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

Compare the Galaxy S26 and S25 series to discover the latest leap in AI, improved night video performance with the 200MP f/1.4 aperture lens, and the new Privacy Screen for enhanced data security.

Galaxy S25 vs S26

What are the main differences between the Galaxy S26 series and the S25 series?

 

Camera

Light up the night with Nightography. The Galaxy S25 series set the bar high, but the Galaxy S26 series improves low-light photography with an f/1.4 aperture and 200MP wide-angle lens. The improvement is 47% brighter than the S25, delivering pro-grade night video and sharper portraits even in the most challenging conditions.6
 

Battery and power supply

Charge faster, go further. The Galaxy S26 series features powerful processors for more efficient multitasking. All models feature long-lasting batteries 2 , including an improved 4,300mAh 1 capacity for the Galaxy S26. Most notably, the Galaxy S26 Ultra offers ultra-fast charging – from 0% to 75% in 30 minutes.
 

Design

The Galaxy S26 series ditches the sharper lines of the Galaxy S25 in favor of a more ergonomic, rounded design. With a refined aluminum frame, the Galaxy S26 series is thin and light. The Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces the innovative Privacy Screen that protects your personal information by hiding the screen from prying eyes.
 

AI features

Anticipate your next move. The Galaxy S26 series introduces AI Now Nudge 11. Unlike previous features that required manual activation, Now Nudge 11 analyzes your screen in real time and offers contextual shortcuts – for example, it helps you find photos from a recent trip in your gallery if a friend asks for them in a text message.

What models are included in the Galaxy S26 series?

Galaxy S26

Compact power in a pocket – Galaxy S26 features a 6.3-inch display and a larger 4,300 mAh16-battery. Experience the pro-grade 50MP camera in our most portable device in the Galaxy S26 series.

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Galaxy S26+

Get more of what you love with a 6.7" QHD+ display and long-lasting 4,900 mAh battery. It's the perfect choice for big-screen gaming and streaming—without the Ultra price tag.

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Galaxy S26 Ultra

Our most advanced flagship features a 6.9-inch display, 200MP f/1.4 wide-angle camera and innovative Privacy Screen. Complete with built-in S Pen and ultra-fast charging.

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When was the Samsung Galaxy S26 Series released?

The Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra were announced on 25 February 2026, at Galaxy Unpacked. Following the reveal, pre-orders opened immediately on 25 February, with the full range available to buy from 11 March 2026. Secure the latest in AI and camera innovation for Galaxy and find the perfect model for your lifestyle today.

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Galaxy S26 vs S25 Ultra: What's changed?

 

Better camera in low light

Master the dark with the Galaxy S26 Ultra's f/1.4 aperture and wide-angle camera. It's 47% brighter and captures more light than the S25 Ultra. The result? Vivid images and reduced motion blur—even in 8K video at night.
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Large battery with faster charging

The Galaxy S26 Ultra matches the Ultra's 5,000mAh battery but introduces ultra-fast charging. Reaching 75% in just 30 minutes - a clear upgrade from the S25 Ultra's 45W limitation.
 

Rounded design with lighter aluminum frame

The Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces a lighter aluminum frame with refined, rounded edges for better grip. It also debuts the built-in Privacy Screen that makes your data invisible from side angles.17
 

Intelligent and proactive AI

The Miracle series offers powerful AI features. While Now Brief provides on-demand assistance, AI Now Nudge proactively suggests contextual actions in real-time based on what’s on your screen.11

Which model has the best camera – Galaxy S26 Ultra or Galaxy S25 Ultra?

Both models feature a 200MP wide-angle camera, but the S25 Ultra is 47% brighter thanks to an improved f/1.4 aperture. The upgrade captures more light, delivering clearer night video and superior low-light portraits.6

Say goodbye to shaky video with Super Steady , which uses gyro and acceleration sensors to keep your clips smooth and stable even when you’re on the move.14

With 10x optical zoom 7 and an additional 100x AI Space Zoom 8 on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, you’ll capture even the smallest details.

Didn’t get the shot right? Easily fix your shots with AI Photo Assist. Remove objects or add new ones—it’s like having a studio in your pocket.23

Which has the best performance – Galaxy S26 and S26+ or S25 and S25+?

Built for speed, the Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces the Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 customized for Galaxy processor. Game without lag or multitask between multiple apps without losing performance.

Keep going all day with the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s 5,000mAh 1 battery, which delivers up to 31 hours of video playback. 2 Plus, you can charge at lightning speed, reaching 75% in just 30 minutes.

The Galaxy S26 series introduces AI Now Nudge, which proactively suggests actions based on the content on the screen—a clear evolution from the manual AI tools in the S25 Ultra. It’s like having a personal assistant on your phone!

Galaxy S26 & S26+ vs S25 & S25+: What's changed?

