Top 3 Key Points:
- Galaxy S25 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 delivers a 30% performance boost.
- The S25 and S26 may reuse outdated camera sensors, frustrating upgrade seekers.
- S26 camera tech could remain the same for five years, signaling Samsung’s slower hardware improvements.
The first benchmark results for Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra hint at significant performance improvements. Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, this new model shows an impressive leap in computing power compared to its predecessor, while design changes align it more closely with the rest of the S25 series. However, fans hoping for hardware advancements in future models, like the Galaxy S26, may face disappointment due to minimal upgrades in key components like the camera.
Galaxy S25 Ultra: Impressive Early Performance
The Galaxy S25 Ultra, which recently appeared in a Geekbench test, features Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor, coupled with the Adreno 830 GPU and 12 GB of RAM. This setup is running on Android 15, highlighting Samsung’s commitment to delivering top-tier performance. Early benchmark results are promising, with a single-core score of 3069 points—800 points higher than the Galaxy S24 Ultra. The multi-core score of 9080 also marks a 30% increase compared to the S24 Ultra.
These results show significant improvement in both single and multi-core performance, making the Galaxy S25 Ultra a powerhouse for future users. However, this test was performed on a prototype, meaning the final retail version might differ. Samsung may optimize the phone further before launch, improving or balancing performance with energy efficiency.
Caveats to the Early Test Results
While the performance gains are exciting, there are a few caveats to keep in mind. The benchmarked device is an American variant, meaning we can’t be certain if the European version will have the same processor. Additionally, since this is an early model, the actual performance of the Galaxy S25 Ultra could vary based on software optimization or adjustments Samsung makes closer to its release date.
Another consideration is the hardware policy Samsung has been following recently. The European versions of the Galaxy S24 and S24+ had different processors than the Ultra model, and Samsung could continue this trend with the Galaxy S25 series.
Galaxy S25 and S26: Camera Upgrades Lagging Behind
While the Galaxy S25 Ultra offers clear improvements in performance, the same can’t be said for its camera. Reports suggest that the Galaxy S25 and S25+ will feature the same 50MP primary camera that has been used since the Galaxy S22. This trend may continue with the Galaxy S26, as leaks indicate that it too will reuse the same 50MP sensor.
For context, this would mean that Samsung will have used the same camera sensor in five consecutive models, signaling a slowdown in hardware innovation. In contrast, Apple has been upgrading its iPhone cameras more frequently, which might make Samsung’s decision more noticeable to tech enthusiasts.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra, however, stands out in the camera department with a rumored 200MP primary sensor, a 50MP ultrawide camera, a 10MP telephoto lens, and a 50MP super-telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom. These advancements show that Samsung continues to push boundaries with the Ultra model, while the base and variants may lag in significant hardware improvements.
In summary, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra is set to offer excellent performance with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor and a robust camera setup, Samsung’s decision to reuse older camera sensors in the S25 and possibly S26 models could frustrate those seeking substantial hardware upgrades. As more details emerge, it will be crucial for Samsung to strike the right balance between performance and innovation to satisfy its diverse customer base.