A year with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: What's next for the S26 Ultra?
I've had an entire year to intimately explore the capabilities of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, and now, with the upcoming release of its successor, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, I'm eager to share my insights. As a seasoned reviewer, I'm here to guide you through the highs and lows of this flagship device and what I believe Samsung should focus on for its next big release.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: A 2025 Flagship Benchmark
The Galaxy S25 Ultra was one of the earliest flagship models to hit the market in 2025, and it set a high standard for its competitors. I've spent a significant amount of time with this device, and I can confidently say that it has held its own against some of the biggest names in the smartphone industry. But here's where it gets controversial: how does it fare against the iPhone 17 Pro Max, a direct competitor?
Samsung vs. Apple: A Camera Showdown
In my detailed comparison, I found that Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Max made significant strides in battery life and performance, thanks to its A19 Pro chip. But the real surprise was its camera performance. While the Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts a versatile quadruple camera system, the iPhone 17 Pro Max prioritizes quality. This became evident in a 200-photo shootout, where the iPhone's low-light performance outshone Samsung's best camera phone.
Samsung's Software and Productivity Edge
Despite the camera performance, the Galaxy S25 Ultra excels in software and productivity. Its One UI 7 software and Galaxy AI features offer a compelling package, especially with the notable disparity between Galaxy AI and Apple Intelligence. Additionally, features like Samsung DeX and multitasking capabilities make it a productivity powerhouse.
Predictions for the Galaxy S26 Ultra
For the Galaxy S26 Ultra to surpass its predecessor and Apple's flagship, Samsung needs to step up its game. Rumors suggest a faster f/1.4 aperture for the main camera, which could enhance low-light performance. There's also talk of an upgraded 3x telephoto camera. But will these improvements be enough? And this is the part most people miss: the potential impact of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and the possibility of Exynos 2600 in some models.
Samsung vs. Google: AI Takes Center Stage
Google's Pixel 10 Pro XL took a different approach, focusing on AI enhancements rather than significant hardware upgrades. While the Galaxy S25 Ultra impressed with features like Cross App Actions and Now Brief, Google went further with tools like Ask Photos, Pro Res Zoom, and Pixel Screenshots. But in a photo face-off, the Galaxy S25 Ultra's 200MP main camera proved its might.
AI-Powered Photography: A Samsung Advantage?
The Galaxy S25 Ultra's AI features, such as Portrait Studio and Sketch to Image, are impressive, especially when compared to Google's offerings. And let's not forget the hidden Expert RAW mode, which significantly boosts low-light performance. But Google's photo editing AI is incredibly intuitive and delivers realistic results. The Galaxy S26 Ultra should embrace AI further, particularly in video editing tools.
OnePlus 15: A Battery Life Champion
OnePlus 15, released at the end of 2025, showcased the power of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. It outperformed the Galaxy S25 Ultra in almost every category, especially battery life, with a record-setting 25 hours and 13 minutes. This can be attributed to the processor's efficiency and new carbon-silicon battery technology.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra: Can It Keep Up?
OnePlus has set a high bar for battery life and performance. While the Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to be a strong contender, it remains to be seen if it can match the OnePlus 15's longevity. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen processor could be a game-changer for battery life, but will Samsung utilize carbon-silicone battery tech to further enhance the S26 Ultra's endurance?
The Verdict
As we eagerly await the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Samsung has its work cut out. To stay competitive, it must address camera performance, continue to enhance its AI capabilities, and potentially explore new battery technologies. What do you think? Is Samsung on the right track, or do you have other suggestions for the Galaxy S26 Ultra? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's spark a discussion!
