An interesting case: with the S26 Samsung went back to its own Exynos, while the S25 version in our catalogue runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite. So here we compare not only "new vs old" but also two different approaches to the internals.
Short answer
Galaxy S25 - now noticeably cheaper and has the proven Snapdragon 8 Elite. Galaxy S26 - a slightly bigger screen and battery, a newer 2 nm chip and a longer update horizon.
Key differences
| Spec | Galaxy S26 | Galaxy S25 |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Exynos 2600 (2 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) |
| Display | 6.3" | 6.2" |
| Battery | 4300 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Memory | 12 / 256-512 GB | 12 / 128-512 GB |
| Dimensions / weight | 149.6 × 71.7 × 7.2 mm, 167 g | 146.9 × 70.5 × 7.2 mm, 162 g |
| Price | current prices | current prices |
The same: FHD+ 120 Hz, 50 + 12 + 10 MP cameras (3× telephoto), 12 MP front camera, 8K video, 25 W / 15 W, stereo speakers, two SIMs + eSIM.
Chip
The Snapdragon 8 Elite in the S25 is one of the most powerful chips of its generation, but in a compact body it heats up under sustained load. The Exynos 2600 is the first 2 nm mobile chip; Samsung promises a new heat-dissipation system, but there are still few long independent tests.
Battery and display
+300 mAh and +0.1 inch - small but welcome improvements in the S26.
Cameras
The same on paper. Only the processing may make a difference.
Verdict: who should buy which
- Best value right now - Galaxy S25.
- Longer support and a bigger battery - Galaxy S26.
- You have an S25 - no point in upgrading.
FAQ
Which chip does the Galaxy S25 use?
The Snapdragon 8 Elite.
Did the cameras change?
Not on paper.
How much bigger is the S26's battery?
By 300 mAh - 4300 vs 4000.