Samsung Galaxy S26 Buying Guide: S26 vs S26+ vs S26 Ultra (and Is S25 Ultra Still Worth It?)

Quick answer: Buy the Galaxy S26 (from KES 88,000) for the standard flagship experience at the lowest S26 price. Buy the Galaxy S26+ (from KES 97,000) for a larger display and battery. Buy the Galaxy S26 Ultra (from KES 113,000) for the built-in S Pen and best camera system. The previous-generation Galaxy S25 Ultra (from KES 100,000) is still genuinely worth considering if you want Ultra-tier features for less.

Samsung’s S-Series Just Got More Complicated

With both S26 and S25 generations available side by side, plus the S25 FE and S25 Edge sitting in their own niches, choosing a Samsung flagship in Kenya right now takes a bit more thought than it used to. Here’s how it actually breaks down.

Galaxy S26: The Standard Flagship

At KES 88,000, the standard Galaxy S26 delivers Samsung’s current flagship chip, camera system, and One UI software with Galaxy AI features, without the added display size or S Pen of the higher tiers. For buyers who want current-generation Samsung hardware at the most accessible S26 price, this is the starting point.

Galaxy S26+: More Screen, More Battery

The Galaxy S26+ (KES 97,000, 256GB) steps up the display and battery size over the standard model while keeping the same core camera and chip, suited to buyers who want a larger screen for video and multitasking without moving to Ultra pricing.

Galaxy S26 Ultra: S Pen & Flagship Camera

Starting at KES 113,000 for 256GB (up to KES 144,000 for 512GB), the S26 Ultra brings back the built-in S Pen alongside Samsung’s most advanced camera array and Galaxy AI feature set. This remains the tier for buyers who specifically want stylus productivity or the best zoom and detail Samsung currently offers.

Is the Previous-Gen Galaxy S25 Ultra Still Worth It?

Genuinely, yes for value-focused buyers. The Galaxy S25 Ultra (KES 100,000 for 256GB, KES 119,000–124,000 for 512GB) still carries the built-in S Pen and a flagship-grade camera system, at a lower price than the current S26 Ultra. Unless you specifically need the newest chip generation, the S25 Ultra remains a smart way to get Ultra-tier features for less.

The Niche Models: S25 FE and S25 Edge

The Galaxy S25 FE (KES 58,000–64,500) brings core S25 features to a more accessible price point, while the Galaxy S25 Edge (KES 75,000) offers a distinctively slim, lightweight design for buyers who prioritise in-hand feel over having every camera lens.

Full Price Comparison

Which Should You Actually Buy?

• Best overall value: Galaxy S25 Ultra — Ultra-tier features at a lower price than the current S26 Ultra
• Want the newest chip generation: Galaxy S26 or S26 Ultra, depending on whether you need the S Pen
• Want a distinctive, ultra-slim design: Galaxy S25 Edge
• Tightest S-series budget: Galaxy S25 FE

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Galaxy S25 Ultra still worth buying now that S26 Ultra exists?

Yes. The S25 Ultra retains the built-in S Pen and a flagship camera system at a lower price than the S26 Ultra, making it a genuinely smart choice if you don’t need the very newest chip.

What’s the difference between Galaxy S26 and S26 Ultra?

The S26 Ultra adds a built-in S Pen and a more advanced camera array with extended zoom, at a higher price. The standard S26 carries the same core chip and Galaxy AI software.

Which Samsung phone has the best camera in Kenya right now?

The Galaxy S26 Ultra offers Samsung’s most advanced current camera system, though the previous-generation S25 Ultra remains a strong, more affordable alternative with similar core camera capability.

Where to Buy in Kenya

At City Tech, we stock the genuine Samsung Galaxy S26 and S25 lineups, backed by manufacturer or dealer warranty. Browse the full Smartphones collection → to compare current stock and pricing.

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