4 related posts

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is already showing up on Irish retailer shelves, but its official specs are still a puzzle. Price tags from Very Ireland and Sky Ireland give us a starting point, while the S25 Ultra’s confirmed details offer a clear baseline for comparison.

Display size: 6.9 inches ·
Main camera: 200 MP ·
Battery: 5000 mAh ·
Video playback: 31 hours ·
Ultra-wide camera: 50 MP ·
Telephoto lens 2: 10 MP

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • S26 Ultra listed on Very Ireland at €1,499 (Very Ireland)
  • S26 Ultra listed on Sky Ireland at €1,560 upfront (Sky Ireland)
  • 6.9‑inch display, 200 MP main camera, 5000 mAh battery (Samsung Ireland)
2What’s unclear
  • Official Samsung release date and exact pricing breakdown
  • Real-world battery life beyond the 31‑hour video claim
  • Long‑term durability and camera performance in low light
3Timeline signal
4What’s next

Eight specs, one pattern: the S26 Ultra matches the S25 Ultra in key areas while pushing the display and camera further. Here’s how they line up.

Spec Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Display 6.9‑inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 6.8‑inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED (Samsung Ireland)
Main camera 200 MP wide, f/1.7 200 MP wide, f/1.7
Ultra‑wide camera 50 MP 12 MP
Telephoto cameras 50 MP (3×) + 10 MP (10×) 50 MP (3×) + 10 MP (10×)
Battery 5000 mAh typical 5000 mAh typical
Video playback 31 hours 30 hours
Storage options 256 GB internal 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
Network 5G capable 5G capable

The implication: the S26 Ultra’s biggest jump is the ultra‑wide camera, leaping from 12 MP to 50 MP. Display size grows by 0.1 inch, and video playback gains an hour. The core battery and main camera stay the same, meaning the upgrade is more about camera versatility than raw power.

Is the Samsung S26 Ultra better?

The S26 Ultra improves on its predecessor in two clear areas: the ultra‑wide camera and the display size. The 50 MP ultra‑wide captures more detail than the 12 MP sensor on the S25 Ultra, and the 6.9‑inch screen offers a slightly larger canvas. The 5000 mAh battery and 200 MP main camera remain unchanged.

But “better” depends on what you value. If you shoot wide‑angle landscapes or group shots, the S26 Ultra is a clear winner. For everyday use, the S25 Ultra still delivers identical core performance at a lower price.

The upshot

The S26 Ultra is better for photographers who need the extra ultra‑wide resolution. For most users, the S25 Ultra offers the same flagship experience for less.

The pattern: Samsung focused its R&D on the camera array rather than battery or processing upgrades, making this a specialist upgrade for photo enthusiasts.

What is the difference between the S25 Ultra and the S26 Ultra?

Three differences stand out: the display size, the ultra‑wide camera, and the price. The S26 Ultra’s 6.9‑inch display is 0.1 inches larger than the S25 Ultra’s 6.8‑inch screen. The ultra‑wide camera jumps from 12 MP to 50 MP. Video playback improves from 30 to 31 hours.

The price difference is significant. The S26 Ultra 256 GB costs €1,499 on Very Ireland (Very Ireland) and €1,560 on Sky Ireland (Sky Ireland). The S25 Ultra 256 GB is available from Samsung Ireland at €1,469 outright, with a reduced price of €881.40 shown on the product page (Samsung Ireland store).

Bottom line: The S26 Ultra adds a better ultra‑wide camera and a slightly larger screen. The S25 Ultra keeps the same core camera and battery at a lower price. Buyers who want the best camera should go S26 Ultra; budget‑conscious shoppers will find the S25 Ultra a better deal.

What this means: the gap between generations is narrower than typical upgrade cycles, making the value proposition heavily price-dependent for Irish shoppers.

How much will the Galaxy S26 Ultra cost?

Three price points, one pattern: SIM‑free prices hover around €1,500, while carrier plans spread the cost.

Retailer / Carrier Price (256 GB) Notes
Very Ireland €1,499 SIM‑free
Sky Ireland €1,560 upfront SIM‑free, plan options available
Three Ireland €179 upfront on €65/month plan Bill‑pay, subject to plan (Three Ireland reference)
Vodafone Ireland To be confirmed Expected to offer similar bill‑pay structure
eir To be confirmed Expected to launch alongside other carriers
Samsung.com To be confirmed Official SIM‑free pricing likely

The pattern: the S26 Ultra costs €30–€90 more than the S25 Ultra’s official RRP, but the S25 Ultra is now heavily discounted. For Irish buyers, the choice is between a new device at full price or a proven flagship at a €600+ discount.

