Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus vs. Galaxy S25 Plus: Should you upgrade?
Significant upgrades
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus is anticipated to come back with a variety of sensible enhancements reminiscent of a sooner and extra energy-efficient SoC, a greater main sensor for enhanced pictures, and a good higher battery endurance.
Execs
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for considerably higher normal and AI efficiency
- Silicon-carbon battery and MagSafe help anticipated
- Android 16 (with One UI 8.5) and 7 years of OS & safety updates
Cons
- No important design adjustments anticipated
- Nonetheless rumored to come back with 45W charging
Does all of it
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus stays a well-balanced Android flagship that provides a vibrant high-resolution show, top-notch {hardware} specs, and a flexible triple-lens digicam setup. It’s going to even be supported for years to come back.
Execs
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite continues to be highly effective but thermally environment friendly
- All-day battery life
- Incredible digicam efficiency with Log video help
Cons
- Digital camera {hardware} unchanged over the previous few generations
- No built-in magnets for correct Qi2 help
So, what precisely are you able to anticipate from the Galaxy S26 Plus (if it is even referred to as that!) when it goes official? Extra importantly, is it value ready for, or do you have to simply purchase the Galaxy S25 Plus that is accessible now? We take a speculative have a look at the Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus vs. Galaxy S25 Plus and attempt to reply these questions.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus vs. Galaxy S25 Plus: Naming, value, and availability
The previous couple of months have seen a barrage of conflicting info surfacing on-line about Samsung’s plans for the Galaxy S26 line-up. Most of the earlier leaks claimed that the corporate was planning on introducing the Galaxy S26 Professional to succeed the Galaxy S25, in addition to launching the Galaxy S26 Edge to take over the mantle from the Galaxy S25 Plus, with the Galaxy S26 Extremely changing the Galaxy S25 Extremely as the usual bearer of the brand new sequence.
Nonetheless, in line with the most recent rumors, the chaebol might be sticking to its common naming scheme and introduce the bottom Galaxy S26, the larger Galaxy S26 Plus, and the stylus-toting Galaxy S26 Extremely. The explanation for this choice is alleged to be the Galaxy S25 Edge’s lackluster gross sales, which have failed to draw consumers. Actually, Samsung would possibly even discontinue the super-slim ‘Edge’ sequence altogether after only one mannequin.
No matter its title, the Galaxy S26 Plus is more likely to have the identical beginning value of $999 for the 256GB storage model. That mentioned, you may need to attend a bit longer to get your fingers on Samsung’s new flagships, as a latest leak claims the sequence’ launch has been postponed to March, quite than the standard January 2026 timeline.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus vs. Galaxy S25 Plus: Design, show, and {hardware}
Barring this 12 months’s Galaxy S25 Extremely, the design of Samsung’s top-tier telephones has remained largely unchanged over the previous few generations. Nonetheless, if some CAD renders shared by tipster OnLeaks (through Android Headlines) are something to go by, we’d lastly have some visible updates, even when they’re actually minor.
In these renders, the three rear cameras of the bottom Galaxy S26 (and presumably the Galaxy S26 Plus, since they’re going to share the identical design) might be seen sitting atop a vertical pill-shaped island, quite than immediately on the again panel like they’re with the Galaxy S25 sequence.
Additionally, leaked renders of the Galaxy S26 Extremely counsel the identical design change is perhaps utilized to all members of the Galaxy S26 line-up. Clearly, the inspiration for this comes from the Galaxy S25 Edge and the Galaxy Z Fold 7. We would see barely extra rounded corners and slimmer bezels too, however aside from that, the brand new telephones will retain their common boxy design with flat sides, all-glass back and front panels, and IP68 certification.
