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Samsung Galaxy A26 5G vs Samsung Galaxy A25 5G: How to to affordable phones compare

This year, Samsung introduced the Galaxy A26 5G, which aims to replace last year’s Samsung Galaxy A25 5G as the new midrange smartphone for the masses. Both these devices also offer a balanced mix of good software and hardware. But which one is better? Read on below to know more.

March 28, 2025 / 16:54 IST
Galaxy A26 5G vs Galaxy A25 5G

Samsung’s Galaxy A series has long been appreciated by most smartphone users as they offer mid-range smartphone users a good combination of affordability and innovation. As a part of the company’s 2025 A-series lineup, Samsung recently unveiled the Galaxy A26 5G, which succeeds the highly popular Galaxy A25 5G. However, the Galaxy A25 5G provides a solid OneUI experience and is currently available at a lower price than the Galaxy A26 5G.

So, you might want to know whether the Galaxy A25 5G is worth saving your wallet or the Galaxy A26 5G warrants that extra spend. Let’s look at each device and see where they differ, and if the Galaxy A26 5G does enough to warrant the additional cash.

Samsung Galaxy A26 5G vs Samsung Galaxy A25 5G: Design and display

Despite the similar design language of the two smartphones, there are slight differences between them. The Galaxy A26 features Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front, protecting against shattering. Meanwhile, the A25 uses Gorilla Glass 5, which is more prone to scratches or accidental falls. The A26 also has a slightly taller display at 6.7 inches, while the former has a 6.5-inch screen.

While both devices have plastic frames, the Galaxy A26 sports a glass back, giving it a more premium feel in hand. However, with this glass back, the smartphone is 3 grams heavier. Rest both smartphones come with 120Hz AMOLED displays and have a U-shaped notch at the front.

Samsung Galaxy A26 5G vs Samsung Galaxy A25 5G: Software and performance

Both devices come with Samsung’s native operating system with multiple features and customization options. However, the Galaxy A26 comes with One UI 7 based on Android 15 out of the box, while the Galaxy A25 is yet to receive this update. The A26 also supports up to six major Android upgrades, while the A25 only has support for four Android OS updates. The A25 also lacks AI wizardry, as Samsung has introduced new AI features such as Circle to Search with the Galaxy A26 5G.

While the A25 is powered by an Exynos 1280, the A26 sports the improved Exynos 1380. With the improved benchmark scores, we can expect smoother performance from the Galaxy A26 in day-to-day tasks or during light gaming sessions. However, if your usage is limited to daily app scrolls, the A25 also offers more than enough horsepower to get the job done.

Samsung Galaxy A26 5G vs Samsung Galaxy A25 5G: Camera and battery

In the camera department, both smartphones are nearly identical to each other as they come with similar camera setups. Both devices come with 50MP main shooters. The Galaxy A26 and A25 also sport an 8MP ultrawide lens and come with 2MP macro lenses. Their selfie cameras are also similar with a 13MP lens supporting Full HD recording at 30fps.

Unsurprisingly, the battery life on both devices is quite similar, with each phone packing a 5,000mAh battery cell. The A25 might get you a touch more battery life with its weaker chipset, but the difference is negligible. Both smartphones also support 25W wired charging but sadly, Samsung doesn’t bundle the charger in the box.

Samsung Galaxy A26 5G vs Samsung Galaxy A25 5G: Verdict

There’s no question the Galaxy A26 5G is a better smartphone with a slightly better build quality, more AI features, and an improved chipset. However, it is tough to justify spending Rs 5,000 extra when the Galaxy A25 offers similar software, camera, and battery life. You also get a 3.5mm headphone jack with the Galaxy A25, which Samsung has removed from the Galaxy A26.

Therefore, if you want longer software support and a slightly improved design and build quality at a slight premium, the Galaxy A26 is the better buy over the A25. However, if you don’t have such a specific use case with those upgrades and want a cheaper Samsung smartphone, the Galaxy A25 is still a good budget smartphone to use in 2025.

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Sandip Chakraborty
first published: Mar 28, 2025 04:53 pm

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