Samsung Galaxy S26 vs. Galaxy S25: What’s changed and which one should you buy?

Engadget

by Georgie Peru

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The Samsung Galaxy S26 arrives as a refined version of its predecessor, the Galaxy S25, offering incremental updates rather than a complete overhaul. While both phones share similar compact designs, high-refresh AMOLED displays, and camera setups, the S26 introduces a larger 4,300mAh battery, newer Android 16 with One UI 8.5 out of the box, and starts at a higher price point of $899.99 compared to the S25’s $799.99. These updates make the S26 a more future-proof choice for those looking to upgrade from older models or starting fresh. In terms of design and performance, both phones feature sleek aluminum frames, IP68 water and dust resistance, and powerful Snapdragon chipsets paired with 12GB of RAM. Their displays are equally impressive, with Samsung’s Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels delivering vibrant colors and smooth adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz. The S25 and S26 also share similar camera hardware, including a 50MP main sensor, 12MP ultrawide lens, and 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. While image quality remains consistent, the S26 may see slight improvements in processing for better photo clarity. The S26’s notable upgrades lie in battery life and software. With a 4,300mAh battery, it offers marginally longer endurance compared to the S25’s 4,000mAh unit. On the software front, the S26 debuts Android 16 alongside enhanced AI features like Document Scan for organizing scans and smarter search capabilities through Google’s multi-object recognition. These updates position the S26 as a safer long-term investment, though existing S25 owners may find little incentive to upgrade unless they need the larger battery or newer software. For those deciding between the two, the choice hinges on budget and future-proofing. While the S25 remains a strong contender

Verticals

techconsumer-tech

Originally published on Engadget on 2/25/2026