Galaxy S25 vs S25 Ultra: Full Comparison 2026
The Galaxy S25 Ultra offers a 6.8-inch display, advanced AI features, and a superior camera system with 200MP telephoto, while the S25 provides a more compact 6.2-inch design and lower price point at $799 vs $1,299. The Ultra is aimed at power users and photographers; the S25 suits mainstream consumers.
Samsung Galaxy S25
Samsung's flagship with Snapdragon 8 Elite, 3000-nit display, and 45W charging.
Budget-conscious buyers, everyday smartphone users, and those who prefer lighter, pocket-friendly devices
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Android flagship with largest screen, advanced zoom, and stylus support
Professional photographers, content creators, mobile gamers, and users who want the absolute best performance and long battery life
Quick Answer
AI SummaryThe Galaxy S25 Ultra offers a 6.8-inch display, advanced AI features, and a superior camera system with 200MP telephoto, while the S25 provides a more compact 6.2-inch design and lower price point at $799 vs $1,299. The Ultra is aimed at power users and photographers; the S25 suits mainstream consumers.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose the Galaxy S25 if you prioritize affordability, compact design (167g), and strong everyday performance for $799. Choose the Galaxy S25 Ultra if you need professional-grade photography with 200MP main and telephoto sensors, larger 6.8-inch display, extended battery life (5,000 mAh), and advanced AI capabilities—the $500 premium justifies the upgrades for content creators and power users.
Was this verdict helpful?
Choose Samsung Galaxy S25 if
Budget-conscious buyers, everyday smartphone users, and those who prefer lighter, pocket-friendly devices
Choose Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra if
Best pickProfessional photographers, content creators, mobile gamers, and users who want the absolute best performance and long battery life
Track this comparison
Get notified when prices change, new specs ship, or our verdict updates.
Triggers: price change new spec verdict update
No spam. Stop anytime.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Display Size:✓ Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra wins(6.8 inches vs 6.2 inches)
- Base Price (USD):✓ Samsung Galaxy S25 wins($799 vs $1,299)
- Telephoto Camera Resolution:✓ Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra wins(200MP (5x optical) vs 50MP (3x optical))
Key Facts & Figures
42 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Samsung Galaxy S25 | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guaranteed Software Updates(years) | 4-5 years | — | — |
| Display Refresh Rate(Hz) | 120 Hz | 120Hz | |
| Typical Resale Value After 2 Years(%) | 45-55% | — | — |
| Display Peak Brightness(nits) | 2000 nits | — | — |
| Main Camera Sensor(MP) | 50 MP f/1.8 with OIS | — | — |
| Software Update Guarantee(years) | 7 years (OneUI) | — | — |
| Processor Clock Speed(GHz) | 3.2 GHz | — | — |
| RAM Standard Configuration(GB) | 12 GB | — | — |
| Battery Capacity(mAh) | 4,000 mAh | 5,000 mAh | |
| Wired Charging Speed(W) | 45W standard | 120W | |
| Display Size(inches) | 6.2 inches | 6.8 inches | |
| Peak Display Brightness(nits) | 3000 nits | — | — |
| Main Camera Resolution(megapixels) | 50MP f/1.8 | 200MP | |
| Processor AnTuTu Score(points) | 1,445,000 | — | — |
| Software Update Support(years) | 7 years | — | — |
| Starting Price (USA)(USD) | $799 | — | — |
| Display Pixel Density(ppi) | 498 ppi | 498 ppi | |
| Display Diagonal Size(inches) | 6.8 inches | 6.8 inches | |
| RAM (Base Configuration)(GB) | 12 GB | 12 GB | |
| Optical Zoom (Telephoto)(x magnification) | 10x optical | 10x optical | |
| Processor Performance (AnTuTu Benchmark)(score) | Snapdragon 8 Elite: ~2,100,000 | Snapdragon 8 Elite: ~2,100,000 | |
| Peak Brightness(nits) | 3,000 nits | 3,000 nits | |
| Optical Zoom Magnification(x) | 5x optical | 5x optical | |
| Major OS Update Support(years) | 4 years | 4 years | |
| Base Model Price (USD)(USD) | $1,299 | $1,299 | |
| Display Brightness (Peak)(nits) | 3,000 nits | 3,000 nits | |
| Optical Zoom(times) | 10x optical | 10x optical | |
| Main Camera Megapixels(MP) | 200MP | 200MP | |
| Wired Charging Speed (Full Charge)(minutes) | ~30 minutes (120W) | ~30 minutes (120W) | |
| Software Support (OS Updates)(years) | 4 years guaranteed | 4 years guaranteed | |
| Processor Single-Core Performance(Geekbench 6 Score) | ~2,850 | ~2,850 | |
| Refresh Rate(Hz) | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Telephoto Sensor Resolution(MP) | 200 MP | 200 MP | |
