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Yes—but only when the final, like-for-like price is clearly below the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Compare the same storage capacity, new or renewed condition, unlocked or carrier status, warranty and return terms, and any trade-in assumptions. The S25 Ultra still delivers a 6.9-inch 1–120Hz display, a 200MP main camera, S Pen support and a 5,000mAh battery. The S26 Ultra adds a built-in Privacy Display and faster wired and wireless charging, so a small price gap may not justify choosing the older phone.
A US price snapshot dated October 7, 2026 illustrates why a headline discount can mislead: Samsung’s displayed 256GB S25 Ultra price was $1,299.99, while an unlocked 256GB S26 Ultra was shown at $1,199.99 after a $200 reduction. Those were dated listings, not guarantees of current pricing or stock.
The short answer: when the S25 Ultra is a good deal
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is worth buying at a discount when all of the following are true:
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- You are comparing the same storage tier and the same condition: new against new, or renewed against renewed.
- The phone is compatible with your carrier, and the warranty and return policy are acceptable.
- You do not place high value on the S26 Ultra’s built-in Privacy Display, 60W wired charging or 25W wireless charging.
- You expect to keep the phone for a period that makes the older model’s remaining support and resale outlook acceptable.
It is not automatically a bargain merely because it is a previous-generation flagship. If an unlocked S26 Ultra costs less than a new S25 Ultra in the same 256GB configuration, the newer model is the more rational purchase unless a specific S25 feature or promotion changes the calculation.
#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 the prices actually show
Launch prices establish the original positioning, but they do not tell you what either phone is worth at checkout today. TechRadar reported these original US prices for the S25 Ultra and the S26 Ultra:
| Storage | Galaxy S25 Ultra original US price | Galaxy S26 Ultra reported US launch price |
|---|---|---|
| 256GB | $1,299 | $1,299.99 |
| 512GB | $1,419 | $1,499.99 |
| 1TB | $1,659 | $1,799.99 |
The S26 Ultra’s official US starting price was $1,299.99, with general availability from March 11, 2026. Samsung announced Samsung.com, Amazon, Best Buy, Samsung Experience Stores and carriers as sales channels. Launch prices are historical reference points, not current offers.
The dated October 2026 comparison
GeekChamp’s October 7, 2026 US snapshot showed Samsung’s displayed 256GB S25 Ultra at $1,299.99. The same article showed an unlocked 256GB S26 Ultra at $1,199.99 after a $200 reduction. On that particular day, the supposedly older bargain phone was listed $100 higher than the successor. Web prices, inventory and promotions can change, so treat this example as a warning to check both generations before paying.
The same snapshot listed renewed, unlocked S25 Ultra phones on Amazon at $669.20 and $662.44 for two 256GB configurations, and $719.56 and $723.99 for two 512GB configurations. Those figures do not establish that the offers remain available, that sellers used equivalent grading, or that warranty and return terms matched. A renewed phone at roughly half the price of a new model is a different risk proposition, not a direct substitute for a new S25 Ultra.
What you get with the Galaxy S25 Ultra
Display and design
The S25 Ultra has a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with an adaptive 1–120Hz refresh rate. Samsung’s measurement is diagonal across the full rectangle; rounded corners and the camera opening reduce the actual viewable area. The phone includes Gorilla Armor anti-reflective glass, which can improve readability under bright lighting compared with a conventional glossy surface.
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).
Cameras
Its rear camera system comprises a 200MP main camera, a 50MP ultrawide camera, a 10MP telephoto camera and a 50MP telephoto camera. The phone also has a 12MP selfie camera. SamMobile identifies 3x and 5x zoom capabilities, while TechRadar lists the same four-camera arrangement. These are published specifications, not independent hands-on test results, so do not infer identical image quality from megapixel counts alone.
Battery, charging and pen
The battery capacity is 5,000mAh. Wired charging is rated at 45W and wireless charging at 15W. The built-in S Pen remains a defining advantage for handwritten notes, annotations, remote-control functions supported by the software and precise selections. If you use the pen frequently, a discounted S25 Ultra can make more sense than a similarly priced phone without an integrated stylus.
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The S25 Ultra is offered in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB tiers. Capacity affects both price and long-term convenience because storage cannot be expanded with a microSD card. Compare the same tier on both generations; a cheap 256GB S25 Ultra is not a like-for-like alternative to a 512GB S26 Ultra.
