The Samsung Galaxy S26 has been officially unveiled, and while it doesn’t represent a dramatic overhaul compared to its predecessor, the S25, several key upgrades and price adjustments set it apart. This article breaks down the core differences between the two models, covering price, design, performance, camera capabilities, and battery life.
Price Comparison
Samsung is increasing the base price for the S26. The S25 started at $799.99 for the 128GB/12GB RAM configuration, whereas the S26 begins at $899.99 for the same storage/RAM setup. The 256GB variant also sees a price increase, moving from $859.99 on the S25 to $959.99 on the S26.
This price hike reflects both market conditions and component costs.
Design and Display
The S26 maintains a similar compact design with flat edges, measuring 71.7 x 149 x 7.2mm and weighing 167 grams. This is slightly thicker and heavier than the S25 (5.84mm thick, 162g). Display-wise, the S26 features a marginally larger 6.3-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, up from the S25’s 6.2-inch display.
The key takeaway: The S26 offers a slightly larger screen in a marginally bulkier package.
Here’s a quick comparison table:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S25 | Samsung Galaxy S26 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.2-inch | 6.3-inch |
| Thickness | 5.84mm | 7.2mm |
| Weight | 162g | 167g |
Performance and Software
The S26 delivers a notable performance boost with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (or Samsung’s Exynos 2600 in some regions). This represents a generational leap over the S25’s Snapdragon 8 Elite, promising better efficiency, sustained performance, and enhanced AI capabilities.
The S26 also ships with Android 16 and One UI 8.5, while the S25 launched with Android 15 (One UI 7).
This upgrade means faster processing and more advanced AI features for the S26.
Camera
The camera setup remains largely unchanged. Both the S26 and S25 feature a 50MP wide lens, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto, and a 12MP front camera. Any improvements will likely come from software optimizations and Samsung’s Galaxy AI enhancements rather than raw hardware upgrades.
Battery and Charging
The S26 features a slightly larger 4,300mAh battery compared to the S25’s 4,000mAh cell. Samsung claims the S26 can reach a 55% charge in 30 minutes, an improvement over the S25.
This modest capacity increase, coupled with software optimizations, should translate to better real-world battery life.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is an iterative upgrade over the S25. While the design remains familiar, the improved processor, larger battery, and software enhancements make it a compelling choice for users looking for a performance boost. The price increase is noticeable, but the S26 delivers a refined experience that builds on the strengths of its predecessor.