 

Camera

The Galaxy S26 and S26+ retain the same excellent 50MP pro camera as the S25 and S25+, with 3x optical zoom and up to 30x digital zoom with AI-powered Space Zoom.
image image
 

Battery

Get more out of your day2with optimized batteries, including improved 4,300 mAh 1 capacity for Galaxy S26 compared to S25 and 4,900 mAh 1 for Galaxy S26+.
 

Design

Go from the sharper lines of the S25 series to the more refined, rounded edges of the Galaxy S26 series – designed for a more comfortable grip and better balance when holding one-handed.
 

AI features

In addition to standard assistance, AI Now Nudge proactively suggests contextual shortcuts based on what’s on your screen – making your daily workflows faster and more intuitive.17

Which model has the best camera – or Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The Galaxy S26 and S26+ retain the pro-grade 50MP wide-angle rear camera for stunning detail, vivid colors, and sharpness in every shot. Plus, you get 3x optical zoom 7 and up to 100x AI Space Zoom 8 to capture even the smallest details.

Take your selfies to the next level with impressive realism. The Galaxy S26 and S26+ now feature an AI-powered image signal processor (ISP) in the front camera for more natural selfies—with the right balance of highlights and shadows, and skin tones, hair, and eyebrows that are reproduced exactly as you see them.6

Which has the best performance – Galaxy S26 and S26+ or S25 and S25+?

Built for the demands of 2026, the Galaxy S26 and S26+ introduce the Exynos 2600 processor.

The S25 series is already powerful with its Snapdragon 8 Elite octa-core chip, but the Galaxy S26 and S26+ series’ Exynos 2600 deca-core processor is more energy-efficient and slightly more powerful. 4

The Galaxy S26 also introduces AI Now Nudge – a proactive tool that anticipates your needs based on what’s on your screen.

For example, it can instantly suggest creating a map from an address in a message or summarize a complex document as you read it. It turns your phone into an active assistant that saves time and simplifies your everyday life. 17

Which has the best battery life – Galaxy S26 and S26+ or S25 and S25+?

For those who prioritize endurance, the Galaxy S26 has improved battery capacity with its newly optimized 4,300 mAh¹ battery compared to the S25’s 4,000 mAh – providing up to 30 hours of video playback. 2

The S25+ offers a powerful 4,900 mAh 1 capacity, but the Galaxy S26 series combines its batteries with the efficient Exynos 2600 processor to maximize every minute of use per charge. This means you can confidently stream in HD, navigate long journeys or game for hours without having to worry about low battery, as can be the case with older models.

Whether you’re a digital nomad or a heavy social media user, the Galaxy S26 and S26+ are built to keep up with your most intense days – without having to recharge mid-day.

Ready to buy Galaxy S26 series?

Frequently asked questions

  • What is Samsung's latest flagship phone?

    The latest flagship series from 2026 is the Galaxy Galaxy S26 series, which includes the Galaxy S26, S26+ and the powerful S26 Ultra. Unveiled at Galaxy Unpacked on February 25, 2026, the devices represent the pinnacle of Samsung's mobile technology – with the most advanced processors and Galaxy AI features available in the Galaxy lineup.

  • The Galaxy S26 Ultra has the best camera in the series. It introduces an impressive 200MP main camera with an f/1.4 aperture that is 47% brighter6 and captures more light than previous models – enabling professional Nightography and video quality even in low light.5

  • The S25 Ultra is still a powerful device with its 200MP sensor, but the Galaxy S26 Ultra sets a new standard for low-light performance. Thanks to the huge light-intake capability of the f/1.4 lens, the Galaxy S26 Ultra delivers clearer, more vivid night video 5 with less noise than its predecessor. 6

  • The Galaxy S26 Ultra features exclusive innovations like the built-in Privacy Screen, which dims or obscures the display from side angles to prevent intrusion. 17 It is also the only model with an integrated S Pen, ultra-fast charging, and the most proactive version of AI Now Nudge for context-aware task management. 11

  • Equipped with the latest Exynos 2600 decacore processor, the Galaxy S26 and S26+ surpass previous flagships by offering higher power and efficiency, as well as deeper integration of Galaxy AI. This enables smoother multitasking and faster device-based processing of complex AI tasks compared to similar devices in the same segment.

  • AI Now Nudge is a proactive assistant that goes beyond standard suggestions by analyzing your screen content in real time to provide relevant prompts.¹¹ Whether it’s instantly adding a calendar appointment from a chat or finding a location mentioned in an email, it streamlines your workflow in seconds.

