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Not at Samsung’s displayed US prices on October 7, 2026. Samsung listed the 256GB Galaxy S25 Ultra for $1,299.99, while its unlocked 256GB Galaxy S26 Ultra was shown at $1,199.99 after a $200 reduction. On those listings, the newer phone costs $100 less and adds a built-in Privacy Display. The S25 Ultra can still be the smarter purchase if you find a genuine, like-for-like discount that makes it meaningfully cheaper and you do not value the S26 Ultra’s additions.
What the listed prices show
These are dated Samsung US listing prices, not guaranteed prices or a survey of every retailer. The S25 Ultra page showed Verizon configurations and some colors out of stock; the S26 Ultra price was for an unlocked 256GB model. Compare the exact configuration and cash price available to you before deciding.
| Phone and listing | Storage | Displayed price | Price context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S25 Ultra, Samsung US listing accessed October 7, 2026 | 256GB | $1,299.99 | Samsung listing; not evidence of a discount |
| Galaxy S25 Ultra, Samsung US listing accessed October 7, 2026 | 512GB | $1,419.99 | Samsung listing |
| Galaxy S25 Ultra, Samsung US listing accessed October 7, 2026 | 1TB | $1,659.99 | Samsung listing |
| Galaxy S26 Ultra, Samsung US unlocked listing accessed October 7, 2026 | 256GB | $1,199.99 | Shown as $200 below $1,399.99; Samsung also displayed up to $720 in instant trade-in credit |
At the 256GB tier, Samsung’s observed S26 Ultra price is $100 lower than its S25 Ultra listing. The S26 page’s “up to” trade-in credit is not a guaranteed discount: your actual credit depends on the device and offer terms. For a cash-price comparison, leave uncertain trade-in value out until you know what Samsung will actually grant you. See Samsung’s S25 Ultra listing and Samsung’s S26 Ultra listing for the live offers.
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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Prices can change. Tom’s Guide reported on October 1, 2026 that the S26 Ultra’s 256GB price had risen to $1,399 and its 512GB price to $1,599; Samsung’s later observed 256GB offer was $1,199.99. Those are different price states, not a contradiction. Check the price at checkout rather than treating either figure as permanent. Tom’s Guide’s October 1 price report.
#1 Best Overall
- Stunning 6.9″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with adaptive 1–120 Hz refresh rate, ultra‑bright up to ~2600 nits, HDR support, “Vision Booster,” and adaptive color tone — giving vivid colours, great outdoor visibility, and super‑smooth scrolling.
- Powerful internals: it runs on the new Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy (3 nm) chip, with 12 GB (or in some markets up to 16 GB) RAM and up to 1 TB UFS 4.0 storage — offering significantly improved CPU/GPU/NPU performance, especially for AI tasks, gaming, and heavy multitasking.
- Advanced quad‑camera system: 200 MP wide main sensor, plus a 50 MP ultrawide, a 50 MP periscope telephoto (5× optical zoom), and a 10 MP telephoto (3× optical zoom) — giving flexibility from ultra‑wide through detailed telephoto shots, and strong performance in varied lighting.
- 5,000 mAh battery with 45 W fast wired charging, wireless charging (Qi2) and reverse wireless charging — balancing long battery life with flexible charging options.
- Durable, premium build: Titanium‑frame body, protected by Corning Gorilla Armor 2 glass, with IP68 dust/water resistance, ultrasonic in‑display fingerprint sensor, modern connectivity (5G, Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth, UWB, USB‑C), and long‑term software support (Android 15 / One UI 7, promised 7 major OS/security updates).
What makes the S26 Ultra different
Samsung’s product and comparison pages list a 6.9-inch display, 200MP wide camera, 5,000mAh battery, and built-in Privacy Display for the S26 Ultra. Samsung also says it is 0.3mm thinner than the S25 Ultra. These manufacturer specifications identify features and dimensions; they do not establish that the S26 takes better photos, lasts longer on a charge, or performs faster in everyday use.
Privacy Display is the clearest listed addition to weigh against a cheaper S25 Ultra. If you often use your phone where people can see your screen and expect to value the built-in feature, it may justify paying more. If you do not need it, its presence alone is not a reason to spend extra. Samsung’s S26 Ultra page and Samsung’s S26 Ultra comparison page.
Rank #2
- Stunning 6.9″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with adaptive 1–120 Hz refresh rate, ultra‑bright up to ~2600 nits, HDR support, “Vision Booster,” and adaptive color tone — giving vivid colours, great outdoor visibility, and super‑smooth scrolling.
- Powerful internals: it runs on the new Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy (3 nm) chip, with 12 GB (or in some markets up to 16 GB) RAM and up to 1 TB UFS 4.0 storage — offering significantly improved CPU/GPU/NPU performance, especially for AI tasks, gaming, and heavy multitasking.
- Advanced quad‑camera system: 200 MP wide main sensor, plus a 50 MP ultrawide, a 50 MP periscope telephoto (5× optical zoom), and a 10 MP telephoto (3× optical zoom) — giving flexibility from ultra‑wide through detailed telephoto shots, and strong performance in varied lighting.
- 5,000 mAh battery with 45 W fast wired charging, wireless charging (Qi2) and reverse wireless charging — balancing long battery life with flexible charging options.
