Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review: After four months of use, I can’t let it go.
**Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra**
**MSRP**: $1,299.99
*“A prime example of luxury smartphones.”*
**Pros**
- Seamless everyday performance
- Effective privacy display
- Outstanding stylus functionality
- Exceptional low-light photography
- Sturdy design with a polished aesthetic
- Welcome improvement in charging speed
- Long-term software support
- Safe on-device AI features
**Cons**
- No increase in battery capacity
- Lacks magnetic wireless charging
- Cameras require calibration
- Occasional overheating and throttling
- AI features still feel underwhelming
- Quite pricey
- Privacy display impacts overall experience
- Could benefit from a higher IP rating
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**Quick Review**
The Galaxy S26 Ultra stands out as the most refined Android smartphone I've encountered this year. It achieves this not through one standout feature but by excelling in nearly every aspect and adding its unique enhancements. Priced at $1,300, it is undeniably high-end. After using it exclusively for four months, I believe few Android devices can match its capabilities. Samsung replaced the titanium frame with a lighter, more vibrant Armor Aluminum structure and improved the corner design for better comfort in hand.
The most notable addition is the Privacy Display feature, integrated at the hardware level. It obscures the screen from anyone sitting beside you. I was initially doubtful, but after using it, I noticed surprised reactions from those around me. The innovative Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor ensures smooth performance whether multitasking, using on-device AI features, or shooting photos.
However, it’s not without flaws. The battery remains at 5,000 mAh, the same as previous models, with battery life that is decent but nothing exceptional. The faster 60W wired charging helps mitigate this somewhat. The cameras have improved apertures and achieve better low-light performance. The Horizon Lock video mode impressed me, though I did experience some unpredictable exposure adjustments and minor shutter lag. Overall, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is a formidable device, but it may not entice S25 Ultra users to upgrade; however, for most others, it’s an exemplary choice.
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**Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Specs: An Overview of 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 of 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
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**Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Design and Build: A Quietly Impressive Giant**
With many smartphone manufacturers pursuing titanium construction, Samsung’s return to aluminum may seem like a backward step, but it’s not the case. After using the Armor Aluminum frame, I'm convinced it was the right choice. Aluminum better supports anodization compared to the PVD coating that titanium requires, which gives these colors a vibrant appearance.
Available colors include Cobalt Violet (the signature color Samsung promotes
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