/dialects, including but not limited to Arabic, (Simplified) Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, and Vietnamese. Personal Data Engine currently analyzes Samsung native applications.
31. As compared to the Galaxy S25
32. Armor Aluminum frame does not include volume and side keys, SIM tray or camera lens barrel.