Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra remains a top-tier smartphone, but despite current discounts, it’s not the best time to buy. With its successor just months away, rushing into a purchase now means missing out on significant improvements. Here’s why waiting for the S26 Ultra is the more sensible move.
The Upgrade Cycle: Why Patience Pays
The Galaxy S25 Ultra launched 10 months ago and competes directly with flagships like the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Pixel 10 Pro XL. While it earned a CNET Editors’ Choice Award, the incremental nature of this year’s upgrade means that the S26 Ultra will likely deliver more substantial changes. The smartphone market moves quickly, and waiting just a few months can yield a superior device.
1. A More Comfortable Design
The S25 Ultra, though powerful, suffers from ergonomic issues. Its flat sides and corners make it uncomfortable to hold for extended periods. Rumors suggest the S26 Ultra will address this with curvier corners and a slightly thinner profile (7.9mm vs. 8.2mm for the S25 Ultra). These seemingly small adjustments can significantly improve user experience, making it one of the most comfortable large-screen phones available. The industry is pushing toward more refined designs, and Samsung appears to be listening.
2. Display Enhancements: Beyond the Best
The S25 Ultra already boasts an exceptional display, arguably the best on the market. However, Samsung isn’t stopping there. The S26 Ultra is expected to integrate new M14 OLED panels, potentially borrowed from the iPhone 16/17 series, for brighter, more efficient performance. More importantly, a rumored “Flex Magic Pixel” feature could introduce AI-powered privacy control, dynamically adjusting viewing angles to prevent screen peeping in public. This addresses a real-world usability concern that current screen protectors only partially solve.
3. Camera Upgrades: Small Tweaks, Real Impact
The S25 Ultra’s camera relies heavily on software optimization, with only minor hardware changes over the past two years. The S26 Ultra, however, is rumored to bring improvements to the main sensor with a wider f/1.4 aperture (vs. f/1.7 on the S25 Ultra) for better low-light performance. Additionally, upgrades to the telephoto lenses, including a potential 12-megapixel Isocell S5K3LD sensor and a wider f/2.9 aperture on the 5x periscope zoom, could offer noticeable improvements in image quality. These may seem incremental, but they represent a meaningful step forward.
Other Improvements on the Horizon
Beyond the core features, the S26 Ultra is also expected to include faster 60-watt charging, potentially paired with the same 5,000-mAh battery. The device could also feature a dual-chip strategy, using either the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 or Exynos 2600 depending on the region, along with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage.
In conclusion, while a discounted Galaxy S25 Ultra might seem tempting, the S26 Ultra promises a more refined, functional, and technologically advanced experience. Waiting a few months could save you from settling for an outdated flagship and ensure you get the best possible smartphone experience.
