Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. S25 Ultra: My 3 biggest concerns as a longtime Galaxy user

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Same Design, Same Telephoto Camera, Same Price Hike Concerns

Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra flagship phone is shaping up to be a modest upgrade over last year’s model, with some concerning rumors suggesting the company may not address key issues that plagued its predecessor.

The same old telephoto camera problem

According to ETNews, the Galaxy S26 Ultra will feature a 200MP primary camera paired with a 50MP ultrawide lens, but the telephoto setup remains troubling. The phone is rumored to keep the same 10MP 3x telephoto camera that’s been used for several generations now.

This is particularly concerning given that Apple pushed boundaries last year with its 4x telephoto camera, while Chinese manufacturers have perfected portrait and macro photography with improved processing. If Samsung sticks with this aging sensor, the S26 Ultra will struggle to compete with rivals that have moved forward in mobile photography.

The 200MP primary camera is capable of high-resolution shots, but users will likely need to rely on cropping those images rather than using the underwhelming 3x zoom. Samsung needs to significantly upgrade its telephoto capabilities to remain competitive in the premium smartphone market.

Ergonomics: The comfort factor nobody’s talking about

Despite reducing the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s weight to 218 grams, Samsung’s design choices made it harder to use than even heavier predecessors. The boxy design with sharp, flat edges digs into users’ palms during extended use, creating an uncomfortable experience that physical weight alone doesn’t explain.

Leaked renders from Evan Blass suggest the Galaxy S26 Ultra will retain this problematic design with flat sides and no edge tapering. This is disappointing news for users who prioritize comfort, as both the iPhone 17 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL offer better ergonomics with more rounded edges.

A phone’s usability depends heavily on how it feels in hand, and Samsung seems to be prioritizing aesthetics over practical comfort. Unless the company addresses this fundamental issue, the S26 Ultra may continue to disappoint users who prefer using their phones without bulky cases.

Price concerns in an already expensive market

While nothing is confirmed, rumors are split on whether the Galaxy S26 Ultra will maintain its $1,300 price point or increase further. Given that Samsung already offers 512GB storage at this price (double what competitors provide), any increase would put the phone at a significant disadvantage.

For context, the $1,300 base price already exceeds what Apple and Google charge for their flagship devices. Component price increases might pressure Samsung to raise prices, but the company risks alienating customers in an increasingly competitive market where value matters more than ever.

The promising privacy display feature

On a positive note, Samsung is teasing an innovative Privacy Display feature for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. This technology uses pixel-level light control to adjust OLED emission, ensuring light only shines toward the user when viewing the screen straight on.

Unlike physical privacy screen protectors that reduce brightness and color quality, this software-based solution maintains the display’s full capabilities while preventing visual snooping in public spaces. This could be particularly valuable for business users and anyone concerned about privacy in crowded environments.

The feature works similarly to existing privacy screens but without the drawbacks, potentially making it a standout selling point for the S26 Ultra. It demonstrates Samsung’s continued innovation in display technology, even as other aspects of the phone remain relatively unchanged.

Looking ahead

The Galaxy S26 Ultra appears to be shaping up as a modest upgrade with some significant concerns. While the Privacy Display feature shows promise, the potential retention of the uncomfortable design and outdated telephoto camera could limit its appeal.

Samsung faces pressure to deliver meaningful improvements in a market where competitors are pushing boundaries in photography, ergonomics, and value. Whether the S26 Ultra can overcome these challenges remains to be seen, but current rumors suggest the company may be playing it too safe with its flagship device.

For now, potential buyers might want to wait for official announcements and hands-on reviews before committing to Samsung’s latest offering, especially given the high price point and concerns about fundamental design choices that affect daily usability.

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The same old telephoto camera that couldn’t compete last year might return, making you wonder if Samsung is even trying. That boxy design might look premium, but your hands will pay the price every single day. At $1300, Samsung better bring something revolutionary, not just another slightly warmed-over Ultra. The Privacy Display sounds amazing, but can it save a phone that might otherwise feel stuck in the past? When your $1300 phone can’t outshoot cheaper competitors, you have to ask what you’re really paying for. Comfort isn’t a luxury feature—it’s essential, and Samsung seems to have forgotten that basic truth.,