  • The S26 series offers powerful endurance, with the Galaxy S26 Ultra featuring a massive 5,000mAh 1 battery and intelligent AI management that learns your habits to optimize power usage. 2 The Galaxy S26 also offers improved battery life over its S25 counterparts, with a 4,300mAh¹ battery compared to the S25’s 4,000mAh battery and up to 30 hours of video playback. 2

  • The Galaxy S26 and S26+ models are available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB variants, providing plenty of space for essential apps and media. For power users, the Galaxy S26 Ultra offers expanded storage, including 256GB, 512GB, and a massive 1TB flagship model, so you can store high-definition 8K video and pro photos without having to delete a single moment.

  • By buying directly from Samsung.com/za you get exclusive access to online colours and special offers. You can also take advantage of flexible financing options and collect Samsung Rewards – all while getting expert help from our online support team.

  • Samsung Care+ is a comprehensive protection plan that has been updated in 2026 to offer unlimited accidental damage repairs and 24/7 expert support. It covers drops, spills and cracked screens using only genuine Samsung parts, and you can easily add it to your order at checkout or within 60 days of purchase via the Samsung Members app. 25

  • The Galaxy ecosystem enables seamless collaboration, such as using App Continuity 29 to start a task on your Galaxy S26 and complete it on a PC. Your Galaxy Buds automatically switch between devices with Auto Switch 27 , while your Galaxy Watch gives you remote control over your phone’s camera and notifications for a fully connected experience. 26

* All features and descriptions provided in this document may differ from the actual features and descriptions of the product. Samsung reserves the right to make changes to this document and the product described at any time without obligation to notify of such changes. All features, features, specifications, GUI and other product information provided in this document, including but not limited to product benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability and capacity, are subject to change without prior notice or obligation. The contents of the screen are simulated images and are for demonstration purposes only.
* Sign-in with Samsung Account may be required to use some AI features.
* Samsung makes no promises, representations or warranties about the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the output provided by AI features.
* Availability of Galaxy AI features may vary by region/country, operating system/One UI version, device model and mobile carrier.
* Basic Galaxy AI features provided by Samsung are free of charge. Future versions may include enhanced features or new services offered for a fee. Other terms may apply to AI features provided by third parties. Basic Galaxy AI features are those services listed under “Advanced intelligence” in the current Samsung Services Terms.
* Galaxy AI service may be restricted to minors in certain regions with age restrictions on AI use.
* For a full list of supported languages ​​for Galaxy AI features, please see the FAQ section.

