The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra may look quite familiar, echoing the design of its predecessors. But look a bit closer and you’ll find new, hidden features that enhance its performance. Priced at around $1,300, it’s still a splurge, but considering the rising costs of memory, it actually feels like a decent deal compared to the competition.
While the design retains its classic angular shape, Samsung has made slight modifications. The phone is now lighter and thinner, weighing 214 grams and measuring just 7.9mm thick. The transition back to aluminum from titanium makes crafting the intricate color finishes a bit easier, though the differences are subtle.
One standout feature in this model is the new Privacy Display, which is crucial for those who are privacy-conscious. With a quick toggle, you can activate this feature that limits screen visibility from side angles. When activated, it reduces the screen content’s brightness at off-angles—making it hard for bystanders to see what you are doing. Recent user feedback suggests this is a welcome addition, especially in public spaces. A survey showed that 67% of smartphone users worry about people watching their screens in crowded areas.
The S26 Ultra runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, boasting impressive processing speeds and AI enhancements. It features up to 16GB of RAM and offers storage options up to 1TB. Notably, its neural processing unit (NPU) is 39% faster than its predecessor, aiding various tasks from photography to app functionalities. In benchmarks, it scored 11,240 in multi-core performance and 25,403 for graphics, comfortably placing it among the best-performing devices currently available.
Camera-wise, the S26 Ultra may utilize the same sensors as previous models, yet with wider apertures, it excels in low light conditions. This means you can expect clearer, sharper images even in dim lighting. User ratings indicate that the night mode is particularly effective, earning high praise on social media for its performance during various shooting scenarios.
Battery life remains strong with a 5,000mAh capacity. Users report lasting over 30 hours on video playback, which is impressive, but Samsung could do more to optimize daily usage time. It’s equipped for faster charging as well, supporting up to 60 watts wired, a leap from 45 watts in earlier models. Still, it does not feature a built-in magnetic ring for Qi2 accessories, which some users find disappointing.
In summary, while the Galaxy S26 Ultra may not feel revolutionary, it does deliver thoughtful upgrades that enhance everyday usage. The new Privacy Display is an intriguing feature, and the performance updates—both in speed and photography—are substantial. Those looking for a reliable, capable device will find this model to be a solid choice, even if it leans more toward incremental rather than dramatic evolution.
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Samsung Galaxy, Sam Rutherford, Ultra
