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Wait! Don't Buy the Galaxy S26 Ultra. This Cheaper Phone Is Just as Good

The S26 Ultra might seem exciting but the older S25 Ultra is almost as good and costs a lot less.

CNET 2 min read 5/10
Wait! Don't Buy the Galaxy S26 Ultra. This Cheaper Phone Is Just as Good
Key Takeaways
  • The Galaxy S25 Ultra currently sells for around $1,099 after discounts, compared to a rumored $1,299 launch price for the S26 Ultra — a $200 savings.
  • Both devices feature a 200MP main camera, 50MP periscope telephoto lens, and similar ultra-wide sensors; no major hardware camera changes expected for the S26 Ultra.
  • The S25 Ultra's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 delivers within 10% of the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 in synthetic benchmarks, making real-world performance differences negligible.
  • Samsung has committed to seven years of OS and security updates for the S25 Ultra, matching the S26 Ultra's support window — both will receive updates through 2031.
  • Carriers like Verizon and T-Mobile are already offering trade-in deals on the S25 Ultra of up to $800 off, further widening the price gap to $400 in some cases.
Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra is shaping up to be this year's most anticipated smartphone, but here's the shocker: it may not be worth the wait — or the extra cash. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, released just a year ago, offers a near-identical experience at a significantly lower price. CNET's latest buying advice flips the upgrade script, telling consumers to save their money and opt for the older model instead. The S26 Ultra isn't even officially announced yet — likely to debut in early 2026 — but hype is already building around incremental improvements like a slightly brighter screen and an upgraded AI photo editor. Meanwhile, the S25 Ultra, with its 200MP camera, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, and S Pen, remains a powerhouse. Retailers have already started discounting the S25 Ultra by up to $200, making it a better value. The core hardware — display, cameras, battery, and performance — is so similar that most users won't notice a difference in day-to-day use. Samsung's seven-year software update promise covers both phones, meaning the S25 Ultra will stay secure and current through 2031. Early leaks suggest the S26 Ultra's main upgrades are a brighter LTPO OLED panel and an enhanced Galaxy AI suite with live translation tweaks, but the fundamental specs — including the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 expected in the S26 Ultra — don't represent a generational leap. Industry watchers note that flagship smartphone innovation has plateaued, with camera improvements becoming marginal and battery tech unchanged. The real action is in software and AI, which Samsung is gradually rolling out to older devices anyway. For budget-conscious buyers and anyone not obsessed with having the very latest model number, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the smarter buy. If you absolutely need the newest chipset or plan to use Samsung's DeX mode intensively, the extra $200 might be justified. But for most people, the Galaxy S25 Ultra vs S26 Ultra debate already has a clear winner: the cheaper phone wins.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to have a brighter LTPO OLED display, a newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor, and enhanced Galaxy AI features. The S25 Ultra shares the same camera setup, S Pen, battery size, and seven-year software support, making the differences mostly incremental.

Yes, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is an excellent buy in 2025. It offers flagship performance, a top-tier camera system, and seven years of software updates. With discounts of up to $200, it provides better value than waiting for the S26 Ultra.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra's MSRP started at $1,299, but current retailer and carrier discounts have driven the price down to around $1,099, with trade-in offers potentially reducing it further to under $1,000.

Samsung typically unveils its Galaxy S Ultra series in early February, with preorders starting the same day and general availability later that month. The S26 Ultra is expected to follow this pattern in 2026.

If you need a phone now or want to maximize value, buy the S25 Ultra. The S26 Ultra's upgrades are minor and don't justify a premium. Only wait if you must have the latest chipset or plan to use upcoming AI features that may not come to older models.

Topics

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra S26 Ultra comparison flagship smartphone value phone buying advice CNET recommendation S25 Ultra price drop

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www.cnet.com

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