New Samsung Phone 2025: Galaxy S25 Ultra vs S26 Ultra Rumors

TL;DR Leader: The Galaxy S25 Ultra is the new Samsung phone for 2025, but its successor is right around the corner. For upgraders with an older Galaxy model it’s a brilliant boost, but for those on the sidelines, waiting for the Galaxy S26 Ultra is the smarter play unless you need a proven camera now.

Official 2025 Flagship: Galaxy S25 Ultra · Display: 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X · Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy · Main Camera: 200 MP · Battery: 5,000 mAh · Starting Price: $1,299.99

The Galaxy S25 Ultra sets a high bar for any new Samsung phone in 2025—but it also casts a long shadow over what’s next. Here’s the data that should drive your decision.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is the most complete phone Samsung has ever made, but the law of diminishing returns applies hard when you’re upgrading from the S24 Ultra.

— Andrew Gebhart, CNET

What is the new Samsung phone coming out in 2025?

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is Samsung’s flagship for 2025. Announced on January 22, 2025, it hit shelves on February 3, 2025, with a 6.9-inch AMOLED display, Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset, and a 200MP main camera (GSMArena). It’s the natural upgrade path for anyone on an S24 Ultra or older, offering a refined, polished experience that’s hard to fault on paper.

But here’s the rub: for anyone on the fence, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is already being tipped for early 2026. The question is whether the S25 Ultra’s immediate availability outweighs the potential (and unconfirmed) benefits of waiting a year.

Is Samsung coming out with a new phone in 2026?

No official announcement exists. Samsung hasn’t confirmed a Galaxy S26 Ultra, let alone a release date. Historically, the Ultra line has launched in January: the S25 Ultra hit on February 3, 2025, and the S24 Ultra on January 17, 2024 (PhoneArena). That pattern suggests a January 2026 launch, but it’s not a promise.

Which is better, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra or the S25 Ultra?

Since the S26 Ultra doesn’t exist yet, the comparison is purely speculative. The S25 Ultra is a confirmed, polished device with a 200MP camera, Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, and 5,000 mAh battery (Tom’s Guide). The S26 Ultra is expected to be an iterative update, with possible camera and battery tweaks—but nothing is confirmed.

The smarter move: if you’re on an S24 Ultra or older, the S25 Ultra is a safe bet. If you’re on an S25 Ultra, the S26 Ultra might be worth waiting for—but only if you’re willing to accept the risk that it might not launch on time or at all.

The implication: your decision hinges on tolerance for uncertainty. Waiting could yield a better phone, but it also means delaying your upgrade for a device that might offer only marginal gains.

Is the S26 Ultra worth the price?

We don’t know the S26 Ultra’s price. However, based on the S25 Ultra’s $1,299.99 starting price (PhoneArena) and Samsung’s own pricing history, the S26 Ultra will likely cost more—possibly $1,200 to $1,400 for the base model. That’s a lot of money for a device that doesn’t exist yet.

What you’re paying for with the S25 Ultra: a proven flagship with top-tier specs and a camera that’s among the best on the market (TechRadar). With the S26 Ultra, you’re paying for potential—and potential isn’t a product.

The catch: your wallet decides. If you can afford to wait and pay a premium for unconfirmed upgrades, the S26 Ultra could be worth it. If not, the S25 Ultra delivers proven performance now.

What are the downsides of the Galaxy S26 Ultra?

Even though the S26 Ultra isn’t out, we can already anticipate issues based on the S25 Ultra’s design and market trends. Common criticisms of recent Samsung flagships include heavy weight (the S25 Ultra weighs 218g), lack of a headphone jack, and escalating prices (GSMArena). Early adopters also face the classic “new model” tax: you pay full price for minor updates. Professional reviews of the S25 Ultra highlight its strengths but also note the diminishing returns for anyone upgrading yearly (Tom’s Guide).

What this means: the S26 Ultra, if it arrives, will likely address some of these complaints—but not all. Weight and price won’t drop dramatically. The smarter play is to weigh your patience against your wallet.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. S26 Ultra: Key specs compared

The pattern is iterative—here’s how the official S25 Ultra stacks up against the rumored S26 Ultra.

The takeaway: Samsung iterates, but the core experience stays polished. The S25 Ultra is already overkill for most users, and the S26 Ultra will likely be more of the same—not a reinvented wheel.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. S24 Ultra: Should you upgrade?

If you’re on an S24 Ultra, the S25 Ultra is a meaningful upgrade: the new Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy is notably faster, and the 200MP camera is sharper in low light. But if you’re happy with your current phone, the differences are minor—the S25 Ultra’s design is sleeker, and the AI features are more refined, but nothing groundbreaking.

Is there a better phone than the Samsung S26 Ultra?

Since the S26 Ultra doesn’t exist, the question is really about the S25 Ultra. Competing flagships like the iPhone 16 Pro Max offer similar specs, but the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s camera—with its 200MP sensor and dedicated telephoto—has a slight edge in versatility (Tom’s Guide). The S25 Ultra also has a sturdier build with Gorilla Glass Armor and four years of OS updates, making it a long-term investment.

Is the S25 Ultra worth it for the camera?

The camera is the S25 Ultra’s strongest selling point. The 200MP main sensor captures incredible detail, while the 50MP 5x telephoto and 10MP 3x telephoto deliver sharp, versatile zoom shots (Tom’s Guide). For content creators or photography enthusiasts, this is a strong reason to buy now rather than wait. But if you’re a casual snapper, the S24 Ultra’s camera is still excellent—and you’ll save money by skipping the year-over-year upgrade.

How does the S25 Ultra compare to the S26 Ultra? The bottom line

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is the best Samsung phone for 2025. It’s fast, durable, and takes stunning photos. But the S26 Ultra is the elephant in the room: it’s rumored for a 2026 release, and while specs remain unconfirmed, the promise of a bigger battery or better AI features might tempt patient buyers.

The choice is really about timing. If you need a phone now, the S25 Ultra is a fantastic pick. If you can wait, maybe set a reminder for January 2026—but be ready for the possibility that the S26 Ultra’s improvements are incremental, not revolutionary.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. S26 Ultra: A buyer’s guide for 2025

Samsung’s 2025 lineup is solid, but the S25 Ultra is the only confirmed option. If you’re comparing it to the S26 Ultra, you’re comparing a device that exists to one that doesn’t. The real question is: how patient are you?

• Buy the S25 Ultra now if you need a new phone immediately or want the best camera on the market.
• Wait for the S26 Ultra if you’re happy with your current phone and can hold out for a potential camera or battery improvement.
• Consider the S25 Ultra if you’re on a budget—it may drop in price once the S26 is announced.

One final note: don’t let rumors dictate your purchase. Samsung’s release cycle is predictable, but nothing is guaranteed. The S25 Ultra is a proven winner, and it’s available today.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

If you’re still torn between the S25 and S26 Ultra, check out our Galaxy S25 Ultra vs S26 Ultra comparison for spec-by-spec details. For a deeper look at the new Samsung phone 2025 lineup, see our guide to new Samsung phone 2025 specs and pricing.

And if you’re still on the fence, remember: the S25 Ultra is the best Samsung phone for 2025 to buy today. The S26 Ultra is a rumor, not a product. Don’t let a rumor cost you a year of enjoyment.