I've lived with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra for a year, and here's my verdict on its successor, the S26 Ultra.
As Samsung gears up to unveil its flagship smartphone for 2026, it's time to reflect on the Galaxy S25 Ultra's performance and what it means for the upcoming S26 Ultra. Having spent a significant amount of time with the S25 Ultra, I can confidently say it set a high standard for other flagship releases, including Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Max.
But here's the twist: In my comparison of the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Galaxy S25 Ultra, Apple's device took the lead in battery life and performance, thanks to its A19 Pro chip. However, the real surprise was the iPhone's camera prowess, which outshone the versatile quadruple camera system of the S25 Ultra. This is evident in my 200-photo shootout, where the iPhone's low-light performance was unmatched.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra, however, shines in software with its One UI 7 and Galaxy AI features, offering a more comprehensive package than Apple's. It also excels in productivity with Samsung DeX and multitasking capabilities. But can it keep up with the competition?
Predictions for the S26 Ultra: Samsung must find a way to surpass Apple's flagship. Rumors suggest a faster f/1.4 aperture for the main camera, enhancing low-light photography. Additionally, an upgraded 3x telephoto camera is expected. I anticipate significant improvements with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, but will these upgrades be enough?
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. Pixel 10 Pro XL: Google's approach to hardware upgrades was more subtle, focusing on AI enhancements. The S25 Ultra impressed with features like Cross App Actions and Now Brief, but Google went further with Ask Photos, Pro Res Zoom, and Pixel Screenshots. The S25 Ultra still held its own in the camera department, but Google's AI-driven features were a standout.
Predictions: The S26 Ultra could benefit from more AI integration, especially in photo and video editing. Google has set a high bar with its intuitive and realistic AI editing tools.
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. OnePlus 15: OnePlus made a bold move by releasing its flagship at the end of 2025, showcasing the power of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. The OnePlus 15 outperformed the S25 Ultra in almost every category, particularly battery life, thanks to the chip's efficiency and new carbon-silicon battery technology. Despite OnePlus's AI advancements, the S25 Ultra remains superior in AI-assisted photo editing and generative AI features like Portrait Studio and Sketch to Image.
Predictions: The S26 Ultra is expected to be a powerhouse, potentially rivaling the OnePlus 15. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen's impact on battery life is promising, but will Samsung adopt carbon-silicone batteries to further enhance performance?
As we await the S26 Ultra's release, the question remains: Can Samsung reclaim the top spot in the smartphone arena? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
