Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review: After four months of evaluation, I can't bear to be without it.
**Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra**
**MSRP**: **$1,299.99**
**“A prime example of smartphone luxury.”**
**Pros**
- Seamless daily performance
- Effective privacy display
- Superior stylus functionality
- Outstanding low-light photography
- Sturdy construction with a polished appearance
- Speedy charging capabilities
- Extended software updates
- Safe on-device AI features
**Cons**
- No increase in battery capacity
- Lacks magnetic wireless charging
- Camera requires some adjustments
- Issues with heat and throttling
- AI functionalities still feel unrefined
- Quite pricey
- Impact on privacy display performance
- Could benefit from a better IP rating
**Quick Review**
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is the most comprehensive Android device I've used this year, achieving this not through one standout feature but through excellence in nearly every area, complemented by its unique advantages. At $1,300, it is undeniably costly. After using it as my sole device for four months, I believe no other Android phone matches its overall capabilities. Samsung has replaced the titanium frame with a lighter, more vibrant Armor Aluminum one and has softened the corners that used to dig into my palm.
A significant new feature is the Privacy Display, integrated into the hardware rather than merely applied as a film. It obscures the screen from anyone sitting beside you. I was initially doubtful, but after trying it, I received surprised reactions from those around me. Beneath the sleek design lies a customized Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, finally matching the performance of Apple’s chips in iPhones. Whether multitasking heavily, using on-device AI via Gemini, or taking photos, everything worked flawlessly during my use.
However, it has its imperfections. The battery remains at 5,000 mAh, unchanged from previous models, resulting in average screen-on time. While it's decent, it's not extraordinary. The improved 60W wired charging alleviates some concerns. The cameras have wider apertures and show significant improvement in low-light conditions, particularly with the impressive Horizon Lock video mode, although I did experience occasional exposure variations and shutter lag. In summary, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is a formidable powerhouse. It may not entice S25 Ultra users to upgrade, but for nearly everyone else, it represents a top-tier choice.
**Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra specs: Inside this sleek flagship**
- **Processor**: Octa-Core (4.74 GHz, 3.6 GHz)
- **Display**: 17.49 cm Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 3120 x 1440 (Quad HD+), 16M Color Depth, 120 Hz Max Refresh Rate
- **S Pen Support**: Yes
- **Rear Camera**: 200.0 MP + 50.0 MP + 50.0 MP + 10.0 MP (F1.4, F2.9, F1.9, F2.4), Auto Focus, OIS
- **Camera Zoom**: Optical Zoom 3x and 5x, Optical quality Zoom 2x and 10x, Digital Zoom up to 100x
- **Front Camera**: 12.0 MP (F2.2), Auto Focus
- **Video Recording**: UHD 8K (7680 x 4320) @ 30fps
- **Memory / Storage**: 12 GB RAM / 256 GB Storage (224.1 GB Available)
- **Network**: Dual-SIM (Nano-SIM, eSIM), 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, 5G Sub6
- **Connectivity**: USB Type-C (3.2 Gen 1), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be), Bluetooth v6.0, NFC, UWB, GPS
- **OS**: Android
- **Sensors**: Accelerometer, Barometer, Fingerprint, Gyro, Geomagnetic, Hall, Light, Proximity
- **Physical Dimensions**: 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm
- **Weight**: 214 g
- **Battery**: 5000 mAh (Non-removable), Up to 31 hours video playback time
- **Audio & Video**: Stereo Support, Video Playback Resolution up to UHD 8K (7680 x 4320) @ 60fps
- **Software Support**: Security Updates valid until 28 February 2033
**Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Design and Build: A deceptively sleek giant**
Every smartphone brand is pursuing titanium these days, and at first glance, Samsung’s return to aluminum seems like a backward step. However, after using the Armor Aluminum 2 frame, I'm convinced the change was beneficial.
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