Samsung's Top Phones in 2026: S26 Ultra vs. S25 Value
CNET's 2026 Samsung roundup positions the Galaxy S26 Ultra as the spec-heavy flagship at $1,300 and the prior-year Galaxy S25 as the $800 value alternative.
Glenn Harwood·updated August 11, 2026
The data shows near-identical software capability, similar camera output, and incremental hardware gains as the primary differentiators between the two.
S26 Ultra: dimensional and functional gains
The S26 Ultra measures 7.9mm in thickness and 214g in weight — the thinnest and lightest Ultra on Samsung's spec sheet, per the roundup. Two functional additions separate it from the S25 Ultra. Privacy Display masks selected apps, lock screens, and notification content from lateral viewing without a privacy filter overlay; it can be toggled per-app rather than system-wide. Horizontal Lock holds video horizon orientation through a full 360-degree rotation, producing stabilized footage during movement. Camera hardware carries over from the S25 Ultra. Per-image output variation stems from processing rather than sensor changes.
Charging benchmark
CNET awarded the S26 Ultra its Lab Award for fastest wired charging across 33 phones tested. Published wattage, sustained thermal behavior, and charging curve data are absent from the roundup. Battery capacity figures for the S26 Ultra are not detailed in the source material.
Foldable tier and value floor
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 anchors the clamshell category with a 4.1-inch Super AMOLED cover display at 120Hz, per Android Central. The Galaxy Z Flip 8 entered pre-order with an August 7, 2026 retail date. Samsung's book-style foldables now include the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and a passport-format Galaxy Z Fold 8; the prior Z Fold 7 shares core specifications with the Ultra variant. The Galaxy S25 FE sits at the entry tier for users prioritizing screen size, 5G, and basic camera output over performance ceilings.
Buy/skip matrix
S26 Ultra: buy at $1,300 if stylus input, extended zoom range, and Privacy Display justify the premium. S25 at $800: buy for equivalent daily performance, comparable camera output, and the same software feature set without the surcharge. S25 FE: skip unless the budget ceiling is firm. Z Flip 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra: skip pending post-launch thermal, battery drain, and hinge durability data. Z Flip 7 remains the safer foldable pick until lab results surface.