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Galaxy S25+ vs Galaxy S26 Ultra

  • 1-year warranty
  • Free standard shipping
  • Free 30-day returns
Galaxy S25+
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$800.00

Versus A$1,699.00 new

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Galaxy S26 Ultra
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$1,529.00

Versus A$2,199.00 new

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Differences at a glance

The Samsung Galaxy S25+ (2025) and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (2026) represent high-tier Android smartphones designed for users seeking robust daily performance and advanced ecosystem integration. While both run on Android with Samsung's customized interface and offer expansive screen real estate, the Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces a larger display, an integrated stylus accessory, and updated internal processing capabilities compared to its predecessor. These distinct physical formats and generational revisions cater to divergent user workflows and device handling preferences.

Available Models

Colour

Storage (GB)

Scores

Durability

When examining longevity, both handsets benefit from extended manufacturer support windows spanning multiple years of operating system upgrades and security patches, though the newer model provides an extra year of extended viability due to its later release date.

  • Software Support: Both devices receive multi-year update commitments, with the Galaxy S26 Ultra benefiting from a slightly extended timeline into the next decade.
  • Build Integrity: Both models utilize durable glass panels and aluminum or reinforced frames designed to withstand daily wear, alongside standard water and dust resistance ratings.
  • Practical Lifespan: Robust internal memory configurations ensure that both choices maintain operational fluidity for years of standard daily multitasking.

Release year

2025

2026

Operating system

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both smartphones handle demanding daily applications, split-screen multitasking, and resource-intensive mobile gaming smoothly, though the newer iteration incorporates refined thermal management for sustained workloads.

  • Multitasking Handling: Generous system memory allocations allow dozens of browser tabs and background applications to remain active without forced reloads.
  • Storage Configurations: Both devices offer ample internal capacity starting at baseline tiers, accommodating large media libraries and offline document storage without expansion slots.
  • Battery Behavior: Battery capacities support a full day of mixed usage under typical conditions, with fast-charging capabilities available when replenishment is required.

Screen quality

Visual output across both screens delivers high contrast, deep black levels, and sharp detail reproduction suitable for media consumption and text readability under bright sunlight.

  • Display Technology: Both models utilize advanced OLED panels with adaptive refresh rates scaling up to 120Hz for fluid scrolling and animations.
  • Dimensions and Form: The Galaxy S25+ features a slightly more compact 6.7-inch flat screen, whereas the Galaxy S26 Ultra expands to a larger 6.9-inch canvas with subtly squared corners.
  • Outdoor Visibility: Peak brightness outputs ensure contents remain legible even when used directly beneath strong daylight conditions.

Resolution

1440x3120

1440x3120

Audiovisual

Photography and video capture configurations on both devices deliver reliable results across diverse lighting environments, featuring high-resolution main sensors and optical image stabilization.

  • Lens Versatility: The Galaxy S25+ utilizes a triple-camera array covering wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto perspectives, while the Galaxy S26 Ultra adds expanded optical zoom capabilities for distant subjects.
  • Low-Light Performance: Advanced image processing algorithms reduce noise in dim settings on both phones, capturing balanced exposures during night photography.
  • Media Output: High-definition video recording features stable motion compensation, clear internal microphone pickup, and balanced stereo loudspeaker output for playback.

Miscellaneous

Physical handling characteristics and connectivity standards differ noticeably between the two variants, influencing how they sit in the hand and interact with accessories.

  • Dimensions and Weight: The Galaxy S25+ offers a lighter, more pocket-friendly profile at 190 grams, whereas the Galaxy S26 Ultra weighs 214 grams and features a wider chassis to accommodate its built-in stylus silo.
  • Connectivity: Both models support current-generation 5G networks, rapid Wi-Fi standards, and Bluetooth pairing protocols for wireless accessories.
  • Authentication: In-display fingerprint sensors and facial recognition options provide secure biometric unlocking on both devices.

Weight

190 oz

214 oz

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.9

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

What the community thinks

Community discussions on platforms like Reddit highlight that users frequently praise the Galaxy S25+ for its comfortable ergonomics, manageable weight, and everyday speed, though some note its battery capacity requires daily attention during heavy navigation use. Conversely, owners of the Galaxy S26 Ultra often commend its expansive display space, versatile zoom photography, and productivity-oriented stylus integration, while occasional criticisms focus on its large physical footprint and heavier pocket weight. Users prioritizing a lighter, more traditional smartphone footprint will find the Galaxy S25+ well-suited to their needs, while those requiring a larger canvas and advanced telephoto capabilities may lean toward the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Selecting a quality-assured refurbished option through platforms like Back Market provides an eco-friendly way to access these advanced mobile technologies while reducing electronic waste.