In a poll of 1,090 readers, 824 participants - about 76% - stated they had no motivation to upgrade. Another 150 (14%) said they might consider it if the price remains unchanged, while just 116 people (10%) were ready to upgrade even at a higher cost.

Too few hardware upgrades, too little excitement

Reputable leaker Ice Universe reported that the Galaxy S26 Ultra has minimal differences compared to the S25 Ultra. The most notable updates include the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, 60W fast charging, a slimmer design at just 7.9mm, and a slightly lighter weight at 214g.

Still, these refinements are seen more as tweaks than true innovations - one of the reasons many users don't feel the upgrade is worth it.

Spec comparisons and deeper improvements

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A Galaxy S26 Ultra concept image. Photo: Phone Tech

Though its technical specifications aren’t groundbreaking, Samsung may be focusing on real-world user experience improvements.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra already ranks among the best Android smartphones of its time. Therefore, Samsung might be pursuing a strategy of refinement rather than reinvention.

Some behind-the-scenes upgrades could include LPDDR5X RAM with speeds up to 10.7Gbps for enhanced responsiveness and camera performance, and a new M14 screen material that optimizes power efficiency - possibly improving battery life despite unchanged capacity.

These changes could deliver a smoother, more stable daily experience - something many users value more than raw specs.

But are these upgrades enough?

According to PhoneArena, the answer is likely “no.” The S25 Ultra remains a powerful device that will stay relevant for years. Meanwhile, the S26 Ultra is expected to come with a higher price tag - meaning Samsung will need a truly compelling reason for users to justify the extra cost.

It’s also possible that Samsung is holding back some surprises, such as major AI features or unique capabilities that could finally convince S25 Ultra owners that the S26 Ultra is more than just a minor refresh.

Hai Phong