Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Review: Stealthy Upgrades Make This Ultra the Best Yet

Samsung’s Galaxy S series has been a staple in the smartphone world for years, and the S26 Ultra is no exception. While it may look strikingly similar to its predecessors, this latest flagship device is packed with subtle yet impactful upgrades that make it a standout choice for tech enthusiasts. From its enhanced privacy display to improved camera performance and faster charging speeds, the S26 Ultra is a testament to Samsung’s commitment to innovation.

Design: Back to Aluminum

After experimenting with titanium frames on the S24 and S25 Ultra, Samsung has returned to aluminum for the S26 Ultra. This change was made to better match the phone’s chassis with the Corning Gorilla Armor 2 panels on the front and back. While the difference is subtle on the black review unit, the phone is slightly lighter and thinner than its predecessor, measuring 7.9mm in thickness and weighing 214 grams. These minor adjustments make the S26 Ultra feel sleeker and more refined, though the difference is barely noticeable when compared side-by-side with the S25 Ultra.

The S-Pen, a signature feature of the Ultra series, remains unchanged in terms of functionality. However, the phone’s more rounded corners now require the stylus to be inserted in a specific orientation, adding a touch of precision to its design.

Display: Now with More Privacy

The S26 Ultra’s 6.9-inch display retains the same impressive specs as last year’s model, including 2,600 nits of peak brightness, a variable 120Hz refresh rate, and a max resolution of 3,120 x 1,440. However, the standout feature this year is the built-in Privacy Display. With a simple toggle, users can activate a mode that prevents others from viewing the screen from acute angles, both from the side and vertically.

When the Privacy Display is enabled, the screen appears to fade to black when viewed from an angle, making it nearly impossible for prying eyes to see what’s on your phone. There are two levels of privacy: the standard mode, which has minimal impact on image quality and brightness, and the Maximum Privacy Protection mode, which significantly reduces contrast and luminance. While the latter is more secure, it comes at the cost of visual quality, making the standard mode the more practical choice for everyday use.

The Privacy Display is a game-changer for anyone concerned about screen snooping, and it’s a feature that should become standard on all premium smartphones moving forward.

Performance and Software: More Speed and AI

Under the hood, the S26 Ultra is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip for Galaxy, paired with 12GB or 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage. The most significant improvement lies in the processor’s NPU, which is 39% more powerful than the previous generation. This boost in AI capabilities enables a host of new features, including Photo Assist, which offers advanced editing tools and the ability to generate new elements in photos using natural language prompts.

The phone also includes Samsung’s Creative Studio, a playground for creating digital art, wallpapers, stickers, and greeting cards. Other AI-powered features include an improved document scanner, a call screener that better blocks spam and robocalls, and the Now Nudge feature, which surfaces relevant photos based on context when using the Samsung keyboard.

While these features are impressive, they are not entirely new, as similar tools have been available on rival devices like the Pixel 10 Pro. Nonetheless, they add value to the S26 Ultra and make it a more versatile and intelligent device.

Cameras: The Same Sensors with Some Larger Apertures

The S26 Ultra retains the same camera sensors as its predecessor, but Samsung has made some notable improvements. The 200MP main camera and 50MP 5x telephoto camera now feature larger apertures (f/1.4 and f/2.9, respectively), which significantly enhance low-light performance. The phone’s primary shooter is now noticeably better at capturing sharp and well-exposed photos in challenging lighting conditions, such as backlit scenes.

While the S26 Ultra’s daytime photography remains excellent, the improvements in low-light performance are particularly impressive. The phone’s ability to capture detailed and noise-free images in dim environments sets it apart from its competitors.

Battery Life and Charging

The S26 Ultra is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, the same capacity as last year’s model. However, the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip delivers improved power efficiency, resulting in slightly better battery life. In our local video rundown test, the S26 Ultra lasted 30 hours and 3 minutes, a modest improvement over its predecessor.

Charging speeds have also received a significant boost. The S26 Ultra now supports up to 60 watts of wired charging and 25 watts of wireless charging, making it one of the fastest-charging smartphones on the market. This is a welcome upgrade, especially for users who rely on their phones throughout the day.

One notable omission, however, is the lack of a built-in magnetic ring for Qi2 charging or other magnetic accessories. While this decision was made to keep the phone as thin as possible, it’s a feature that many users would have appreciated. Fortunately, third-party cases can add this functionality, but it’s not the most premium solution.

Wrap-Up: A Stealthy Yet Significant Upgrade

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a masterclass in subtle innovation. While it may not boast groundbreaking changes, its under-the-hood upgrades make it one of the best Ultra models in recent years. The Privacy Display, improved camera performance, and faster charging speeds are standout features that elevate the user experience.

However, the S26 Ultra’s high price tag of $1,300 may give some potential buyers pause. For those upgrading from a device that’s only a year or two old, the differences may not be immediately apparent. Nonetheless, for users seeking a premium smartphone that excels in every aspect, the S26 Ultra is a compelling choice.

In a world where smartphones are becoming increasingly similar, the S26 Ultra stands out as a device that quietly pushes the boundaries of what a flagship phone can be. It’s a stealthy yet significant upgrade that solidifies Samsung’s position as a leader in the smartphone industry.

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