In 2026 the Galaxy S26 replaces the Galaxy S25 as Samsung's compact flagship. They're very similar, so the real question is whether the S26's upgrades are worth it over a discounted or refurbished S25.
What they have in common
- Compact size and a 120 Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display.
- Triple camera: 50 MP main, 12 MP ultra wide and a 10 MP 3x telephoto.
- 12 GB of RAM, Galaxy AI and IP68.
- 25 W charging, a bit slow for a flagship.
- Up to 7 years of updates from launch.
The differences that matter
Display and battery
The S26 grows slightly from 6.2" to 6.3" with an LTPO panel, and the battery goes from 4,000 to 4,300 mAh. It's the most practical upgrade: the S25 is tight with heavy use.
Chip
The S25 uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, very powerful and efficient. In Europe the S26 has the 2 nm Exynos 2600. Day to day, both have plenty of power.
Updates
Both promise up to 7 years, but the S26 launched a year later, so it has more left.
Comparison table
| Galaxy S25 | Galaxy S26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Launch | 2025 | 2026 |
| Display | 6.2", 120 Hz | 6.3", 120 Hz LTPO |
| Chip (Europe) | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Exynos 2600 (2 nm) |
| Battery | 4,000 mAh | 4,300 mAh |
| Cameras | 50 + 12 + 10 MP (3x) | 50 + 12 + 10 MP (3x) |
| Charging | 25 W | 25 W |
| UK launch price | £799 | £879 |
New or refurbished?
- Galaxy S26: for now, buy it new: there are few refurbished units.
- Galaxy S25: refurbished makes sense. Check the battery, which is its weakest point.
Our verdict
- If you want the better battery and more years of updates: Galaxy S26.
- If you want to save: a refurbished Galaxy S25, or a discounted one on Black Friday. It performs brilliantly.
- Looking for a cheaper Samsung? See which refurbished Samsung to buy.