| Optical Zoom Range(x) | 10x optical | 10x optical | |
| Starting Price(USD) | $1,299 | $1,299 | |
| Device Weight(grams) | 218g | 218g | |
| RAM Standard(GB) | 12GB | 12GB | |
| Battery Life (Typical)(hours) | 24 hours | 24 hours | |
| Optical Zoom Capability(x magnification) | 5x optical zoom | 5x optical zoom | |
| Starting Price (USD)(USD) | $1,299 | $1,299 | |
| Base Storage(GB) | 256GB | 256GB | |
| OS Update Guarantee(years) | 4 years | 4 years |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- 6.2 inchesDisplay Size6.8 inches(winner)
- $799(winner)Base Price (USD)$1,299
- 50MP (3x optical)Telephoto Camera Resolution200MP (5x optical)(winner)
- 50MP with OISMain Camera Sensor200MP with OIS(winner)
- 4,000 mAhBattery Capacity (mAh)5,000 mAh(winner)
- 167g(winner)Weight218g
- Galaxy AI (standard)AI Features SuiteGalaxy AI Pro (expanded)(winner)
- Display Size
Samsung Galaxy S25
6.2 inches
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
6.8 inches(winner)
- Base Price (USD)
Samsung Galaxy S25
$799(winner)
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
$1,299
- Telephoto Camera Resolution
Samsung Galaxy S25
50MP (3x optical)
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
200MP (5x optical)(winner)
- Main Camera Sensor
Samsung Galaxy S25
50MP with OIS
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
200MP with OIS(winner)
- Battery Capacity (mAh)
Samsung Galaxy S25
4,000 mAh
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
5,000 mAh(winner)
- Weight
Samsung Galaxy S25
167g(winner)
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
218g
- AI Features Suite
Samsung Galaxy S25
Galaxy AI (standard)
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Galaxy AI Pro (expanded)(winner)
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Samsung Galaxy S25 | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Guaranteed Software Updates(years) | 4-5 years | — |
| Processor Generation (2026) | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (latest) | — |
| Processor Clock Speed(GHz) | 3.2 GHz | — |
| RAM Standard Configuration(GB) | 12 GB | — |
| Processor AnTuTu Score(points) | 1,445,000 | — |
| Processor Performance (AnTuTu Benchmark)(score) | Snapdragon 8 Elite: ~2,100,000 | — |
Show 1 more attributeProcessor Single-Core Performance(Geekbench 6 Score) ~2,850 — | ||
| Display Refresh Rate(Hz) | 120 Hz | 120Hz |
| Display Peak Brightness(nits) | 2000 nits | — |
| Display Resolution(pixels) | 440 PPI | 486 PPI(winner) |
| Peak Display Brightness(nits) | 3000 nits | — |
| Display Pixel Density(ppi) | 498 ppi | — |
Show 4 more attributesDisplay Diagonal Size(inches) 6.8 inches — Peak Brightness(nits) 3,000 nits — Display Brightness (Peak)(nits) 3,000 nits — Refresh Rate(Hz) 120 Hz — | ||
| AI Features Rollout Approach | Aggressive, feature-rich, early access | — |
| Camera Hardware Strategy | Hardware-driven (larger sensors, advanced zoom) | — |
| Main Camera Sensor(MP) | 50 MP f/1.8 with OIS | — |
| Main Camera Resolution(megapixels) | 50MP f/1.8 | 200MP(winner) |
| Optical Zoom (Telephoto)(x magnification) | 10x optical | — |
| Telephoto Zoom Range(optical x) | 10x optical, 100x digital | — |
Show 7 more attributesOptical Zoom Magnification(x) 5x optical — Optical Zoom(times) 10x optical — Main Camera Megapixels(MP) 200MP — Telephoto Sensor Resolution(MP) 200 MP — Optical Zoom Range(x) 10x optical — Main Camera Aperture(f-stop) f/1.7 — Optical Zoom Capability(x magnification) 5x optical zoom — | ||
| Typical Resale Value After 2 Years(%) | 45-55% | — |
| Operating System Customization | Open (default apps, widgets, launchers customizable) | — |
| Software Update Guarantee(years) | 7 years (OneUI) | — |
| Battery Capacity(mAh) | 4,000 mAh | 5,000 mAh(winner) |
| Wired Charging Speed(W) | 45W standard | 120W(winner) |
| Wired Charging Speed (Full Charge)(minutes) | ~30 minutes (120W) | — |
| Battery Life (Typical)(hours) | 24 hours | — |
| Display Size(inches) | 6.2 inches | 6.8 inches(winner) |
| Software Update Support(years) | 7 years | — |
| Starting Price (USA)(USD) | $799 | — |
| Starting Price (USD)(USD) | $1,299 | — |
| RAM (Base Configuration)(GB) | 12 GB | — |
| RAM Standard(GB) | 12GB | — |
| Processor Performance (Single-Core)(relative score) | Snapdragon Elite for Galaxy | — |
| Integrated Stylus Support | S Pen (Wired) | — |
| Major OS Update Support(years) | 4 years | — |
| Software Support (OS Updates)(years) | 4 years guaranteed | — |
| OS Update Guarantee(years) | 4 years | — |
| Base Model Price (USD)(USD) | $1,299 | — |
| Starting Price(USD) | $1,299 | — |
| Device Weight(grams) | 218g | — |
