Avoid buying the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: 4 reasons to hold out for the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

 Samsung S25 Ultra

Samsung’s latest Unpacked event has concluded, unveiling the highly anticipated Galaxy S25 series. The lineup includes the Galaxy S25, the mid-range S25 Plus, and the flagship Galaxy S25 Ultra. With its Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, AI-enhanced features, and upgraded cameras, the S25 Ultra stands as a formidable device.

But is it the right time to upgrade? While the improvements are noteworthy, they may feel incremental rather than revolutionary. If you're considering an upgrade, here are four compelling reasons why waiting for the Galaxy S26 Ultra might be the smarter choice.

1. A Game-Changing 200MP Periscope Telephoto Camera

The Galaxy S25 Ultra brings minor improvements to its camera setup, including a 50MP ultra-wide lens replacing the previous 12MP sensor. However, its telephoto capabilities remain largely unchanged from the S24 Ultra.

Rumors suggest that the Galaxy S26 Ultra could debut a groundbreaking 200MP periscope telephoto sensor. This 1/1.5-inch sensor is expected to offer significant advancements in optical and digital zoom performance, delivering sharper and more detailed results even at high zoom levels. For photography enthusiasts, this potential upgrade alone makes waiting worthwhile.

2. Next-Gen Battery Technology and Faster Charging

The S25 Ultra maintains a 5,000mAh battery, the same capacity Samsung has used since 2020. While reliable, it doesn’t push the envelope.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is rumored to introduce silicon-carbon battery technology, which offers a 13% increase in energy density without increasing size. This could allow for a larger battery or a slimmer design. Additionally, leaks suggest the S26 Ultra may support 65W wired charging, a substantial improvement over the S25 Ultra’s 45W limit. Combined, these enhancements could greatly improve daily usability.

3. Thinner and Brighter Display

Samsung’s Ultra models are known for their stunning displays, and the S25 Ultra continues this legacy. However, the S26 Ultra could raise the bar even higher with “Color-filter-on-thin-film-encapsulation” (CoE) technology.

This innovation replaces traditional polarizing layers in OLED displays, resulting in a thinner, brighter, and more energy-efficient screen. Already featured in Samsung’s foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 3, CoE technology could make the S26 Ultra’s display a standout feature.

4. Advanced Face Scanning Technology

While Samsung’s current facial recognition relies on its front camera, it lacks the security and accuracy of Apple’s Face ID.

The S26 Ultra might introduce PolarID, a new facial recognition system that uses advanced hardware and Qualcomm processing to rival Face ID. If implemented, this feature would offer a significant upgrade in both security and reliability, addressing a long-standing gap in Samsung’s lineup.

The Verdict: Wait for the S26 Ultra

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is undoubtedly a powerful device with meaningful upgrades, but many of its improvements feel incremental. For those with older devices or an urgent need to upgrade, the S25 Ultra won’t disappoint.

However, if you value cutting-edge innovation and want to future-proof your investment, the Galaxy S26 Ultra could be worth the wait.