Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs S25 Ultra vs S24 Ultra: How the Ultras Stack Up in 2026
Samsung's Ultra lineup has always been the gold standard for Android flagship smartphones — but with the Galaxy S26 Ultra now officially here, a lot of people are asking the same question: is it actually worth upgrading? Whether you're rocking a Galaxy S24 Ultra or a Galaxy S25 Ultra, or you're simply trying to figure out which Ultra deserves your hard-earned money in 2026, this deep-dive comparison has you covered.
We're breaking down everything that matters — performance, cameras, design, battery life, AI features, and value — so you can make a genuinely informed decision before you swipe that credit card.
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Design and Build: Evolution, Not Revolution
Samsung has refined the Ultra formula with each generation, and the S26 Ultra continues that trend. Here's how the three generations compare on the outside:
- Galaxy S24 Ultra: Titanium frame, 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, flat sides with squared-off corners, integrated S Pen silo
- Galaxy S25 Ultra: Slightly rounded corners (softer feel in hand), same 6.8-inch display, titanium frame retained, slimmer bezels
- Galaxy S26 Ultra: Refined curved edges, updated color palette with new exclusive finishes, reportedly slimmer profile despite housing a larger battery
All three models retain the integrated S Pen, which remains a key differentiator from every other Android flagship on the market. If the S Pen matters to you — for note-taking, sketching, or precision input — the Ultra line is still your only real option in the Android ecosystem.
In terms of durability, all three feature Corning Gorilla Armor glass on the front and IP68 water resistance ratings. The S26 Ultra is expected to debut with the latest generation of protective glass, offering marginally improved drop and scratch resistance.
Performance: Chipset Showdown
This is where generational differences become most pronounced.
- Galaxy S24 Ultra: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (in most markets) — still a powerhouse in 2026 for everyday tasks, gaming, and video editing
- Galaxy S25 Ultra: Snapdragon 8 Elite — a notable step up in both CPU and GPU performance, with improved on-device AI processing
- Galaxy S26 Ultra: Expected to feature the next-generation Snapdragon 8 Elite successor, offering further gains in neural processing and energy efficiency
For the vast majority of users, the S24 Ultra remains more than capable for day-to-day use in 2026. You're unlikely to feel the S24 Ultra struggling unless you're running extremely demanding AI workloads or pushing 8K video recording to its limits.
However, if you're upgrading from an S24 Ultra to the S26 Ultra, the real-world performance difference — particularly in AI-driven tasks, multitasking, and gaming thermal management — should be genuinely noticeable.
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Camera System: The Real Battleground
For most Ultra buyers, the camera system is the deciding factor. Samsung has made incremental but meaningful improvements across each generation.
Galaxy S24 Ultra Camera Setup:
- 200MP main sensor
- 12MP ultrawide
- 10MP 3x telephoto
- 50MP 5x periscope telephoto
- 12MP front camera
Galaxy S25 Ultra Camera Setup:
- 200MP main sensor (improved processing)
- 50MP ultrawide (major upgrade from S24 Ultra)
- 10MP 3x telephoto
- 50MP 5x periscope telephoto
- 12MP front camera
Galaxy S26 Ultra Camera Setup (confirmed specs):
- 200MP main sensor
- 50MP ultrawide (retained from S25 Ultra)
- Updated telephoto configuration
- Enhanced low-light processing via next-gen AI
The jump from S24 Ultra to S25 Ultra was arguably the most significant camera upgrade in this trio, specifically because of the massive ultrawide improvement from 12MP to 50MP. The S26 Ultra builds on that strong foundation with AI-powered processing enhancements rather than a wholesale hardware overhaul.
If you care deeply about ultrawide photos or video — travel photography, architecture, landscapes — and you're still on an S24 Ultra, the S25 Ultra represents a genuine leap. The S26 Ultra refines rather than reinvents.
Galaxy AI: Where the S26 Ultra Pulls Ahead
One area where the generational gap is very real in 2026 is on-device AI capability. Samsung's Galaxy AI suite has grown substantially, and the S26 Ultra is built to handle more of those AI tasks without relying on cloud processing.
Key Galaxy AI features across generations:
| Feature | S24 Ultra | S25 Ultra | S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live Translate | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Circle to Search | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Now Brief/Now Bar | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| AI Photo Remaster | Basic | Enhanced | Advanced |
| On-Device AI Processing | Moderate | Strong | Best-in-class |
The Now Bar — Samsung's proactive contextual AI assistant introduced with the S25 series — is absent on the S24 Ultra, which is worth noting if that kind of ambient AI assistance appeals to you.
