I spent a year with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra — here's what I want to see from the Galaxy S26 Ultra
Samsung is set to unveil its 2026 flagship device soon, and before the Galaxy S26 Ultra earns its place on our best phones list, it's worth reflecting on the Galaxy S25 Ultra's performance. I've spent nearly a year with the S25 Ultra, making it an ideal benchmark for Samsung's upcoming release. Despite being one of the first flagship models of 2025, it set a high bar for all subsequent releases, including Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Max.
In my iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Galaxy S25 Ultra comparison, I highlighted Apple's significant leap in battery life and performance with the A19 Pro chip. However, I was more impressed by the iPhone 17 Pro Max's camera performance. While the Galaxy S25 Ultra's quadruple camera system is versatile, the iPhone 17 Pro Max's focus on quality outshone it, as demonstrated in my 200-photo shootout.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra excels in software with One UI 7 and robust Galaxy AI features, a stark contrast to Apple's Intelligence features. It also boosts productivity with features like Samsung DeX and multitasking capabilities. For the S26 Ultra, Samsung must address areas of improvement to surpass Apple's flagship.
Predictions include a faster f/1.4 aperture for the main camera, enhancing low-light performance, and an upgraded 3x telephoto camera. I anticipate significant improvements with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, benefiting both battery life and performance. These enhancements should also extend to models with the Exynos 2600.
In comparison to the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL, the Galaxy S25 Ultra's AI features, such as Cross App Actions and Now Brief, fell short. Google's Ask Photos, Pro Res Zoom, and Pixel Screenshots outperformed Samsung's offerings. However, the Galaxy S25 Ultra's 200MP main camera and Samsung DeX still hold advantages.
The OnePlus 15, equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, outperformed the Galaxy S25 Ultra in battery life, lasting 25 hours and 13 minutes compared to Samsung's 14 hours and 27 minutes. While OnePlus lags in AI features, the Galaxy S26 Ultra may surpass it in battery life and performance with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
John, a senior editor at Tom's Guide, has extensive experience in mobile phones and gadgets, having covered them since 2008. He also produces YouTube videos, showcasing his versatility in both editorial and videography roles.
