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Samsung's latest premium smartphone, the Galaxy S26 Ultra , may have a lot in common with its predecessor, but how does it compare to a two-generation-old device -- especially when it has the same camera megapixels and battery capacity? 

Also: Samsung Unpacked 2026 recap: Updates on Galaxy S26 Ultra, Privacy Display, preorder deals

If you have a Galaxy S24 Ultra and are wondering how the new Galaxy S26 Ultra compares, there are some major differences worth noting. Unsurprisingly, the new Samsung phone isn't any cheaper -- but it brings a few quality-of-life upgrades that could be worth it for many users. Let's take a look. 

Specifications

You should buy the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra if...

1. You want an overall better experience

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a big step up from the Galaxy S24 Ultra in terms of overall phone experience. It has the new Privacy Display feature for more secure usability in public, brings agentic AI that actually works, and the new redesign is easy to hold.

Also: If these Samsung Galaxy S26 features are true, I might finally put away my Google Pixel

As compared to the Galaxy S24 Ultra, the new-gen Samsung flagship is lighter and slimmer. I miss S24 Ultra's rounded sides but the Galaxy S26 Ultra does well to retain its personality while also being ergonomic. Both have the same battery capacity but the new phone charges at 60 watts to top up the battery to 75% in around 30 minutes. 

2. You need more power on your phone

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is powered by the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset. Paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, the hardware delivers faster AI performance and improved sustained workload performance.

If you like gaming on your smartphone, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is a better choice. Samsung says it has improved performance by redesigning the vapor cooling chamber around its processor. As a result, it is said to deliver better gaming performance for longer durations. 

Also: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. S25 Ultra: My concerns as a longtime Galaxy user

I'll put it to the test when I review the phone in depth, but given the new chip's performance on other phones, it should outperform the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset.

3. You want better cameras and editing capabilities

Both Samsung phones have a quad-rear camera setup consisting of a 200MP primary camera, a 10MP 3x telephoto sensor, a 50MP 5x telephoto camera, and a 50MP ultrawide-angle lens. However, the Galaxy S26 Ultra has a bigger aperture on the primary camera and the 5x tele lens. As a result, you can expect improved nighttime photos and videos.

Also: I changed 7 settings on my Samsung phone to significantly improve the battery life

You might have noticed noisy results on the Galaxy S24 Ultra's videos at night. In my demo ahead of Galaxy Unpacked, I noticed a big improvement in that use case and no light leakage when capturing neon light signs. Samsung has also introduced a GoPro-like Horizon lock feature for action shots that you won't find on the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

You should keep your Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra if...

1. You like Bluetooth S Pen features

Samsung downgraded the S Pen with its Galaxy S25 Ultra last year, and it is staying the same on the latest flagship. I miss having the S Pen that doubled as a remote shutter button - it was handy for when I was solo traveling in Europe.

Also: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra review: Still the flagship of Android flagships

If you use such Bluetooth S Pen features, it is better to stick to your Galaxy S24 Ultra than upgrade to this year's flagship model. The current-generation S Pen is primarily used to jot down notes.

2. You don't want to spend $1,000+ on a phone

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is expensive at the $1,300 starting price. You can get double the storage on offer, but that doesn't discount the fact that it's a lot of upfront cash. 

If your Galaxy S24 Ultra is working fine, you shouldn't upgrade to the new-gen model, especially when it is scheduled to get a few more years of upgrades. I'd recommend waiting another year for a major camera overhaul (hopefully) and then upgrading your Samsung phone in 2027.

Writer's choice

Personally, I'd upgrade to the Galaxy S26 Ultra for its lighter design and Privacy Display feature. I also found some agentic AI features useful and they'll take a while to reach the S24 Ultra (if they do). This third generation of Samsung's AI phones is the first time I'd actually use AI in day-to-day life.

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