The Ultra is back with an innovative display that returns to its roots.
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra offers peace of mind with its Privacy Display, reducing onlookers’ visibility of your phone screen in public places. The privacy feature can be enabled or disabled, providing comfort against prying eyes. However, the phone remains pricey at $1,300, raising questions about its overall value for privacy and functionality.
In addition to privacy, the S26 Ultra showcases other advancements, including an impressive quad-camera system, a built-in stylus, and high-performance specs. It targets a unique audience with its standout features, defining it as a large, premium phone. The device also incorporates AI tools, like Now Nudge for scheduling assistance and Gemini task automation for simple app functions.
Beyond AI capabilities, the gallery app on the S26 Ultra allows creative photo editing, but its generative AI tools may make some users uneasy by drastically altering photos. The camera hardware itself sees notable improvements with brighter apertures in two lenses, enhancing low-light photography.
Physically, the S26 Ultra is more refined, with softer edges than its predecessor, and maintains a large 6.9-inch display. However, it lacks Qi2 magnets, which limits its interaction with magnetic accessories. The Privacy Display’s function slightly dims and flattens the image but isn’t intrusive for most users, offering a balance between privacy and usability.
The Ultra branding is justified with the S26 Ultra’s unique features that aren’t found elsewhere, attracting a niche but dedicated fan base. With its combination of innovative display technology, improved camera features, and AI enhancements, the S26 Ultra promises a high-end experience for a discerning audience.