Galaxy S26 Ultra: EXACTLY As I Expected (After 50 Days)

Summary

The S26 Ultra impresses with its sleek design, flagship display, and feature-rich One UI, building on the S25 Ultra’s strengths. It offers enhanced cameras for selfies, portraits, and dynamic-range shots, along with advanced video capabilities like APV log recording. The new privacy display keeps content secure without major compromises in brightness. Performance is top-tier with Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, and AI-powered features streamline tasks, photo edits, and app interactions. Battery life is solid for a full day, though capacity remains unchanged. Overall, the S26 Ultra is a well-rounded, productive, and stylish Android flagship, ideal for users seeking a premium all-in-one experience.

Takeaways

• 📱 The initial excitement of a new phone fades quickly, and users eventually return to familiar habits with minor annoyances.
• 🎨 The S26 Ultra has a premium design with curvier corners compared to the S25 Ultra, offering scratch resistance, solidity, and a classy feel.
• 👆 The phone is large and can be difficult to use one-handed, and the table wobble issue is noticeable without a case.
• 🔒 The new privacy display allows users to control visibility for the entire screen, notifications, or specific apps, though it slightly dims the screen.
• 📸 Camera improvements include brighter sensors, better dynamic range, improved portraits and selfies, and slightly better low-light performance, though halation around lights can occur.
• 🔍 Zoom performance: iPhone 17 Pro's 8x zoom produces more consistent colors than the S26 Ultra's 10x zoom, but the S26 Ultra remains very capable.
• 🎥 Video features now include APV recording, log video capture, built-in LUTs, and improved pro video controls, making cinematic output easier.
• ⚡ Performance is top-tier with Snapdragon 8 Gen 5; Samsung's One UI offers unique features like call captioning, AI photo edits, Bixby automation, and document scanning.
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• 🗂️ One UI improvements include easier management of private media, integrated search (Finder), and Gemini AI for automating native apps like reminders and calendars.
• 🔋 Battery remains 5,000 mAh, offering solid one-day usage with fast charging under one hour, but heavy camera users may need more frequent charging.
• 💡 Recommendation: S26 Ultra is the best all-rounder phone currently. S25 Ultra is still viable if privacy display isn’t needed, and switching to iPhone is only advisable for committed users.

Q & A

What is the main selling point of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra based on the review?

The main selling point of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is its impressive design, stunning display, innovative privacy features, and powerful camera performance. It is an all-around powerhouse for users looking for high-end specifications.

What is the unique feature of the S26 Ultra’s display?

The unique feature of the S26 Ultra’s display is the 'privacy display.' It prevents others from peeking at your screen from the side, ensuring better privacy while using the phone in public spaces.

Does the S26 Ultra have any major issues with the privacy display?

The privacy display does cause the screen to dim slightly, but the visible difference in brightness is minimal. It does not affect the display’s overall quality significantly, and the regular privacy mode is sufficient for most users.

How does the S26 Ultra compare to the iPhone 17 Pro in terms of camera performance?

The S26 Ultra excels in dynamic range, especially in bright conditions, and produces better portraits compared to the iPhone 17 Pro. However, the iPhone still handles skies and greens more naturally. In low-light scenarios, the S26 Ultra has some issues with halation around light sources, which the iPhone handles better.

How does the performance of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra hold up over time?

The S26 Ultra's performance remains top-tier thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, making it incredibly fast and capable of handling intensive tasks like gaming and multitasking. Over time, users will also appreciate the specific Samsung features in One UI that enhance the user experience.

What are some standout features of Samsung’s One UI in the S26 Ultra?

Standout features of One UI include AI-powered photo editing, Bixby’s deep integration with system settings, call captioning for meetings, and the ability to scan documents while cleaning up wrinkles and shadows automatically. Additionally, the phone integrates well with Gemini for smart reminders and calendar entries.

Is there any room for improvement in Samsung's software offerings?

Yes, Samsung's 'Now, Nudge' and 'Now Brief' features need improvement, as they currently require too much user input. Additionally, the stock wallpaper library could be expanded to offer more variety, similar to other manufacturers like OnePlus and Oppo.

How does the S26 Ultra perform in terms of battery life?

The S26 Ultra offers a solid one-day battery life with around 6.5 hours of screen-on time in typical usage. The battery capacity remains the same as the S25 Ultra (5,000 mAh), but it charges quickly, reaching full charge in under an hour. Heavy usage may require charging earlier in the day.

How does the S26 Ultra compare to the S25 Ultra in terms of physical design?

The S26 Ultra has a very similar design to the S25 Ultra but with slightly more curvy corners. Both phones share a premium feel, minimal bezels, and a solid build, but the S26 Ultra offers a more refined and modern aesthetic.

Should someone upgrade from the S25 Ultra to the S26 Ultra?

Upgrading from the S25 Ultra to the S26 Ultra might not be necessary unless you specifically want the privacy display or the new AI features. If the S25 Ultra is still serving you well and you're not using the privacy display, sticking with the S25 Ultra could be a good option, especially if you can get a good deal.