Samsung Galaxy S25+ vs Samsung Galaxy S26+
Smartphones comparison: specs, VersusAnything Score, key differences and a clear recommendation.
Choosing between Samsung Galaxy S25+ and Samsung Galaxy S26+ comes up constantly, so we ran both through the same 15-row comparison and our category scoring. The Galaxy S25+ scales the S25 up to a 6.7-inch QHD+ display, a 4,900 mAh battery and 45 W charging. The Galaxy S26+ pairs a 6.7-inch QHD+ display with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, 4,900 mAh battery and 45 W charging at a $1,099 starting price.
Quick verdict
The scores are effectively level (63 to 61), so this comes down to fit. Galaxy S25+ is the better choice for people who want a big-screen Samsung without paying Ultra money; Galaxy S26+ suits people who want a big Samsung screen without the Ultra's size and price.
VersusAnything Score
Scores are calculated from measurable specifications normalised within the smartphones category and weighted by the factors above. Text-only rows (such as chipset or operating system) are explained but not scored. How the score works.
Side-by-side overview
Samsung Galaxy S25+
The Galaxy S25+ scales the S25 up to a 6.7-inch QHD+ display, a 4,900 mAh battery and 45 W charging.
Best for people who want a big-screen Samsung without paying Ultra money
Samsung Galaxy S26+
The Galaxy S26+ pairs a 6.7-inch QHD+ display with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, 4,900 mAh battery and 45 W charging at a $1,099 starting price.
Best for people who want a big Samsung screen without the Ultra's size and price
Key differences
- Chipset: Galaxy S25+ Snapdragon 8 Elite vs Galaxy S26+ Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 — a preference, not a scored win
- Operating system: Galaxy S25+ Android (One UI) vs Galaxy S26+ Android 16 (One UI 8.5) — a preference, not a scored win
- Launch price (USD): Galaxy S25+ $999 vs Galaxy S26+ $1,099 — Galaxy S25+ is better here
Specification comparison table
| Specification | Galaxy S25+ | Galaxy S26+ |
|---|---|---|
| Display type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Screen size | 6.7" | 6.7" |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
| RAM | 12 GB | 12 GB |
| Base storage | 256 GB | 256 GB |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 50 MP |
| Rear cameras | Triple (wide + ultrawide + 3x telephoto) | Triple (wide + ultrawide + 3x telephoto) |
| Battery | 4,900 mAh | 4,900 mAh |
| Wired charging | 45 W | 45 W |
| Weight | 190 g | 190 g |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Operating system | Android (One UI) | Android 16 (One UI 8.5) |
| Promised OS updates | 7 years | 7 years |
| Launch price (USD) | $999 | $1,099 |
Display: Galaxy S25+ vs Galaxy S26+ Score: Galaxy S25+ 52 · Galaxy S26+ 52
Display type is identical at Dynamic AMOLED 2X. On screen size the two match exactly (6.7").
Both list 120 Hz for refresh rate, so nothing separates them here.
Performance: Galaxy S25+ vs Galaxy S26+ Score: Galaxy S25+ 60 · Galaxy S26+ 60
For chipset, Galaxy S25+ uses Snapdragon 8 Elite whereas Galaxy S26+ goes with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. This is a preference rather than a scored win: the chipset sets the ceiling for gaming, AI features and long-term speed. On RAM the two match exactly (12 GB).
Both list 256 GB for base storage, so nothing separates them here.
Camera: Galaxy S25+ vs Galaxy S26+ Score: Galaxy S25+ 62 · Galaxy S26+ 62
Main camera is identical at 50 MP.
Rear cameras is identical at Triple (wide + ultrawide + 3x telephoto).
Battery: Galaxy S25+ vs Galaxy S26+ Score: Galaxy S25+ 71 · Galaxy S26+ 71
On battery the two match exactly (4,900 mAh).
On wired charging the two match exactly (45 W).
Design: Galaxy S25+ vs Galaxy S26+ Score: Galaxy S25+ 69 · Galaxy S26+ 69
Weight is identical at 190 g.
Both list IP68 for water resistance, so nothing separates them here.
Software: Galaxy S25+ vs Galaxy S26+ Score: Galaxy S25+ 72 · Galaxy S26+ 72
For operating system, Galaxy S25+ uses Android (One UI) whereas Galaxy S26+ goes with Android 16 (One UI 8.5). This is a preference rather than a scored win: the OS decides your app ecosystem and how the phone fits with your other devices.
On promised OS updates the two match exactly (7 years).
Value: Galaxy S25+ vs Galaxy S26+ Score: Galaxy S25+ 56 · Galaxy S26+ 39
Galaxy S25+ is better on launch price (USD) at $999 against $1,099, a $100 difference; lower is better because the launch price is the fairest baseline because street prices vary by region.
Pros and cons
Galaxy S25+
Pros
- QHD+ 6.7-inch display
- 45 W fast charging
- 256 GB base storage
- Better launch price (USD) ($999)
Cons
- No scored row lost in this matchup
Galaxy S26+
Pros
- 6.7-inch QHD+ display
- 45 W charging
- Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
- Better launch price (USD) ($1,099)
Cons
- No scored row lost in this matchup
Which one should you buy?
Choose Samsung Galaxy S25+ for…
People who want a big-screen Samsung without paying Ultra money. It stands out for qhd+ 6.7-inch display, 45 w fast charging, 256 gb base storage.
Choose Samsung Galaxy S26+ for…
People who want a big Samsung screen without the Ultra's size and price. It stands out for 6.7-inch qhd+ display, 45 w charging, snapdragon 8 elite gen 5.
Final verdict
With VersusAnything Scores of 63 and 61, neither phone has a meaningful overall lead. Decide on the rows you will feel daily: Galaxy S25+ for people who want a big-screen Samsung without paying Ultra money, Galaxy S26+ for people who want a big Samsung screen without the Ultra's size and price. The VersusAnything Score is a transparent starting point, not a command; weight the rows you care about and the right answer for you may differ.
Compare with another phone
Frequently asked questions
Is Galaxy S25+ better than Galaxy S26+?
Not overall: they score 63 and 61 on our category weighting, which we treat as level. Galaxy S25+ is the better fit for people who want a big-screen Samsung without paying Ultra money, and Galaxy S26+ for people who want a big Samsung screen without the Ultra's size and price.
What is the biggest difference between Galaxy S25+ and Galaxy S26+?
The largest gap is chipset: Galaxy S25+ lists Snapdragon 8 Elite while Galaxy S26+ lists Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. The chipset sets the ceiling for gaming, AI features and long-term speed.
Which is cheaper, Galaxy S25+ or Galaxy S26+?
Galaxy S25+ is cheaper on launch price (USD): $999 against $1,099 for Galaxy S26+. Street prices vary by country and retailer, so check current offers.
Who should choose Galaxy S26+ over Galaxy S25+?
Galaxy S26+ is the better fit for people who want a big Samsung screen without the Ultra's size and price. Its strongest points are 6.7-inch qhd+ display, 45 w charging, snapdragon 8 elite gen 5.
Sources
- Galaxy S25+: Samsung product page (manufacturer)
- Galaxy S26+: Samsung Galaxy S26+ page (manufacturer)
Specifications last verified: 2026-10-01. Prices are launch or official list prices in US dollars unless stated. See our sources and data policy.