- Durable, premium build: Titanium‑frame body, protected by Corning Gorilla Armor 2 glass, with IP68 dust/water resistance, ultrasonic in‑display fingerprint sensor, modern connectivity (5G, Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth, UWB, USB‑C), and long‑term software support (Android 15 / One UI 7, promised 7 major OS/security updates).
The S25 Ultra is not immediately obsolete
Samsung’s S25 Ultra specification sheet lists Android 15 with One UI 7.0 and a commitment to “7 years of OS and security updates.” Samsung’s sheet identifies its information as current on January 22, 2025. That is a substantial published support commitment, so the S25 Ultra should not be dismissed as abandoned. If you keep phones for many years, factor the remaining support period and your likely replacement date into the decision rather than assuming the older model has no useful life left. Samsung’s S25 Ultra specification sheet.
When a discounted S25 Ultra is the better buy
There is no verified current Amazon price here for an equivalent new, unlocked S25 Ultra, and the Samsung listing above does not establish a genuine discount. A third-party offer can change the result, but only if the total comparison is like for like. There is no universal price-gap threshold established by these listings; judge the savings against the features, condition, and seller you are actually getting.
Rank #3
- Stunning 6.9″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with adaptive 1–120 Hz refresh rate, ultra‑bright up to ~2600 nits, HDR support, “Vision Booster,” and adaptive color tone — giving vivid colours, great outdoor visibility, and super‑smooth scrolling.
- Powerful internals: it runs on the new Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy (3 nm) chip, with 12 GB (or in some markets up to 16 GB) RAM and up to 1 TB UFS 4.0 storage — offering significantly improved CPU/GPU/NPU performance, especially for AI tasks, gaming, and heavy multitasking.
- Advanced quad‑camera system: 200 MP wide main sensor, plus a 50 MP ultrawide, a 50 MP periscope telephoto (5× optical zoom), and a 10 MP telephoto (3× optical zoom) — giving flexibility from ultra‑wide through detailed telephoto shots, and strong performance in varied lighting.
- 5,000 mAh battery with 45 W fast wired charging, wireless charging (Qi2) and reverse wireless charging — balancing long battery life with flexible charging options.
- Durable, premium build: Titanium‑frame body, protected by Corning Gorilla Armor 2 glass, with IP68 dust/water resistance, ultrasonic in‑display fingerprint sensor, modern connectivity (5G, Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth, UWB, USB‑C), and long‑term software support (Android 15 / One UI 7, promised 7 major OS/security updates).
- Compare the same storage. A 256GB S25 Ultra offer is not directly comparable to a 512GB S26 Ultra purchase.
- Compare condition and lock status. Check whether each phone is new, refurbished, or used, and unlocked or tied to a carrier.
- Compare the price you will really pay. Use the checkout cash price before trade-in unless you have confirmed your device’s actual credit. Check whether any advertised reduction depends on a carrier or other offer terms.
- Check seller protections. Confirm seller identity, warranty coverage, return window, and whether the listed stock and color are available.
- Decide whether the S26’s features matter to you. If Privacy Display and the small thickness reduction have little value to you, a sufficiently lower S25 Ultra price can make sense.
- Account for how long you will keep it. Samsung’s stated seven-year OS and security update commitment is relevant to an S25 Ultra buyer planning long ownership.
For marketplace or Amazon listings, verify the exact model and storage, the condition, whether it is unlocked, and who sells it. A low headline price is not a meaningful comparison if it is for a different variant, a used phone, or a seller with weaker protections.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which one should you buy?
Choose the S26 Ultra at the observed Samsung prices
If both Samsung listings are available to you at the displayed amounts and you want a new phone, the S26 Ultra is the stronger choice on price alone: its unlocked 256GB listing is $100 below the S25 Ultra 256GB listing and includes Privacy Display.
Rank #4
- Stunning 6.9″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with adaptive 1–120 Hz refresh rate, ultra‑bright up to ~2600 nits, HDR support, “Vision Booster,” and adaptive color tone — giving vivid colours, great outdoor visibility, and super‑smooth scrolling.
- Powerful internals: it runs on the new Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy (3 nm) chip, with 12 GB (or in some markets up to 16 GB) RAM and up to 1 TB UFS 4.0 storage — offering significantly improved CPU/GPU/NPU performance, especially for AI tasks, gaming, and heavy multitasking.
- Advanced quad‑camera system: 200 MP wide main sensor, plus a 50 MP ultrawide, a 50 MP periscope telephoto (5× optical zoom), and a 10 MP telephoto (3× optical zoom) — giving flexibility from ultra‑wide through detailed telephoto shots, and strong performance in varied lighting.
- 5,000 mAh battery with 45 W fast wired charging, wireless charging (Qi2) and reverse wireless charging — balancing long battery life with flexible charging options.
- Durable, premium build: Titanium‑frame body, protected by Corning Gorilla Armor 2 glass, with IP68 dust/water resistance, ultrasonic in‑display fingerprint sensor, modern connectivity (5G, Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth, UWB, USB‑C), and long‑term software support (Android 15 / One UI 7, promised 7 major OS/security updates).
Choose the S25 Ultra if the real discount changes the math
Buy the S25 Ultra if you find a reliable seller offering the same storage, condition, and lock status for materially less than the S26 Ultra’s actual checkout price—and you are comfortable foregoing the S26’s listed additions. Recheck both offers on purchase day: the observed Samsung prices are volatile, and the available evidence does not establish the lowest price across retailers.
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Best Value
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
