TechRadar Recommends Galaxy S24 and S25 Ultra as $1,299 S26 Ultra Alternatives

5 articles · Updated · TechRadar · May 18

$1,299 for Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra is pushing buyers toward older Ultra models, with TechRadar highlighting the S24 Ultra and S25 Ultra as the strongest substitutes.
The S24 Ultra stands out for offering many S26-like traits at a mid-range price, while keeping software support through 2031 thanks to Samsung’s 7-year update policy.
The S25 Ultra is framed as the safest downgrade because it shares the S26 Ultra’s camera array, display, battery and charging, but now sells for significantly less and often at discounts.
The S23 Ultra remains a cheaper middle-ground option with support until 2028 and features Samsung later dropped, including 10x optical zoom and Bluetooth stylus support.
The S22 Ultra is treated as a risky bargain because major Android updates have ended, while the S21 Ultra and older models are seen as too outdated and hard to source.

Has Samsung’s generous update policy made older models a better buy than its new flagship?

Is the Galaxy S26 Ultra's exclusive 'Privacy Display' truly worth its massive price premium?