What the Galaxy S26 Ultra adds
Privacy Display
Samsung’s official comparison highlights a built-in Privacy Display on the S26 Ultra. It is designed to restrict side-angle visibility when you are viewing sensitive information in public. This can matter to people who regularly work with messages, financial accounts, business documents or authentication codes on trains, planes and in cafés. The feature is not listed for the S25 Ultra, and a conventional privacy screen protector is not equivalent to an integrated display mode.
Faster charging
The S26 Ultra is listed with 60W wired charging and 25W wireless charging, compared with 45W and 15W on the S25 Ultra. The difference matters most if you routinely top up during short breaks, use wireless charging overnight and want more flexibility when travelling. Charging speed also depends on the compatible charger, cable, temperature and battery state; the published ratings are not a promise of a specific time from zero to full.
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).
Other generation changes
SamMobile identifies Bluetooth 6.0 with Channel Sounding and newer chipset and camera refinements as S26 Ultra advantages. The two phones retain the same listed 6.9-inch display size, 1–120Hz refresh range, 5,000mAh battery capacity, storage tiers and broad rear-camera layout in TechRadar’s comparison. One UI and Galaxy AI feature parity can change with software updates and by region, so do not buy on the assumption that every S26 feature will appear on the S25 or that every current feature will remain identical.
How much cheaper should the S25 Ultra be?
There is no universal discount percentage that makes the S25 Ultra a winner. The useful question is how much value you place on the S26 Ultra’s specific improvements and how much purchase risk you accept. Use the following practical bands after calculating the final checkout price:
| Price gap versus an equivalent S26 Ultra | Typical interpretation | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Less than $100 | Usually too small to compensate for a newer model’s Privacy Display, faster charging and longer ownership runway. | Check whether the S25 includes a better trade-in, more storage or a materially stronger warranty. |
| About $100–$250 | A close call. The S25 can make sense if you do not need the successor features and prefer the lower price. | Confirm identical storage, condition, carrier status and accessories. |
| About $250–$400 | Often compelling for a new, unlocked S25 Ultra with full manufacturer coverage. | Compare support expectations, return windows and any S26 promotion that could erase the gap. |
| More than $400 | Potentially excellent value, especially for buyers who want the S Pen and flagship cameras without paying current-generation pricing. | Investigate whether the discount reflects renewed condition, carrier restrictions, missing accessories or limited warranty. |
These bands are decision aids, not market statistics. A business user who needs Privacy Display may rationally pay more for the S26 Ultra, while a student who mainly wants a large screen, pen and cameras may prefer a larger S25 discount.
Compare offers correctly before you buy
- Write down the exact configuration. Record model, storage, color if relevant, new or renewed condition, unlocked or carrier status and included accessories.
- Calculate the unconditional price. Start with the amount anyone can pay without a trade-in, membership, financing requirement or future bill credit.
- Handle trade-ins separately. Add a trade-in value only if you own an eligible device in the stated condition and can meet the submission deadline. A headline “up to” amount is not your guaranteed credit.
- Check the total at checkout. Include sales tax, shipping, activation fees, required plans and any installment obligation. Keep promotional credits separate from an immediate price reduction.
- Verify the seller and warranty. For marketplace or renewed stock, identify the actual seller, grading standard, warranty provider and support contact.
- Confirm network compatibility. An unlocked label should mean the phone can be activated on your carrier, but verify supported bands, eSIM requirements and any financing or blacklist restrictions.
- Read the return policy. Look for the length of the window, restocking fees, conditions for opened devices and who pays return shipping.
- Compare the S26 Ultra on the same day. Promotions can make the newer model cheaper than its launch price, as the October 7, 2026 snapshot demonstrated.
New versus renewed: the risk is part of the price
A renewed S25 Ultra can be a strong value, but its lower price compensates you for uncertainty that does not apply in the same way to a sealed retail unit. Before ordering renewed stock, check:
- Condition grade: Ask whether the phone is cosmetically excellent, visibly worn or repaired with replacement parts.
- Battery condition: The cited listings did not establish battery-health percentages. Do not assume a renewed battery performs like new.
- Seller identity: Marketplace listings can come from different merchants even when the product page looks similar.
- Warranty: Confirm duration, exclusions and whether claims go to the manufacturer, retailer or third-party refurbisher.
- Return window: Make sure you have enough time to test the display, cameras, S Pen, charging, speakers, biometrics and cellular connection.
- Carrier status: Verify that the device is unlocked and not tied to another customer’s unpaid account.
