The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is the latest addition to the Galaxy S series, a lineup that has consistently set the benchmark for premium Android smartphones. As the successor to the highly successful Galaxy S25 Ultra, this device not only carries forward the legacy but also introduces several key upgrades that make it a top contender for the best smartphone of 2024. This review dives deep into the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s design, display, performance, camera, battery life, software, and overall user experience, providing a comprehensive evaluation of whether it lives up to its flagship status.
Design and Build Quality
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is a marvel of modern smartphone design. Samsung has continued its commitment to premium materials and craftsmanship with this model. The device is encased in an armor aluminum frame, with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 3 covering both the front and back. The glass seamlessly curves into the metal frame, giving it a sleek, refined look. Despite being a large device, the S26 Ultra feels well-balanced in hand, thanks to its ergonomic design.
At first glance, the design of the Galaxy S26 Ultra is familiar, yet refined. Samsung has opted for a more squared-off look compared to its predecessors, reminiscent of the Galaxy Note series. The curved edges have been subtly flattened, which not only improves grip but also reduces accidental touches—a common issue with curved displays. The minimalistic camera array on the back remains, with individually placed sensors giving it a cleaner, more sophisticated aesthetic.
The S26 Ultra comes in a range of stunning colors, including Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, and a few exclusive limited-edition hues. The matte finish on the back prevents fingerprint smudges and adds to the premium feel. Overall, the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s design is both visually striking and functionally superior, setting it apart as one of the best-looking smartphones on the market.
Display: A Visual Powerhouse
Samsung has always been at the forefront of display technology, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra is no exception. The device sports a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 3200 x 1440 pixels, delivering an astonishing pixel density of 511 PPI. The screen supports a variable refresh rate of up to 144Hz, ensuring buttery-smooth scrolling and animations, while also being adaptive to save battery life when higher refresh rates aren’t needed.
The display’s brightness levels have been pushed even further this year, reaching a peak brightness of 2500 nits. This makes outdoor visibility excellent, even under direct sunlight. HDR10+ support ensures vibrant colors and deeper contrasts, making watching videos or playing games a highly immersive experience. Samsung has also improved its Vision Booster technology, which optimizes color accuracy based on ambient lighting conditions.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra’s display is not just about vividness and clarity; it’s also highly responsive. The upgraded touch sampling rate, combined with the 144Hz refresh rate, makes for an incredibly fluid user experience. Whether you’re gaming, browsing, or simply navigating through apps, the responsiveness is top-notch.
Performance: Power Unleashed
Under the hood, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is powered by Samsung’s latest Exynos 2500 chipset in some regions and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor in others. Both variants are built on a 3nm process, making them extremely power-efficient while delivering blistering performance. Paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, the Galaxy S26 Ultra handles multitasking, gaming, and productivity tasks with ease.
Benchmarks place the S26 Ultra at the top of the charts, rivaling other premium flagships like the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the Google Pixel 9 Pro. Real-world performance matches these numbers, with apps opening instantly, smooth transitions, and zero lag even when pushing the phone to its limits. Whether you’re playing graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact or editing 4K videos on the go, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is more than capable.
Samsung has also equipped the S26 Ultra with advanced cooling technology, ensuring the device remains cool even during extended periods of heavy use. The vapor chamber cooling system has been optimized to prevent thermal throttling, which is crucial for gamers and power users who demand sustained high performance.
Camera System: Photography and Videography Redefined
The camera has always been a standout feature in the Ultra series, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra takes it to the next level. The device features a quad-camera setup, headlined by a massive 200MP primary sensor with an f/1.7 aperture. The sensor is paired with improved OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) and Samsung’s latest AI-driven image processing, which results in stunning photos in various lighting conditions.
Low-light photography has seen significant improvements, thanks to enhanced Nightography features and better noise reduction algorithms. The large sensor size allows more light to be captured, resulting in sharper, more detailed images even in challenging environments. The dedicated periscope telephoto lens offers 10x optical zoom and up to 100x Space Zoom, maintaining impressive image quality even at extreme zoom levels.
For ultrawide shots, the 12MP sensor offers a 120-degree field of view, perfect for capturing expansive landscapes or large group photos. The macro capabilities have also been enhanced, allowing users to get incredibly close to subjects while maintaining detail.
On the video front, the Galaxy S26 Ultra can shoot 8K video at 30fps with improved stabilization, ensuring smooth footage even when on the move. Samsung’s Pro Video mode gives users granular control over settings like ISO, white balance, and focus, making it a favorite among content creators. AI-based scene optimization, auto-framing, and improved portrait video modes add more versatility to video capture.
