Comparison
Galaxy S25 vs Galaxy S26: Is the New One Worth It?
The Galaxy S26 is a small but real upgrade: a newer Snapdragon chip, a bigger 4300 mAh battery, a slightly bigger 6.3-inch screen and 256GB to start. The S25 has the same cameras and charging and is still a strong pick.
Buy the Galaxy S26 if you want the newest compact Galaxy with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, a bigger battery and 256GB of storage as standard. Buy the Galaxy S25 if you want the same cameras, the same 25W charging and Galaxy AI in a lighter phone.
You want the longest battery life in a small Galaxy
You want 256GB as standard
You want the newest chip and longest support
You like a slightly bigger screen
You want a compact flagship
You are happy with 128GB or 256GB
You want the lightest phone of the two
You don't need the newest chip
Skip both if: you want a big screen or 5x zoom. Look at the Galaxy S26+ or S26 Ultra.
The short version
The Galaxy S25 and S26 are Samsung's compact flagships, and they are very close. Both have a 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen at 2600 nits peak, a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultra wide, a 10MP 3x telephoto, a 12MP selfie camera, 12GB of RAM, 25W wired charging, wireless charging, IP68 and seven major Android updates.
The S26 changes four things. It uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy. Its battery grows from 4000 to 4300 mAh, which Samsung says adds two hours of video playback. The screen grows from 6.2 to 6.3 inches. And it starts at 256GB, while the Canadian S25 started at 128GB.
What's different
See every spec side by side
| Galaxy S25 | Galaxy S26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Released | February 2025 | March 2026 |
| Screen | 6.2" FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X | 6.3" FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Refresh rate | 1 to 120Hz | 1 to 120Hz |
| Peak brightness | 2600 nits | 2600 nits |
| Chip (Canada) | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB |
| Storage (Canada) | 128GB, 256GB | 256GB, 512GB |
| Main camera | 50MP | 50MP |
| Ultra wide | 12MP | 12MP |
| Telephoto | 10MP, 3x optical | 10MP, 3x optical |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Battery | 4000 mAh | 4300 mAh |
| Video playback | Up to 29 hours | Up to 31 hours |
| Wired charging | 25W, about 50% in 30 min | 25W, up to 55% in about 30 min |
| Wireless charging | Yes, plus Wireless PowerShare | Yes, plus Wireless PowerShare |
| Size | 146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2 mm | 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm |
| Weight | 162 g | 167 g |
| Launched with | Android 15 | Android 16, One UI 8.5 |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Refurbished price | From $659.99 | From $1,509.99 |
Performance
In Canada, both phones use Snapdragon chips made for Galaxy.
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The S25 has the Snapdragon 8 Elite and the S26 has the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Samsung also tuned the S26 display processing, with a ProScaler upgrade and an mDNIe engine it says has four times the precision, for sharper and more lifelike images.
Both are very fast phones. Apps, photos and games run smoothly on either. The S26 has more headroom for long gaming sessions and on-device Galaxy AI. Note that outside North America, many S26 models use the Exynos 2600 instead, so check the model if you buy one from abroad.
Battery life and charging
Samsung rates the S26 at up to 31 hours of video playback and the S25 at up to 29 hours.
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The S26 battery is 4300 mAh against 4000 mAh. For a small phone, that extra capacity helps on long days.
Charging is the same 25W wired on both. Samsung quotes up to 55% in about 30 minutes for the S26. Both support wireless charging and Wireless PowerShare for topping up earbuds or a watch. Power adapters are sold separately.
Cameras
The rear camera hardware is the same on paper: a 50MP main camera with OIS, a 12MP ultra wide and a 10MP 3x telephoto.
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The selfie camera is 12MP on both.
The S26 adds newer camera software, including a Horizon Lock option for steadier video and improved AI photo editing with Photo Assist. For most people, photos from the two will look very similar.
Size and design
The S26 is a little taller and wider, 149.6 by 71.7 mm against 146.9 by 70.5 mm, and weighs 167 g against 162 g.
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Both are 7.2 mm thin. Both are still easy to use with one hand, which is the main reason to buy a base Galaxy S.
The S26 has a new camera island design on the back. Both have aluminum frames, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and IP68. Cases are not interchangeable.
Storage and software support
The S26 starts at 256GB in Canada.
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The S25 came in 128GB or 256GB. If you shoot a lot of video, skip the 128GB S25.
Samsung promises up to seven major Android updates on both. The S26 launched a year later on Android 16, so it will be supported for about a year longer.
Price range
Refurbished, the Galaxy S25 starts at $659.99 and the Galaxy S26 starts at $1,509.99. Higher storage and better grades cost more. Prices on this page update live from our store.
Browse the Galaxy S25 series and Galaxy S26 series. Upgrading from an older Galaxy? You can sell or trade it in.
Should you buy new or refurbished?
With up to seven years of Android updates, a refurbished S25 or S26 has plenty of life ahead.
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Every phone we sell is inspected and tested, unlocked, and backed by up to a 1-year warranty and 14-day returns. Grades describe looks only. Read new vs used vs refurbished to learn more.
Still choosing? Our buying guides: best phones in Canada, best camera phones, best battery life and best phones for seniors.
FAQ
Is the Galaxy S26 worth upgrading to from the S25?
For most S25 owners, no. The cameras, charging and design are very similar. The S26 is worth it if you are coming from an older phone and want the longest support, the bigger battery and 256GB as standard.
Does the Canadian Galaxy S26 use Snapdragon or Exynos?
Samsung Canada lists the Galaxy S26 and S26+ with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy. Many other markets get the Exynos 2600.
Does the Galaxy S26 have better battery life than the S25?
Yes. It has a 4300 mAh battery against 4000 mAh, and Samsung rates it at up to 31 hours of video playback against 29 hours.
Do the S25 and S26 have the same cameras?
The hardware is the same on paper: 50MP main, 12MP ultra wide, 10MP 3x telephoto and 12MP front. The S26 has newer camera software features.
Is the Galaxy S26 bigger than the S25?
Slightly. The S26 has a 6.3-inch screen and weighs 167 g. The S25 has a 6.2-inch screen and weighs 162 g.
Still choosing? Read our guide to which Samsung Galaxy to buy.
See them side by side: compare every spec and today's prices by condition, or add a third phone.
Skip the new-phone price
Get the Samsung Galaxy S26 pre-owned from $1,509.99, tested by real technicians with up to a 1-year warranty and 14-day returns.
