Galaxy S25 Ultra review. Is it still worth buying in 2026 — and how does it compare with the S26 Ultra?
The Galaxy S25 Ultra launched in early 2025 as Samsung’s biggest, most complete phone. A year and a half later, with the S26 Ultra on sale, we look at what still makes it great, the most common complaints and who should buy it now.
Design an S25 Ultra case ↗In this guide
- Verdict: still one of the best big Android phones in 2026, especially at today’s lower prices.
- Best parts: 6.9-inch anti-reflective screen, Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, 200 MP camera, 5,000 mAh battery and 7 years of OS updates.
- Main complaints: the S Pen lost its Bluetooth remote features, charging stays at 45 W and the 3x camera was not upgraded.
- The S26 Ultra adds 60 W charging, a brighter main lens and a Privacy Display, but the S25 Ultra is the better value for many people.
Galaxy S25 Ultra specs at a glance
| Feature | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.9-inch QHD+ AMOLED, 120 Hz, anti-reflective Gorilla Armor 2 |
| Chip | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy |
| RAM / storage | 12 GB / 256 GB, 512 GB or 1 TB |
| Rear cameras | 200 MP main, 50 MP ultra-wide, 10 MP 3x telephoto, 50 MP 5x periscope |
| Front camera | 12 MP |
| Battery / charging | 5,000 mAh, 45 W wired, wireless charging |
| Build | Titanium frame, built-in S Pen, 218 g |
| Software | 7 years of OS and security updates |
| Launch price (US) | $1,299.99 |
Design: flatter, lighter and easier to hold
Samsung rounded the corners compared with the S24 Ultra and made the phone a little lighter and thinner. It is still a large phone, but it feels less sharp in the hand.
The anti-reflective glass is one of the best features. Outdoors, the screen shows far fewer reflections than most phones, which makes a real difference for maps, photos and videos in the sun.
Camera: great zoom, one old part
The 200 MP main camera takes detailed photos in daylight, and the new 50 MP ultra-wide is a clear upgrade over the older 12 MP sensor, especially for close-ups. The 5x periscope handles long zoom well.
The weak spot is the 10 MP 3x telephoto, which Samsung carried over. For portraits at 3x it is fine, but it is the camera reviewers criticised most.
Performance and battery life
The Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy made the S25 Ultra one of the fastest Android phones of its generation, and it still handles demanding games and editing easily in 2026. The 5,000 mAh battery comfortably lasts a full day for most people.
Charging is the old story: 45 W wired, the same as several earlier Ultras.
Common Galaxy S25 Ultra complaints
- S Pen without Bluetooth. Air actions and the remote camera shutter were removed, which disappointed long-time Note fans.
- No built-in magnets. The phone supports wireless charging, but for magnetic Qi2 accessories you need a case with magnets.
- Slow-ish charging for the price (45 W).
- Same 3x camera as older models.
- Size. It is a big phone, and it needs a case that protects the screen edges and camera.
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs S26 Ultra
| S25 Ultra | S26 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy |
| Display | 6.9 in, 120 Hz | 6.9 in, 120 Hz, plus Privacy Display |
| Main camera lens | f/1.7 | f/1.4 (brighter) |
| Charging | 45 W | 60 W |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Frame | Titanium | Aluminum |
| Weight | 218 g | 214 g |
The S26 Ultra is the better phone on paper, but the difference is small. If you find the S25 Ultra at a good discount, it is still an excellent buy. See our Galaxy S26 Ultra cases if you upgrade.
Should you buy the Galaxy S25 Ultra in 2026?
Yes, if you want a big screen, a built-in S Pen, strong zoom and long software support at a lower price than the newest model. Skip it if fast charging or the brightest possible camera matter most — then the S26 Ultra is worth the extra money.
Whatever you choose, protect the large screen and camera with a case that fits exactly.
Custom cases printed for the exact Galaxy S25 Ultra shape, with your photo or name.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Galaxy S25 Ultra still worth it in 2026?
Yes. It still has a top screen, fast performance and 7 years of updates from launch. At a discounted price it is often better value than the S26 Ultra.
What are the main Galaxy S25 Ultra complaints?
The S Pen lost Bluetooth features, charging stays at 45 W, the 3x camera was not upgraded and the phone has no built-in magnets for Qi2 accessories.
What is the difference between the S25 Ultra and S26 Ultra?
The S26 Ultra has a newer chip, 60 W charging, a brighter main camera lens and a Privacy Display. Screen size and battery capacity are the same.
Does the S25 Ultra fit S24 Ultra cases?
No. The S25 Ultra has a different shape, rounder corners and a different camera layout. Use a case made for the S25 Ultra.
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