The Galaxy S26 Plus would possibly get a touch bigger and brighter show, however that display screen will not be a lot totally different than what its soon-to-be predecessor has. That is an excellent factor, for the reason that Galaxy S25 Plus’s 6.7-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED panel is an absolute delight to have a look at. From the 120Hz adaptive refresh price to the super-high pixel density, it has every thing!
|
Class |
Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus (Rumored/anticipated) |
Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus |
|---|---|---|
|
Dimensions |
158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm (6.24 x 2.98 x 0.29 in) |
158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm (6.24 x 2.98 x 0.29 in) |
|
Sturdiness & Case Materials(s) |
IP68 score for mud and water resistance, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (back and front), Aluminum body |
IP68 score for mud and water resistance, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (back and front), Aluminum body |
|
Weight |
190 g |
190 g |
|
Show |
6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED (1440×3120 pixels decision), LTPO, 120Hz variable refresh price |
6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED (1440×3120 pixels decision), LTPO, 120Hz variable refresh price |
|
Chipset / SoC |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (for Galaxy) |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (for Galaxy) |
|
RAM |
12GB |
12GB |
|
Storage |
256GB/512GB |
256GB/512GB |
|
Sensors |
Beneath-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity sensor, Compass, and Barometer |
Beneath-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity sensor, Compass, and Barometer |
|
Wi-fi Connectivity |
Wi-Fi 7, 5G (mmWave and Sub-6), Bluetooth 5.4, GPS, NFC, UWB, and USB-C 3.2 (with DisplayPort) |
Wi-Fi 7, 5G (mmWave and Sub-6), Bluetooth 5.4, GPS, NFC, UWB, and USB-C 3.2 (with DisplayPort) |
|
Different Options |
Samsung DeX (wired & wi-fi), Galaxy AI |
Samsung DeX (wired & wi-fi), Galaxy AI |
|
Battery & Charging |
4,900mAh (Si/C), 45W (wired) and 15W (wi-fi) charging, Full Qi2 Help |
4,900mAh (Li-Ion), 45W (wired) and 15W (wi-fi) charging, Qi2 Prepared |
|
Cameras (Rear) |
50MP wide-angle, 10MP telephoto (3x optical zoom), 12MP ultrawide | 8K video recording |
50MP wide-angle, 10MP telephoto (3x optical zoom), 12MP ultrawide | 8K video recording |
|
Digital camera (Entrance) |
12MP wide-angle | 4K video recording |
12MP wide-angle | 4K video recording |
|
OS & Replace Coverage |
Android 16 with One UI 8.5 (preinstalled), seven years of OS and safety updates |
Android 15 with One UI 7 (preinstalled), seven years of OS and safety updates |
Coming to specs, that is the place we will anticipate some main adjustments. The S-series smartphones have all the time packed in one of the best {hardware} within the enterprise, and the Galaxy S25 Plus is not any totally different. It is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite (for Galaxy) SoC, together with 12GB of RAM and as much as 512GB of blazing-fast storage.
As famous by Android Central’s Derrek Lee in his Galaxy S25 Plus evaluate, the smartphone makes fast work of even probably the most demanding of video games and apps, all whereas staying thermally environment friendly. After all, that is all to be anticipated from a smartphone of its caliber.
Now, the Galaxy S26 Plus (and all its siblings) are all however confirmed to be pushed by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, which is Qualcomm’s latest top-tier chipset. In comparison with the last-gen mannequin, it claims to ship a soar of as much as 25% in single-core efficiency and a lift of as much as 20% in multi-core workloads. You can even anticipate some stable beneficial properties in gaming and AI workflows.
It is also value mentioning right here that Samsung would possibly revert to a dual-chipset strategy with the Galaxy S26 line-up, with its upcoming flagships utilizing a homegrown SoC, the Exynos 2600, in some markets. And it’d truly be an excellent factor this time round, as a latest report claims that the brand new chipset will pack some severe punch, with efficiency that may put it in the identical league because the freshest SoCs from Qualcomm and Apple.
It goes with out saying that the Galaxy S26 Plus will possible include all the standard connectivity and I/O choices, together with Wi-Fi 7, multi-band 5G, and USB Sort-C 3.2 with DisplayPort performance.
As improbable as all that’s, newer {hardware} should not be your “solely” purpose to choose the Galaxy S26 Plus. The Galaxy S25 Plus continues to be among the many greatest Android telephones cash should buy, and it should stay so for a really very long time, even when it is not the most recent factor on the town.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus vs. Galaxy S25 Plus: Cameras, software program, and battery
It ought to come as no shock that the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus ranks among the many greatest Android digicam telephones accessible available in the market now. The triple-lens system is comprised of a 50MP main sensor, a 10MP telephoto unit with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide module.
