As we method the discharge of the Galaxy S26 sequence, it is clear there’s fairly a bit to stay up for. Rumors of bigger batteries, sooner charging, design adjustments, and even a brand new Privateness Show on the Galaxy S26 Extremely are very thrilling, however final 12 months’s telephone continues to be a superb alternative and comes at a reduced fee, too.
And let’s be actual. The leaks up to now in regards to the Galaxy S26 Extremely are not Earth-shattering. Certain, Privateness Show seems to be to be an incredible new function, however a $12 privateness tempered glass protector will do 90% of the job for lots much less cash. Samsung is alleged to be upgrading charging pace, though battery capability, sadly, may keep the identical. And the brand new, rounder corners on the S26 Extremely will doubtless have Galaxy S Extremely followers much more irritated, too.
Samsung, the software program king
Pay attention, when you advised me a decade in the past that Samsung would grow to be the king of smartphone software program and updates, I’d have laughed till I cried. However, through the years, Samsung took all of the complaints and destructive suggestions about its terrible software program and eventually did one thing about it.
The previous 12 months with the Galaxy S25 Extremely is proof that Samsung is the king of smartphone software program, with sooner, extra secure updates than some other firm, and common function updates that maintain the telephone feeling new and recent. Paradoxically, whereas the S25 sequence launched with One UI 7, that wider software program rollout was one of many messier launches in latest Samsung historical past.
To make up for that, Samsung not solely delivered its Android 16 replace, One UI 8, effectively forward of schedule, but in addition with out the key issues that got here with One UI 7’s rollout. To prime it off, One UI 8.5 is already in beta and improves on what already makes Samsung’s software program nice: customizability and distinctive options.
The true irony right here is that, in contrast to Apple and firms like OnePlus, Samsung’s updates and UI adjustments appear to be well-received by its prospects. Whereas a number of the adjustments are perhaps extra iOS-inspired than I would like, there is not any doubt that Samsung’s riffs on Apple design supply a superior expertise over an iPhone.
Considered one of my favourite issues about One UI — and, certainly, all energy customers — is the extent of customization all through the UI. For those who do not just like the horrible paginated app drawer or navigation buttons that Samsung stubbornly clings to, you’ll be able to simply change them in settings. Likewise, with the multitasking UI or the cut up notification panes. Toss in Good Lock, which is by far essentially the most distinctive utility accessible on any smartphone, and you will perceive why Samsung’s software program is so wonderful.
Final, however definitely not least, is the corporate’s dedication to privateness and safety. The Galaxy S25 Extremely is among the solely flagship smartphones that enables you flip off cloud-based AI processing. It is a easy toggle change in safety settings, and it means you’ll be able to get pleasure from nice AI-based options with out worrying about it being offloaded to some cloud server within the nice unknown.
Ache factors and design flaws
Total, I feel the Galaxy S25 Extremely is a really wonderful telephone that’ll please almost anybody who buys it, however there are just a few ache factors and design flaws which have emerged over the past 12 months of use. I used to be by no means a fan of the telephone’s boxy design, and the longer I exploit it, the extra I hate these sharp edges across the show.
The Galaxy S25 Extremely’s show continues to be a literal ache for anybody delicate to PWM dimming, and Samsung hasn’t launched a flicker-reduction mode for customers affected by it. There isn’t any telling if Samsung will deal with this within the S26 line, however the trade is transferring ahead with higher eye safety whereas Samsung continues to lag on this space.
The show’s oleophobic coating additionally appears reasonably weak in comparison with the competitors, with a number of customers noting that the telephone turns into a fingerprint magnet after just a few months’ use. This does not occur with different Samsung telephones, so far as we will inform, so it is likely to be one thing with the anti-reflective layer on the S25 Extremely.
I’ve additionally discovered the fingerprint reader to be tremendous awful in comparison with telephones just like the Google Pixel 10 Professional or the OnePlus 15. It is so irritating to make use of that I’ve fully disabled it, and I am undoubtedly not alone right here. A fast Google search reveals lots of responses from individuals who dislike Samsung’s ultrasonic sensors, and something from dry pores and skin to making use of a display screen protector nearly at all times makes issues worse.
I’ve seen fewer complaints about issues like overheating, poor battery life, and digital camera processing points, however all of these proceed to see common posts on locations like Reddit and Samsung’s official help boards. I do not wish to downplay these points or complaints, however most of them are extraordinarily subjective and depend upon private telephone utilization, whereas the others are extra generalized or widespread.
Samsung’s greatest 12 months but
As we famous in our 2025 smartphone report card, 2025 was the perfect 12 months but for Samsung as an entire. That features the Galaxy S25 Extremely with its well-rounded expertise, fast and routine software program updates, strong construct high quality, and a plethora of equipment to select from.
Even the digital camera holds up in opposition to newly launched telephones, because it continues to supply wonderful images, particularly whenever you make the most of the 4 lenses on the again for zooming in or out. Samsung even improved movement seize for the reason that S25 Extremely’s launch, one thing we have frequently harped on Samsung for in our digital camera critiques for years.
No telephone is ideal, however the Galaxy S25 Extremely continues to be a champ a 12 months later. Can Samsung enhance issues on the S26 Extremely? Completely, however for most individuals, I feel the overwhelming majority of any adjustments will not be well worth the improve. This one’s nonetheless a superb purchase, and that features after the S26 Extremely launches, since you may undoubtedly be capable to snag one for a report low worth.
