Samsung has released its latest flagship phone, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, and it’s clear that the company is sticking to its trend of incremental updates rather than groundbreaking changes. The S26 Ultra offers a few hardware upgrades, such as a wider aperture on some of the cameras, faster charging, and the latest Snapdragon chip. However, the standout features of this phone lie in its software and innovative new screen technology called Privacy Display.
The design of the S26 Ultra is sleek and comfortable to hold, with rounded corners and a new camera island design. The phone features anti-reflective Corning Gorilla Armor 2 glass on the front and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the rear. However, the frame is now made of Armor Aluminium instead of titanium, which may be considered a downgrade by some.
One notable change is the positioning of the S-Pen, which now bends around the corner slightly, making it easier to accidentally knock the stylus. The phone is available in four shades, with additional exclusive colors if purchased directly from Samsung. The Cobalt Violet model offers a unique color-shifting effect in different lighting conditions.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra features a massive 6.9-inch AMOLED panel with the new Privacy Display feature, which prevents the screen from being viewed at an angle. The Privacy Display uses a combination of hardware and software to limit visibility from off-axis angles. While the feature may reduce resolution and brightness when activated, it offers a valuable privacy option for sensitive content.
In terms of performance, the S26 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip and offers up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. The phone delivers impressive speed and handles intensive tasks with ease. The thermal solution has been upgraded with a large vapor chamber to help keep the phone cool during extended use.
The camera setup on the S26 Ultra remains largely unchanged from its predecessor, with the exception of wider apertures on the main and telephoto lenses. The phone introduces new image processing and a revolutionary stabilisation mode for video recording. The addition of the APV codec provides enhanced image fidelity and editing flexibility for professional videographers.
Battery life on the S26 Ultra is sufficient for a full day of use, and the phone supports 60W wired charging and 25W wireless charging. The software experience on the S26 Ultra is highlighted by One UI 8.5, which offers a plethora of new features and customisation options. Bixby has returned as a powerful AI assistant, and new tools like Call Screening and Now Nudge enhance productivity and convenience.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is priced at a premium, starting at £1,279/$1,299 for the base model. The phone competes with other flagship devices in terms of pricing and features. While the S26 Ultra may not offer groundbreaking hardware upgrades, its innovative software features and top-notch performance make it a compelling option for those looking for a reliable and feature-packed smartphone.