Battery Life and Charging
All three Ultra models feature large batteries, but capacity has grown:
- S24 Ultra: 5,000 mAh, 45W wired charging
- S25 Ultra: 5,000 mAh, 45W wired charging
- S26 Ultra: Rumored 5,500 mAh battery with potentially improved charging efficiency
Real-world battery life on both the S24 Ultra and S25 Ultra is excellent — most users comfortably get through a full day with heavy use. If Samsung does deliver a larger battery in the S26 Ultra alongside a more efficient chipset, that combination could meaningfully extend screen-on time.
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Pricing and Value: Which Ultra Makes Sense for You?
Here's the honest breakdown based on where you're starting:
If you own a Galaxy S24 Ultra: Skip the S25 Ultra — the upgrades, while real, aren't worth full retail. The S26 Ultra is the better upgrade target, especially if Samsung's trade-in deals are generous (historically they have been during launch week).
If you own a Galaxy S25 Ultra: Hold tight. The S26 Ultra is a refinement upgrade, not a transformation. Unless you're deeply invested in having the absolute latest AI processing capabilities or the rumored larger battery is a priority, you're not missing out significantly.
If you're buying your first Ultra or upgrading from something older: The Galaxy S26 Ultra is the obvious choice in early 2026 — you get the latest hardware, the most capable AI suite, and the best camera processing available in Samsung's lineup.
If budget is a concern: The Galaxy S25 Ultra will likely see price drops now that the S26 is out, making it exceptional value. The S24 Ultra, if you can find it at a steep discount, still holds up remarkably well for most users.
Final Verdict
Samsung's Ultra lineup remains the most complete Android flagship package you can buy, and the generational progression from S24 to S25 to S26 is genuinely meaningful — just in different ways depending on which generation you're comparing.
- Biggest camera jump: S24 Ultra → S25 Ultra (ultrawide upgrade)
- Biggest AI and performance jump: S25 Ultra → S26 Ultra
- Best value proposition in 2026: S26 Ultra at launch, or S25 Ultra at a discounted price
Whichever Ultra you choose, you're getting one of the most capable smartphones on the planet. The question is simply how much of that capability you actually need — and how much you're willing to pay for the latest version of it.
FAQ
What is the biggest difference between the Galaxy S26 Ultra and S25 Ultra? The primary differences center on the newer chipset, improved on-device AI processing, and a reportedly larger battery in the S26 Ultra. The camera hardware is similar, but AI-driven photo and video processing sees meaningful improvements.
Is the Galaxy S24 Ultra still worth buying in 2026? If you can find it at a significant discount — yes, absolutely. The S24 Ultra's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor handles everyday tasks and gaming without breaking a sweat, and its 200MP camera system still produces excellent photos. It misses out on the Now Bar and some newer Galaxy AI features, but core performance remains solid.
Does the Galaxy S26 Ultra still have an S Pen? Yes. The integrated S Pen silo remains a defining feature of the entire Ultra lineup through the S26 generation, continuing to set it apart from other Android flagships.
How much does the Galaxy S26 Ultra cost? Samsung has not yet officially announced final global pricing for the S26 Ultra, but based on historical Ultra pricing trends, expect it to start around $1,299–$1,399 USD for the base configuration, consistent with previous Ultra launch prices.
Should I trade in my S25 Ultra for the S26 Ultra? For most users, no — the upgrade from S25 Ultra to S26 Ultra is iterative rather than transformative. Unless on-device AI performance or battery capacity are specific pain points for you, holding your S25 Ultra another cycle is the smarter financial decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest difference between the Galaxy S26 Ultra and S25 Ultra?
The primary differences center on the newer chipset, improved on-device AI processing, and a reportedly larger battery in the S26 Ultra. The camera hardware is similar, but AI-driven photo and video processing sees meaningful improvements.
Is the Galaxy S24 Ultra still worth buying in 2026?
If you can find it at a significant discount, yes. The S24 Ultra's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor handles everyday tasks and gaming without issue, and its 200MP camera still produces excellent results. It does miss some newer Galaxy AI features like the Now Bar.
Does the Galaxy S26 Ultra still have an S Pen?
Yes. The integrated S Pen silo remains a defining feature of the entire Ultra lineup through the S26 generation, continuing to set it apart from every other Android flagship on the market.
How much does the Galaxy S26 Ultra cost?
Samsung has not yet officially announced final global pricing, but based on historical Ultra pricing trends, expect it to start around $1,299–$1,399 USD for the base configuration, consistent with previous Ultra launch prices.
Should I trade in my S25 Ultra for the Galaxy S26 Ultra?
For most users, no — the upgrade from S25 Ultra to S26 Ultra is iterative rather than transformative. Unless on-device AI performance or battery capacity are specific pain points, holding your S25 Ultra another cycle is the smarter financial decision.
