Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Why I’m Concerned About Samsung’s Next Flagship

Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra has the potential to be a powerhouse, but early rumors suggest the phone may repeat some of the same mistakes that held back its predecessor. Here’s a deep dive into what’s worrying me about Samsung’s next flagship.

The Camera Conundrum: Same Old Telephoto?

The most concerning rumor about the Galaxy S26 Ultra centers on its camera system. According to ETNews, the phone will reportedly feature a 200MP primary camera, 50MP ultrawide, and a combination of 10MP 3x and 50MP 5x telephoto sensors.

While the 200MP main sensor promises impressive resolution, the 10MP 3x telephoto camera appears to be carrying over from previous generations. This is particularly troubling because:

• Samsung has used essentially the same 10MP telephoto sensor for multiple generations
• Competitors like Apple have pushed forward with 4x telephoto systems
• Chinese manufacturers have significantly improved portrait and macro capabilities

If these rumors prove accurate, the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s zoom capabilities will lag behind competitors. My recommendation? Skip the 3x zoom entirely and use the 200MP sensor with digital cropping instead.

Ergonomic Issues: Beauty Over Comfort?

Samsung made headlines last year by reducing the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s weight to 218 grams, but this achievement may have come at the cost of usability. The phone’s boxy design, while visually striking, creates a significant comfort problem:

• Sharp corners dig into palms during extended use
• The lack of edge tapering makes the phone feel bulkier than its weight suggests
• Both the iPhone 17 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL offer more comfortable ergonomics

Leaked images from Evan Blass suggest the Galaxy S26 Ultra may retain this problematic design. If Samsung doesn’t address these ergonomic concerns, users will continue to struggle with one-handed use and extended holding sessions.

Price Pressure: Can Samsung Justify $1,300?

The Galaxy S25 Ultra launched at $1,300, positioning it above both Apple’s and Google’s flagship offerings. While Samsung included 512GB of storage in the base model as a launch promotion, the pricing strategy remains questionable:

• Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at a lower price point
• Google’s Pixel 9 Pro XL offers competitive features at a more accessible price
• Component cost increases may push the S26 Ultra even higher

Unless Samsung delivers substantial upgrades across the board, the price-to-value ratio becomes increasingly difficult to justify.

The Bright Spot: Privacy Display Technology

Despite these concerns, Samsung is teasing an exciting new feature for the Galaxy S26 Ultra: Privacy Display. This technology promises:

• Pixel-level light control to prevent side-angle viewing
• No impact on brightness or color accuracy
• Built-in privacy without the need for screen protectors

If implemented well, this could be a game-changer for both personal and business users who frequently work in public spaces.

The Bottom Line

The Galaxy S26 Ultra has the potential to be Samsung’s best phone yet, but only if the company addresses these critical issues. A modest camera upgrade, improved ergonomics, and reasonable pricing could make this phone a winner. However, if Samsung repeats the mistakes of the S25 Ultra while maintaining or increasing the premium price, consumers may want to look elsewhere.

The privacy display feature shows Samsung is still capable of innovation, but execution across all aspects of the phone will determine whether the Galaxy S26 Ultra can truly compete at the highest level.

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