The trade‑off

Paying full price for the S26 Ultra gets you the latest camera tech. Waiting for carrier deals could bring the upfront cost below €200, but you’ll be locked into a 24‑month plan.

The catch: early adopters pay a premium, while those who wait for carrier subsidies trade flexibility for a lower entry price.

Should you wait for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

If you already own the S25 Ultra, the upgrade is modest. The 50 MP ultra‑wide is the only clear gain. If you’re on an older model like the S22 Ultra or S23 Ultra, the S26 Ultra offers a significant jump in camera quality and display size.

The S25 Ultra is now available at steep discounts. Samsung Ireland lists it at €881.40, and other retailers like Very Ireland start from €1,524.99 for the 256 GB model. The price gap is large enough to consider taking the S25 Ultra now.

The catch

Waiting for the S26 Ultra means paying a premium for the ultra‑wide camera. If you don’t need that upgrade, the S25 Ultra at its current price is a better value.

The verdict for Irish buyers: the S25 Ultra at its discounted price is the rational choice unless the ultra‑wide upgrade directly improves how you shoot.

Timeline signal

The S26 Ultra appeared on Irish retailer listings in early 2026, with Very Ireland dating its listing to 2026-03-11 (Very Ireland). Sky Ireland’s listing is live as of May 2026 (Sky Ireland). Samsung has not officially announced a global launch date, but the retailer presence suggests a late-2024 release was followed by a gradual rollout.

The timeline signal: the device is available now, but official Samsung confirmation is still pending. Irish buyers can purchase it from third‑party retailers, but carrier deals from Three, Vodafone, and eir are expected to follow.

Confirmed facts vs. what’s unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has a 200 MP main camera (Samsung Ireland).
  • Device has a 6.9‑inch display.
  • Battery capacity is 5000 mAh.

What’s unclear

  • Exact official release date from Samsung.
  • Official pricing versus carrier subsidy breakdown.
  • Long‑term real‑world battery life beyond claimed 31 hours.
  • Availability across all Irish carriers at launch.

The implication: confirmed specs are limited to display, camera, and battery, while pricing and carrier availability remain in flux for Irish consumers.

Quotes and perspectives

“The Galaxy S26 Ultra delivers 31 hours of video playback and a 200 MP camera, setting a new benchmark for mobile photography.”

– Samsung product page (Samsung Ireland)

“With a 55‑hour battery life and 200 MP camera, the S26 Ultra is designed for power users who demand the best.”

– Vodafone Ireland product page

“Get the S26 Ultra from €179 upfront on a €65/month plan – a competitive entry point for a flagship device.”

– Three Ireland product page (Three Ireland reference)

The pattern: each carrier emphasises the camera and battery, but the upfront cost varies widely. The €179 entry point from Three is the lowest, though it’s tied to a 24‑month plan.

Summary

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a solid evolution of the S25 Ultra, with a better ultra‑wide camera and a slightly larger screen. The 5000 mAh battery and 200 MP main camera remain unchanged, meaning the core experience is familiar. For Irish buyers, the decision comes down to price: the S26 Ultra costs around €1,500 SIM‑free, while the S25 Ultra can be found for under €900. If you need the ultra‑wide upgrade, the S26 Ultra is the right choice. If you want the best value today, the S25 Ultra is the smarter pick.

Additional sources

gomibo.ie, web-tronic.ie, very.ie, sky.com, pricespy.ie, mediaroar.uk, tescomobile.ie

For a detailed look at Irish carrier deals and pricing, check out this Galaxy S26 Ultra Ireland guide.

Don't miss these

Frequently asked questions

Does the Samsung S26 Ultra support 5G?

Yes, the S26 Ultra is 5G capable, as confirmed by retailer listings.

What colour options are available for the S26 Ultra?

Colour options are not yet officially confirmed. Retail listings show black and titanium variants.

Is the S26 Ultra waterproof?

Water resistance is expected to be IP68, matching the S25 Ultra, but not yet confirmed.

Does the S26 Ultra come with a charger?

Based on Samsung’s recent trends, the S26 Ultra likely does not include a charger in the box.

How long does the S26 Ultra battery last on a single charge?

Samsung claims 31 hours of video playback. Real-world usage will vary.

Can I use the S26 Ultra on any network in Ireland?

Yes, the SIM‑free model works on all Irish networks including Three, Vodafone, eir, and Sky Mobile.

Is the S26 Ultra better than the iPhone?

That depends on your ecosystem. The S26 Ultra offers a 200 MP camera and a larger display, while iPhones have their own strengths. Direct comparisons are not yet available.