I bought a Galaxy S25 over the S26 and upcoming S27

Upon visiting a Samsung store, I faced a decision: purchase the latest Galaxy S26, the older Galaxy S25, or wait for the upcoming Galaxy S27. Each option had its advantages and disadvantages. The Galaxy S26, last year's model, was significantly more expensive, while the Galaxy S27 would arrive with new hardware in a few months. I opted for the Galaxy S25. Initially, this choice was motivated by saving money, but it proved to be a wise decision in hindsight.

Initially, the decision seemed trivial, but the Galaxy S26's increase in screen size was a notable shift from previous models. Samsung maintained a 6.2-inch screen size for their base models from the S20 to the S25, whereas the Galaxy S26's 6.3-inch display marked Samsung's gradual move away from compact flagships. This growth mirrors the iPhone 17, making the Galaxy S25's smaller size the last of its kind.

The disappearance of compact flagships is significant when considering the wider market. There are no indications that these smaller devices will return. Personally, I found the Galaxy S25 comfortable to hold. It was engineered with one-handed use in mind. The S25 perfectly embodies this philosophy. Its reduced dimensions allow for the attachment of a thicker, shockproof case without compromising its compact form.

Some Android manufacturers offer incremental upgrades to their annual flagships. Samsung took it a step further with the Galaxy S26. The Galaxy S26 boasts a slightly larger display, battery, and processor compared to the S25's. However, these upgrades do not feel substantial enough to justify the additional cost. Moreover, the Galaxy S26 experienced a price increase in early October 2026, rising from $899 to $999.

Although most consumers purchase Samsung phones at a discount, this $100 increase impacts the starting price for the S26 in my region. I bought my Galaxy S25 for approximately $550 in my location. A discounted S26 typically costs at least $200 more than the S25 in my area. Despite the incremental upgrades it provides, the Galaxy S26 failed to persuade me to spend this much more.

The Galaxy S25 shares the same camera system as its successor, and thanks to Samsung's timely One UI updates, it remains up-to-date with new software features. The S25 feels fresh in 2026 and will continue to perform well for years. When the Galaxy S25 debuted, I appreciated that every model in every region shared the same Snapdragon chipset.

Regardless of whether you purchased an S25 in the US or Europe, you were receiving the same hardware. In contrast, the Galaxy S26 reintroduced chipset fragmentation. Galaxy S26 units in the US were equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, while those bought outside the US received the Exynos 2600. The Galaxy S27 line is rumored to continue this trend of prioritizing Exynos chips, at least outside the US.

This potential issue casts a shadow over buyers waiting for the next Galaxy flagship series. It is worth noting that Exynos chips are capable of handling everyday tasks and can often match their Snapdragon counterparts. However, in my experience, their modems sometimes struggle, and their GPUs tend to overheat during gaming. The Galaxy S25's assurance of delivering a Snapdragon experience, regardless of its purchase location, provides peace of mind to consumers like myself. Knowing what I'm buying without checking product pages or reviews makes the S25 a simpler decision.

Flagship phones have remained at a hardware plateau for a few years, and it doesn't appear that this trend will change anytime soon. A flagship phone from a year or two ago would satisfy today's buyers. Despite its older hardware, the Galaxy S25 offers better value than both the S26 and the upcoming S27. The S25's compact size, everyday capabilities, and superior value make it the standout choice in Samsung's smartphone lineup.

While settling for an older flagship might seem undesirable, it was a deliberate and well-informed choice.