  1. Typical value tested under third-party laboratory conditions. Typical value is the estimated average taking into account variation in battery capacity between battery samples tested according to IEC 61960 standard. Nominal 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 testing using a pre-production model of the current model, connected to headphones via Bluetooth, under default settings over LTE. Calculated based on battery capacity and measured power consumption when playing video (720p video file stored on the device) on the main screen. Actual video playback time may vary depending on network connection, settings, video file format, screen brightness, battery condition and other factors.
  3. Actual battery life will vary depending on network environment, features and apps used, call and message usage, number of charges, and many other factors. Calculation based on an average user profile compiled by UX Connect Research. Independently assessed by UX Connect Research between 2026.01.08 and 2026.01.30 in the US, with pre-production SM-F942 models under default settings using LTE and 5G Sub6 networks. NOT tested with 5G mmWave networks.
  4. Improvements in AP performance are shown compared to Galaxy S25 Ultra. Actual performance depends on user environment, conditions, and pre-installed programs and apps.
  5. Results may vary depending on lighting and/or shooting conditions, such as multiple subjects, blur, or moving subjects.
  6. Improvements in brightness compared to the 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 beyond 10x zoom may exhibit some image degradation. AI zoom is applied to distances between digital zoom lengths. Accuracy of results cannot be guaranteed.
  9. Based on laboratory test conditions for immersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. No dust ingress; complete protection against contact (dustproof). The water and dust resistance of the device is not permanent and may decrease over time due to normal wear and tear.
  10. Basic Galaxy AI features provided by Samsung are free of charge. Future versions may include enhanced features or new services offered for a fee. Different terms may apply to AI features provided by third parties. Galaxy AI's basic features are the services listed under "Advanced intelligence" in Samsung's current Terms of Service. 
  11. The Now Nudge feature requires Samsung Account sign-in. Available features and capabilities may vary by country, region, and language. Text message suggestions are available in some third-party messaging apps, including Samsung Messages, Google Messages, Google Chat, WhatsApp, WhatsApp Business, KakaoTalk, LINE, Signal, Instagram (DM), Tango, NTT Docomo Messages, and KDDI Messages. Image sharing in Now Nudge works by analyzing available image content. The accuracy of the results cannot be guaranteed.
  12. Availability and timing of Android OS upgrades and security updates may vary depending on device model.
  13. The built-in S Pen is only compatible with the corresponding smartphone model.
  14. Super Steady results may vary depending on editing method and/or recording conditions.
  15. Snapdragon-rated products are manufactured by Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Snapdragon is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated.
  16. Improvements over Galaxy S25
  17. The Privacy Display feature controls the viewing angle of the screen to limit visibility from the side and can be enabled in Settings. Activation for specific apps is 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 displaying sensitive information.
  18. The Dynamic AMOLED 2X display on the Galaxy S26 Ultra is based on Samsung's internal testing for 100% Mobile Color Volume within the DCI-P3 color gamut, meaning your images won't fade and you'll get incredibly vivid colors regardless of brightness.
  19. Measured diagonally, the Galaxy S26 Ultra's main display is 6.9" in full rectangle and 6.7" taking into account the rounded corners; actual display area is smaller due to the rounded corners. Dimensions are measured in millimeters.
  20. Measured diagonally, the Galaxy S26+ main display is 6.7" in full rectangle and 6.5" taking into account the rounded corners; actual display area is smaller due to the rounded corners and camera hole. Dimensions are measured in millimeters.
  21. Measured diagonally, the Galaxy S26 main display is 6.3" in full rectangle and 6.1" taking into account the rounded corners; actual display area is smaller due to the rounded corners and camera hole. Dimensions are measured in millimeters.
  22. Results shown for illustrative purposes. Gemini Live feature requires internet connection and Google account login. Service availability may vary by country, language, and device model. Features may vary by subscription and results may vary. Compatible with some features and accounts. Only available to users 18 years of age or older. Accuracy of results cannot be guaranteed.
  23. Generative editing for PhotoAssist requires a network connection and Samsung account login. Editing with Generative editing may result in a resized photo of up to 12 MP. A visible watermark is added to the saved image to indicate that it was generated by AI. The accuracy and reliability of the generated result is not guaranteed.
  24. Results may vary between videos depending on the sounds present. Samsung Account sign-in required. Six types of sounds can be identified: voices, music, wind, nature, crowd, and noise. Actual sound identification may vary depending on the sound source and video condition. Accuracy of results cannot be guaranteed. Some types of sounds can be identified: voices, music, wind, nature, crowd, and noise.
  25. Samsung Care+ is available within 60 days of device purchase. Theft and loss protection requires Knox Guard activation and is limited to two claims per year. Battery replacement is only offered after Samsung’s manufacturer warranty has expired. Excess applies. Terms and conditions apply. Subject to eligibility. For ages 18 and over only. Three months of free protection is automatically applied to monthly plans. Starting in month 4 of purchase of Samsung Care+, the monthly premium for selected protection will be charged around the same date each month as the start date of the protection. Samsung Care+ is provided by bolttech Insurance Services (UK) Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 832644). Claims are handled by bolttech Device Protection (Ireland) Limited, registered in Ireland and insured by AmTrust Specialty Limited, authorised and regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 202189).
    Cosmetic damage repairs are not covered.
    Battery replacement requires diagnostic testing confirming 79% or lower battery capacity.
    Drop-in repair is offered subject to local availability.
    Theft and loss protection does not apply to laptops.
    Deductible fee is displayed at time of purchase and confirmed in welcome email.
  26. Connectivity and compatibility are not guaranteed and depend on the age, operating system, and model of your Samsung devices, and may also be affected by the app version installed. Please read the instructions for each Galaxy device carefully to determine compatibility.
  27. Auto Switch is only available on Galaxy smartphones and tablets with One UI 4.1.1 or later, Galaxy Watch4 series and later models, Samsung TV models launched in 2022 or later, and Galaxy Book models with One UI 6.0 or later. Galaxy Buds must be paired at least once with your Galaxy smartphone, tablet, watch, TV, or Book to use Auto Switch with these devices. Auto Switch is only available for Buds2 Pro, Buds3, and Buds3 Pro, and not for other models. Products must be signed in to the same Samsung account and have both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on.
  28. Second Screen is available on Galaxy Tab S series from S7 onwards and Active4 Pro and Active5 with One UI 5.1.1 or later. (One UI 6.1.1 or later recommended). Requires the same Samsung Account logged in on both Galaxy Tab and Galaxy Book to launch Second Screen directly from PC without activating it on the tablet. PC with Wireless Display and Windows 10 20H2 or later required.
  29. Second Screen is available on Galaxy Tab S series from S7 onwards and Active4 Pro and Active5 with One UI 5.1.1 or later. (One UI 6.1.1 or later recommended). Requires the same Samsung Account logged in on both Galaxy Tab and Galaxy Book to launch Second Screen directly from PC without activating it on the tablet. PC with Wireless Display and Windows 10 20H2 or later required.
  30. Personal Data Engine works only when the Personal Data Intelligence menu is enabled. Analyzed data is deleted when the menu is closed. Personal Data Engine recognizes selected languages ​​and certain accents/dialects, including but not limited to Arabic, Chinese (Simplified), 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’s built-in apps.