The 40MP front camera is equally impressive, delivering detailed selfies with accurate skin tones and natural bokeh effects. The camera’s AI capabilities can intelligently enhance photos based on lighting, scene, and subject recognition, ensuring you always get the best shot possible.
Battery Life and Charging: All-Day Power
Battery life is a crucial aspect for any flagship, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra does not disappoint. The device houses a 5,500mAh battery, which is more than capable of providing all-day usage, even for heavy users. Samsung’s software optimizations, combined with the efficiency of the 3nm chipset, ensure that power consumption is kept in check.
In real-world usage, the S26 Ultra comfortably lasts a full day with a mix of social media, gaming, video streaming, and photography. For lighter users, it can even stretch into a second day without needing a recharge. The device supports 65W fast charging, which can take the battery from 0 to 100% in just under 40 minutes. Wireless charging speeds have also been improved, with the S26 Ultra supporting up to 30W wireless charging.
Reverse wireless charging, a staple feature of Samsung’s Ultra models, is present as well, allowing you to charge accessories like earbuds or even another phone on the back of the device. Samsung has also introduced better battery health management features, ensuring long-term battery life by learning your charging habits and optimizing power delivery.
Software and Features: One UI at Its Best
The Galaxy S26 Ultra runs on Samsung’s One UI 6.0, which is based on Android 14. Samsung’s custom skin has matured over the years, offering a rich set of features while maintaining a smooth, user-friendly experience. One UI 6.0 brings subtle refinements in design, improved widgets, and more customization options, giving users greater control over their device.
Multitasking on the S26 Ultra is a breeze, thanks to features like split-screen, pop-up view, and Samsung DeX, which allows you to use your phone as a desktop by connecting it to an external display. The S Pen, a defining feature of the Ultra models, has also seen improvements. The latency is now even lower, making it feel more natural when writing or drawing. The S Pen integration within One UI has been expanded with new shortcuts, gestures, and more customization options for power users.
Samsung’s software also focuses heavily on privacy and security, with the S26 Ultra offering an array of features like Secure Folder, Knox Security, and improved biometric authentication (ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and face recognition). Regular software updates and long-term support ensure the device remains secure and up-to-date with the latest features.
Connectivity and Additional Features
As expected from a flagship in 2024, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is packed with all the latest connectivity options. It supports 5G across all bands, ensuring global compatibility. Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 offer faster, more reliable connections for streaming, gaming, and peripheral use. The device also supports UWB (Ultra-Wideband) for precise location tracking and enhanced smart home integration.
For audiophiles, the S26 Ultra provides an excellent sound experience. The stereo speakers, tuned by AKG, deliver clear and balanced audio with deep bass. Dolby Atmos support enhances the immersive audio experience, whether you’re watching movies or playing games.
Samsung has retained the IP68 rating, making the S26 Ultra dust and water-resistant, and ensuring durability even in tough environments. The device also supports dual SIM and eSIM, offering flexibility for frequent travelers or those managing multiple numbers.
Competition and Alternatives
The Galaxy S26 Ultra faces stiff competition in the premium smartphone segment. Its closest rivals include the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Google Pixel 9 Pro, and the OnePlus 12 Pro. While each of these devices has its strengths, the S26 Ultra stands out due to its balanced mix of powerful performance, exceptional camera system, and the versatility provided by features like the S Pen.
However, for those who prefer a smaller device or are looking for something more budget-friendly, Samsung’s Galaxy S26 or the Galaxy S26 Plus could be viable alternatives. The Galaxy Z Fold6 is another option for those seeking cutting-edge foldable technology, though it comes with its own set of compromises in terms of durability and battery life.
Verdict: The Pinnacle of Android Excellence
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is the epitome of what a flagship smartphone should be. It combines top-tier performance, an exceptional display, versatile cameras, long-lasting battery life, and a host of productivity features into a single, well-crafted package. While the price is undeniably high, the value it offers justifies the investment for those who demand the best in every aspect.
From its refined design to its powerful internals and feature-rich software, the Galaxy S26 Ultra leaves very little to be desired. Whether you’re a power user, a photography enthusiast, or someone who simply wants the best Android experience money can buy, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is a device that ticks all the right boxes. Samsung has once again set a new standard for what a flagship smartphone can achieve, cementing its position as a leader in the industry.