The setup helps you to seize stable images with plenty of element and dynamic vary, and low-light efficiency is nice too. For movies, you rise up to 8K recording and Log video seize performance. Add to it the standard assortment of modifying choices and AI-based options, and you’ve got a superb on a regular basis digicam array.
However even with all that goodness, the digicam {hardware} is precisely the identical because it has been during the last a number of generations. In response to rumors, this development is more likely to proceed with the Galaxy S26 Plus, because it’ll carry ahead the identical triple-lens association but once more, though the 50MP main sensor would possibly get an replace.
Even so, the brand new cellphone would possibly get a greater digicam efficiency attributable to its improved processing, however that is one thing we’ll solely be capable to take a look at as soon as we get our fingers on the Galaxy S26 Plus and we put it by its paces.
Speaking about software program, it is all however sure that the Galaxy S26 Plus and all of its siblings will launch with Android 16 out of the field. Samsung has already began rolling out the most recent model of the working system to the Galaxy S25 sequence of telephones, and the rollout is anticipated to achieve different units quickly.
The corporate’s construct of Android 16 comes spruced up with the One UI 8 customized overlay, which incorporates options like enhanced multitasking, extra highly effective AI capabilities, and enhancements to the ‘Now Bar’ and ‘Now Transient’ modules. As for the Galaxy S26 lineup, it’d launch with One UI 8.5, which is already in beta testing and can convey options reminiscent of AI-based notification summaries, precedence notifications, and extra.
After all, all these options may also make their strategy to the Galaxy S25 sequence smartphones and different eligible units.
Rounding off the spectacular specs of the Galaxy S25 Plus is its unimaginable battery life. Regardless of having the identical battery dimension as its predecessor, the Galaxy S25 Plus can go a full day earlier than needing a top-up.
There is not a lot details about what the Galaxy S26 Plus would possibly convey to the desk on this division, but when the rumors in regards to the Galaxy S26 getting a much bigger battery maintain any weight, it is not unreasonable to anticipate Samsung to present the identical therapy to the ‘Plus’ mannequin.
Some leaks have hinted on the Galaxy S26 smartphones getting silicon-carbon batteries, one thing we would like to see since many Chinese language flagships (e.g., Vivo X200 Professional) have already adopted the expertise. We might like the whole Galaxy S26 sequence to get 65W quick charging as effectively, however Samsung’s unlikely to do this.
The Galaxy S26 Plus ought to hopefully embody built-in magnets for correct MagSafe wi-fi charging, however we’re not certain whether or not it’s going to help the newer Qi2 25W normal. Nonetheless, the Galaxy S26 Plus ought to have higher battery life (theoretically) over the Galaxy S25 Plus attributable to its newer and extra power-efficient internals.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus vs. Galaxy S25 Plus: Is ready value it?
Though the leaks and rumors to date have been (and proceed to be) everywhere, there is not any denying that the upcoming launch of the Galaxy S26 sequence is shaping as much as be a hotly anticipated one. And whereas nothing’s confirmed but, the small print we now have to date level to the Galaxy S26 line-up being a bit extra than simply one other incremental replace. So, the actual query is, in the event you’ve been desirous about getting the Galaxy S25 Plus, do you have to simply purchase one or await the Galaxy S26 Plus?
The reply to that query is determined by many components, reminiscent of your use case, finances, and the way urgently you want a brand new smartphone. If you happen to’re an influence consumer who takes plenty of images together with your smartphone and plan on utilizing your subsequent system for a very long time, ready for the Galaxy S26 Plus is smart, even when which means having to carry on to your present cellphone for a bit longer.
Then again, in the event you want a feature-laden Android flagship that’ll final you years and could not care much less in regards to the newest chipset or the most recent assortment of AI instruments, getting the Galaxy S25 Plus now (and even higher, in the course of the festive-season promotions like Black Friday) is the appropriate alternative. It has nearly every thing you possibly can need in a top-of-the-line Android smartphone and can get software program help for years to come back.
New and improved
The upcoming Galaxy S26 Plus is anticipated to characteristic Qualcomm’s latest top-tier chipset, together with an up to date main digicam sensor, a large assortment of AI-powered instruments, and MagSafe help.
Ticks all of the bins
About to be a last-generation mannequin quickly, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus continues to be a powerhouse that provides cutting-edge {hardware}, nice cameras, years software program help, and a battery that may go all day.
