The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is clearly better than the S25 Ultra in three key areas: performance, charging, and low-light photography.
The new model offers:
- more powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor
- brighter main camera f/1.4 (more light at night)
- faster 60 W charging (75% in 30 minutes)
- larger vapor chamber and better cooling
- new Privacy Display feature (private screen)
- thinner and lighter body
At the same time, the screen, battery (5000 mAh), and most AI capabilities remain very similar to its predecessor.
Appearance, dimensions, and build quality
Comparison of Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Galaxy S25 Ultra construction
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 163.6 × 78.1 × 7.9 mm | 162.8 × 77.6 × 8.2 mm |
| Weight | 214 g | 218 g |
| Frame | Armor Aluminium | Titanium |
| Front Glass | Corning Gorilla Armor 2 | Corning Gorilla Armor |
| Back Glass | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Port | USB-C 3.2, OTG, DisplayPort 1.4 | USB-C 3.2, OTG, DisplayPort 1.4 |
What has really changed in the design?
At first glance, both models are almost identical. The camera layout, shape, proportions – Samsung has not introduced a visual revolution. The differences are subtle and can only be seen when comparing the specifications.
Galaxy S26 Ultra is thinner (7.9 mm vs 8.2 mm) and lighter (214 g vs 218 g).
This makes it the slimmest Ultra model in the history of the series. The difference of 0.3 mm may seem symbolic, but with such a large device, it affects the comfort of grip.
The change that sparks the most discussion is the abandonment of the titanium frame. The Galaxy S25 Ultra used titanium, while the S26 Ultra features Armor Aluminium. In practice, both materials provide very high structural rigidity, but titanium was a distinguishing element of its predecessor. The new model does not feel less solid, but it is a noticeable change in premium communication.
At the front, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is protected by Gorilla Armor 2, which is the newer generation of protective glass. The back in both cases is Gorilla Glass Victus 2. This means very high resistance to scratches and drops in both devices.
The IP68 certification remains unchanged — both smartphones are resistant to dust and immersion in water.
The slimmer design and glass back mean it’s worth taking care of the case protection as well. Case for Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra helps protect the frame and camera from scratches and cushions falls – especially with such a large and heavy smartphone.
Screen – similar parameters, but S26 Ultra adds “smart” enhancements
Display comparison
| Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|
| Diagonal | 6.9″ | 6.9″ |
| Type | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 3120 × 1440 px | 3120 × 1440 px |
| Refresh Rate | adaptive 1–120 Hz | adaptive 1–120 Hz |
| Maximum Brightness | 2600 nits | 2600 nits |
What does this mean in practice?
If we look solely at the numbers, the screen is “the same”: identical diagonal, resolution, brightness, and refresh rate. This is important because the S25 Ultra was already at the absolute top, and Samsung didn’t need to forcefully boost the specifications here.
The differences in the S26 Ultra only appear when we delve into how the phone processes images.
New mDNIe engine and ProScaler – why is this necessary if the parameters are the same?
In the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Samsung adds new elements “under the hood”:
- mDNIe (Digital Natural Image) – a new image processing engine designed to improve color depth precision and gradations (i.e., tonal transitions, shadows, midtones, subtle differences in hues). In short: the image is supposed to look more “smooth” and natural, without the effect of artificiality in challenging scenes.
- ProScaler – uses AI to enhance sharpness and readability of details, especially when the source is of lower quality (e.g., lower resolution video, streaming, reels, heavily compressed content).
These are not “wow on paper” changes, but in everyday use they can provide subtly better image quality: sharper contours in video, less “flat” colors, better transitions in shadows.
Privacy Display – the biggest difference in the screen (and realistically practical)
Here we enter a feature that actually distinguishes the S26 Ultra from the S25 Ultra: Privacy Display.
This is a privacy mode that:
- limits screen readability from a side angle, so people next to you see less,
- can work for the entire screen or only for selected elements (e.g., apps, notifications, password/PIN fields),
- is particularly useful in public places (transportation, queues, open spaces).
Important detail: when private mode is enabled, the image from “your” angle may look different (this is normal), and depending on conditions (brightness, angle, surroundings), some information may still be somewhat visible — this is not an “invisibility cloak,” just a limitation of the view.
With such a large, 6.9-inch display, it’s worth considering additional protection. Tempered glass for Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a small cost compared to potential repairs 🔒📱
Cameras – does brighter optics make a real difference?
Camera specifications comparison
| Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|
| Main camera | 200 MP, f/1.4, 1/1.3”, PDAF, Laser AF, OIS | 200 MP, f/1.7, 1/1.3”, PDAF, Laser AF, OIS |
| Ultrawide | 50 MP, f/1.9, 120° | 50 MP, f/1.9, 120° |
| Tele 3x | 10 MP, f/2.4, OIS | 10 MP, f/2.4, OIS |
| Tele 5x | 50 MP, f/2.8, OIS | 50 MP, f/3.4, OIS |
| Front camera | 12 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 8K 30 fps, 4K 120 fps | 8K 30 fps, 4K 120 fps |
What has changed in practice?
On paper, the arrangement of the cameras looks almost identical, but the key differences lie in the optics.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has received a brighter main lens (f/1.4 instead of f/1.7).
This means that more light reaches the sensor, which translates to:
- better night photos,
- shorter exposure times,
- lower risk of motion blur,
- more natural colors in difficult conditions.
The difference is particularly noticeable after dark.
The second important change concerns the 5x telephoto lens.
In the S26 Ultra, it has an aperture of f/2.8 instead of f/3.4, which also improves photo quality in lower light and provides slightly better background depth.