- Included items: Check whether the S Pen, cable, original packaging and compatible charger are included. Missing accessories reduce the apparent saving.
- Software state: Update the phone, reset it and confirm that it is not enrolled in an organization’s management system.
For a renewed phone, test immediately rather than waiting until the return period is nearly over. A low price is not a bargain if a defective camera or weak battery leaves you outside the seller’s return window.
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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).
Who should buy the S25 Ultra at a discount?
Buy it if you want the S Pen at the lowest sensible cost
The integrated S Pen, large 6.9-inch display and premium camera hardware make the S25 Ultra a practical choice for note-taking, document markup and media consumption. If those features are central and the S25 is several hundred dollars cheaper than an equivalent S26, the savings are meaningful rather than cosmetic.
Buy it if you do not need Privacy Display
If your phone use is mostly at home, in a car or in ordinary public settings where side-angle privacy is not important, the S26 Ultra’s Privacy Display may not justify a higher price. People who handle confidential work in public should assign it more weight.
Buy it if your charging habits fit 45W and 15W wireless
The S25 Ultra’s charging ratings are adequate for many users who charge overnight or carry a power bank. Choose the S26 Ultra instead when rapid top-ups and faster wireless charging are frequent priorities.
Buy it if the offer is new and fully covered
A new, unlocked S25 Ultra with a clear manufacturer warranty is easier to recommend than a slightly cheaper marketplace unit with uncertain condition. The difference is not only cosmetic: it affects repair options, return rights and the likelihood of immediate problems.
Who should skip the discounted S25 Ultra?
Skip it when the S26 Ultra is the same price or cheaper
The October 7, 2026 US snapshot showed exactly this situation for displayed 256GB prices. When a newer unlocked S26 Ultra costs less than a new S25 Ultra, there is little economic reason to choose the older device unless the S25 listing includes a meaningful storage, warranty or accessory advantage.
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
Skip it if you need built-in side-angle privacy
Choose the S26 Ultra when protecting screen content in public is a regular requirement. An external privacy film can affect brightness, touch feel and viewing angles and should not be treated as the same feature.
Skip it if you expect frequent quick charging
The S26 Ultra’s 60W wired and 25W wireless ratings provide more charging headroom. If your routine depends on short charging sessions, the newer model may save more inconvenience than the S25 saves money.
Skip uncertain listings
Do not trade a modest saving for an unclear seller, no usable return policy, a carrier lock, missing S Pen or unverified battery condition. The exact configuration and protections matter more than the percentage shown beside the product title.
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The S25 Ultra is an older flagship once the S26 Ultra is available, so consider how long you intend to keep it. A lower purchase price can be offset if you replace the phone sooner, lose resale value faster or miss a feature you later decide you need. However, the reviewed material does not establish an authoritative end date for S25 Ultra software support, so no precise support deadline should be assumed. Check Samsung’s current support information for your region before purchase.
Software features can also vary by country, carrier and update version. One UI and Galaxy AI comparisons should therefore be treated as current-state descriptions, not permanent guarantees. If a particular AI, connectivity or camera function is essential, verify that function for the exact regional model and current software release.
A decision framework you can use in five minutes
- Start with the successor. Find the current price of the S26 Ultra in the same storage and condition.
- Subtract only guaranteed savings. Ignore conditional trade-in values until you have confirmed eligibility and final credit.
- Price the missing features. Decide whether Privacy Display, faster charging and newer connectivity are worth the remaining difference to you.
- Price the risk. Reduce the appeal of a renewed or marketplace S25 when warranty, battery health, seller or returns are unclear.
- Make the call. Buy the S25 when the remaining price advantage is large enough to compensate for its older generation and any purchase risk; otherwise buy the S26.
Bottom line for the 2026 buyer
The Galaxy S25 Ultra remains a capable premium phone, not an obsolete one. Its 200MP camera system, 6.9-inch adaptive display, S Pen, 5,000mAh battery and three storage options give it a strong case when discounted substantially. The deciding test is not whether a retailer labels it “on sale”; it is whether your final price for the same capacity, condition and carrier status is meaningfully below the Galaxy S26 Ultra after accounting for warranty and return protection.
Use the S25 Ultra’s discount to buy value, not merely an older model. If the gap is small, the S26 Ultra’s Privacy Display and faster charging make it the safer long-term purchase. If the S25 is hundreds less, fully covered and you do not need those features, it can be the smarter deal.
Quick Recap
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.