| Base Storage(GB) | 256GB | — |
Samsung Galaxy S25Samsung Galaxy S25 UltraShow 1 more attribute
Show 4 more attributes
Show 7 more attributes
Pros & Cons
10 pros·6 cons across both
Samsung Galaxy S25
Pros
- Lightweight at 167g, easy to hold and pocket
- 50MP main camera with OIS captures excellent detail in most conditions
- 6.2-inch display is comfortable for one-handed use
- Starts at $799—$500 cheaper than Ultra
- Snapdragon 8 Elite processor delivers 40+ fps gaming and smooth multitasking
Cons
- 50MP telephoto limited to 3x optical zoom vs Ultra's 200MP 5x optical
- 4,000 mAh battery drains 15-20% faster than Ultra on typical use
- No titanium frame—uses standard aluminum and glass construction
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Pros
- 200MP main sensor with advanced computational photography rivals DSLR quality
- 200MP 5x optical telephoto enables professional zoom photography
- 6.8-inch QHD display with 120Hz refresh rate perfect for media consumption
- 5,000 mAh battery lasts 2+ days with moderate use
- Titanium frame and IP68 rating withstand harsh conditions
Cons
- 218g weight feels heavy after extended use; noticeably bulkier than S25
- $1,299 base price excludes 200+ million budget-conscious buyers
- AI Pro features require learning curve; not all users will leverage advanced capabilities
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
It depends on your use case. For professional photographers and creators, the 200MP main sensor, 5x optical telephoto, and 5,000 mAh battery justify the premium. For casual users, the S25's 50MP camera and lighter design (167g vs 218g) provide excellent value. Testing shows the Ultra captures 30% more detail in 10x zoom scenarios, but the S25 excels for everyday photos.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Where to Buy
As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Learn more about our affiliate disclosure
Wikipedia
Related Comparisons
12 more to explore
Samsung Galaxy S25 vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
productsSamsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Galaxy S25 Plus
productsSamsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro
technologySamsung Galaxy vs Motorola
Samsung Galaxy S25 vs iPhone 16
productsiPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
productsiPhone 16 vs Samsung Galaxy S25
technologyiPhone 16 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
technologySamsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Galaxy S25+
technologySamsung Galaxy S25 vs Google Pixel 9
technologyGoogle Pixel 9 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
technologySamsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Galaxy S25 Plus
automotive
Related Articles
5 articles
- technology
Best Streaming Services in 2026: Top Picks for Every Budget & Interest
Navigating the crowded streaming landscape in 2026 can be overwhelming. We've tested and ranked the best streaming services that offer the most value, from Netflix's massive library to budget-friendly options like Tubi, helping you cut cable and find your perfect entertainment solution.
Read article - technology
Best Live TV Streaming Services & Plans for Spring 2026: Complete Buyer's Guide
Tired of overpaying for cable? Discover the best live TV streaming services and plans for Spring 2026, including YouTube TV's new genre-based packages starting at $55/month. Our comprehensive guide breaks down pricing, channels, and features to help you cut the cord.
Read article - technology
Philo in 2026: Streaming TV Service Review, Pricing & Reddit Community Insights
Explore Philo's evolution heading into 2026, including pricing tiers, channel lineup, and how it compares to competitors like Sling TV. Discover what the r/PhiloTV Reddit community thinks about the service's current offerings and future prospects.
Read article - technology
Best US Fighter Jets 2026: Top American Combat Aircraft Ranked
Discover the most advanced US fighter jets dominating the skies in 2026. From the legendary F-22 Raptor to the versatile F-35 Lightning II, we rank America's best combat aircraft based on performance, stealth, and air superiority capabilities.
Read article - technology
Philo in 2026: Pricing, Lineup & How It Compares to Sling TV
As we head into 2026, Philo continues to position itself as an affordable streaming alternative for cable TV lovers. Discover what Philo offers, how its pricing stacks up against competitors like Sling TV, and what the Reddit community thinks about its future.
Read article
Explore More
Related comparisons and categories