AI and photo editing
Both models offer advanced Galaxy AI features, but the Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces the ability to edit photos using text commands. You can describe the effect you want to achieve, and the system will automatically adjust the parameters.
It’s more of an evolution than a revolution, but for those who frequently edit photos, it can be a real advantage.
Performance and cooling – the new Snapdragon makes a difference
Processor comparison
| Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) |
| Performance cores | 2 × 4.74 GHz Oryon V3 | 2 × 4.47 GHz Oryon V2 |
| Efficient cores | 6 × 3.62 GHz | 6 × 3.53 GHz |
| GPU | Adreno 840 | Adreno 830 |
| Performance increase | +19% CPU, +24% GPU, +39% NPU | — |
What does Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 mean in practice?
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is the only model in the series to receive Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy – currently the most powerful chip in Qualcomm’s offering.
Samsung declares:
- up to 19% faster CPU performance,
- up to 24% better GPU performance,
- up to 39% increase in AI unit power (NPU).
In everyday use, this translates to:
- faster app switching,
- more stable performance with many open programs,
- better fluidity in games,
- more efficient operation of Galaxy AI features.
The difference won’t be dramatic when browsing the internet, but in gaming, video editing, or intensive multitasking – it will be.
Cooling – larger vapor chamber
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has received a new Vapor Chamber design.
Samsung reports a thermal performance improvement of about 21%.
In practice, this means:
- longer maintenance of maximum performance,
- fewer clock speed drops in games,
- more stable performance when recording in 8K.
This is particularly important when utilizing the power of the new processor – without adequate cooling, even the best chip won’t show its full potential.
System and updates
Galaxy S26 Ultra launches with Android 16 and One UI 8.5.
Galaxy S25 Ultra runs on Android 15 but will receive an update to Android 16.
Both models have:
- Galaxy AI support,
- long update support (multi-year security and system patches).
Differences in AI features may blur over time as the older model also receives new tools in updates.
Battery and charging – this is where the difference is most noticeable
Battery and charging power comparison
| Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Wired charging | 60 W | 45 W |
| Wireless charging | 25 W | 15 W |
| Reverse charging | 4.5 W | 4.5 W |
| 30 minutes of charging | up to ~75% | about ~69% |
The same battery, but different speed
In terms of capacity, the batteries are identical – both models have 5000 mAh, so the actual usage time on a single charge will be similar.
However, the differences are clear in the charging methods:
Galaxy S26 Ultra supports fast wired charging at 60 W – this means that in about 30 minutes you can reach even ~75% battery.
Galaxy S25 Ultra charges at 45 W – in a similar charging time, it reaches about ~69%.
Wireless charging is also faster – S26 Ultra supports up to 25 W, while S25 Ultra offers 15 W.
This translates to:
- shorter sessions under the charger,
- faster charging “here and now”,
- more flexible use of wireless chargers.
Although the battery capacity has not changed, S26 Ultra has a clear advantage in charging speed, both wired and wireless.
Prices and profitability – does the price difference make sense?
Market price comparison
| Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|
| 12/256 GB | 6499 PLN | 5349 PLN |
| 12/512 GB | 7399 PLN | 5799 PLN |
| 12/1 TB | 8699 PLN | 6598 PLN |
💡 Samsung promotion (until March 10):
🔹 Galaxy S26 Ultra 512 GB quickly on promotion costs about 6499 PLN
🔹 Galaxy S26 Ultra 1 TB about 7799 PLN
(effectively this is a reduction of ~900 PLN from the catalog price)
Price vs value
The new Galaxy S26 Ultra is not cheap — this is natural for a top Ultra model. However, it has several areas where it significantly surpasses its predecessor:
✔️ new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor
✔️ brighter main and 5x telephoto camera
✔️ faster charging (60 W / 25 W wirelessly)
✔️ thinner and lighter design
✔️ Privacy Display and new AI features
At the same time, the S25 Ultra still offers:
✔️ great cameras
✔️ a very large 5000 mAh battery
✔️ top-notch display
✔️ stable performance and long updates
When is the S26 Ultra worth it?
if you care about:
- the best possible performance in the Galaxy series,
- faster charging,
- better camera in difficult lighting conditions,
- new AI features and screen privacy
During promotions, the price difference is smaller, making it easier to justify purchasing the new generation.
FAQ – frequently asked questions about the Galaxy S26 Ultra
Is it worth switching from the Galaxy S25 Ultra to the Galaxy S26 Ultra?
If you care about faster loading, better performance, and a brighter camera for night photos — yes. However, if the S25 Ultra still runs smoothly and the price difference is significant, a change is not necessary.
Does the Galaxy S26 Ultra have a better camera than the S25 Ultra?
Yes, but the difference mainly concerns low-light performance. The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a brighter aperture (f/1.4 vs f/1.7) and a better 5x telephoto lens (f/2.8 vs f/3.4), which improves the quality of night photos and close-ups.
Is the battery in the Galaxy S26 Ultra larger?
No. Both models have a 5000 mAh battery. The difference lies in faster charging in the S26 Ultra (60 W wired and 25 W wireless).
What is Privacy Display in the Galaxy S26 Ultra?
It is a feature that limits screen visibility at an angle. It protects sensitive data, such as banking apps or messages, from being viewed in public places.
How much does the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra cost?
- Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 12/256 GB — ok. 6499 zł
- Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 12/512 GB — ok. 7399 zł
- Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 12/1 TB — ok. 8699 zł
What colors does the Galaxy S26 Ultra come in?
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is available in four basic color versions: purple, light blue, black, and white. Additionally, Samsung offers two special variants – silver and gold – which can only be purchased through the manufacturer’s official sales.
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