OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartphones Methodology v3.0
Smartphones Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartphones Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Smartphones Methodology v3.0

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review: 196 specs compared

Avg. price:~£1,100RAM capacity:12 GBInternal storage:512 GBScreen size:6.9 inchesMain camera megapixels:?

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Review: Compare 196 technical specifications, 162 expert and video reviews and 111 best-of lists to see how this product ranks in the Smartphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
9.0/10

Overall score

Score
9.0/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 99% of models
Score components

35%

8.2

Technical score

30%

10

List score

25%

8.5

Reviews score

10%

9.6

Sentiment score

★Better than 99% of smartphones
7.7

Value for money

Value for money
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 52% of models
Score components

70%

9.0

Overall score

30%

4.7

Price

▼Worse than 52%
8.2

Technical score

Technical score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 91% of models
Score components

25%

8.3

Performance

18%

8.7

Camera

15%

8.7

Display

15%

7.8

Battery

10%

8.4

Software

10%

8.0

Connectivity

4%

5.9

Audio

3%

8.2

Design

★Better than 91%
8.5

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 87% of models

80%

8.2

Average grade

20%

9.9

Popularity

Grades by review (162)
70 reviews: 46 with a printed score, 24 estimated from the review. 92 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▲Better than 87%
10

List score

List score
10/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (111)
List score: in 111 of 228 lists (49%)
★Better than 99%
  • samsung-galaxy-s26-ultra
samsung-galaxy-s26-ultra
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Based on 70 · 103

Reviewers like the privacy display, smooth performance and excellent video, but criticize the poor upgrade value, design and disappointing zoom.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of smartphone Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Technical score
Technical score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 91% of models
Score components:

25%

8.3

Performance

18%

8.7

Camera

15%

8.7

Display

15%

7.8

Battery

10%

8.4

Software

10%

8.0

Connectivity

4%

5.9

Audio

3%

8.2

Design

8.2
Reviews score
8.5
List score
10
Value for money
Value for money
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 52% of models
Score components:

70%

9.0

Overall score

30%

4.7

Price

7.7
Processor model
?
Storage type
?
RAM capacity
12 GB
Market range: <4 GB – >16 GB
This smartphone has a RAM capacity of 12 GB which is larger than the RAM capacity of 59.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 24.3% of smartphones.
Internal storage
512 GB
Market range: <64 GB – >512 GB
This smartphone has an internal storage capacity of 512 GB which is larger than the storage of 77.4% of smartphones and equal to that of 17.1% of smartphones.
CPU boost clock speed
4.74 GHz
Market range: <2 GHz – >3.3 GHz
The CPU boost clock speed of this smartphone is 4.74 GHz which is higher than the boost speed of 100% of smartphones.
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Android
This smartphone runs Android, which is more mainstream than the system in 4.8% of smartphones and the same as in 95.2% of smartphones.
Android version
?
Direct OS updates
no
This smartphone does not support direct OS updates. 20.1% of smartphones offer this.
Promised software updates
?
Open-source OS
yes
This smartphone runs an open-source operating system. 5.2% of smartphones offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
Multi-lens main camera
yes
This smartphone includes a multi-lens main camera system. 93.7% of smartphones include multi-lens setups.
Main camera megapixels
?
Main camera aperture
?
Main camera sensor area
?
Main camera pixel size
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Number of SIM slots
2
Market range: <1 – >6
This smartphone has 2 SIM slots, which is more than in 3.7% of smartphones and equal to the number in 96.2% of smartphones.
Cellular module
yes
This smartphone includes a cellular module. 100% of smartphones include cellular modules.
eSIM support
yes
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has eSIM support. 80.2% of smartphones offer this.
5G connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports 5G connectivity. 66.6% of smartphones support 5G.
LTE support
yes
This smartphone supports LTE. 99.7% of smartphones include LTE connectivity.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen size
6.9 inches
Market range: <6.3 inches – >6.82 inches
This smartphone has a screen size of 6.9 inches which is larger than the screens of 93.5% of smartphones and equal to those of 2.8% of smartphones.
Screen resolution
?
Pixel density
500 ppi
Market range: <264 ppi – >460 ppi
This smartphone has a pixel density of 500 ppi which is higher than that of 93.2% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.1% of smartphones.
Display type
OLED/AMOLED
This smartphone uses a OLED/AMOLED display type. 58.4% of smartphones use this display technology.
Refresh rate
120 Hz
Market range: <60 Hz – >144 Hz
This smartphone supports a refresh rate of 120 Hz which is higher than in 34.4% of smartphones and equal to that in 55.6% of smartphones.
Show more
Battery capacity
?
Charging speed
?
Fast charging
yes
This smartphone supports fast charging. 93.2% of smartphones support fast charging.
GSMArena full wired charge time
?
Wireless charging
yes
This smartphone supports wireless charging. 25.1% of smartphones support wireless charging.
Show more
What reviewers say
Stereo speakers
yes
This smartphone includes stereo speakers. 64.3% of smartphones provide stereo audio.
3.5 mm headphone jack
no
This smartphone does not have a headphone jack. 45.1% of smartphones offer this.
Number of microphones
3
Market range: <1 – >3
This smartphone includes 3 microphones, which is more than in 77.2% of smartphones and equal to the number in 19.7% of smartphones.
FM radio
no
This smartphone does not have an FM radio. 34.3% of smartphones offer this.
aptX Lossless
no
This smartphone does not support aptX Lossless Bluetooth audio. 12.5% of smartphones offer this.
Show more
Height
163.6 mm
Market range: <156.2 mm – >171.56 mm
This smartphone has a height of 163.6 mm which is shorter than 48.6% of smartphones and equal to that of 2.3% of smartphones.
Width
78.1 mm
Market range: <73.1 mm – >81 mm
This smartphone has a width of 78.1 mm which is wider than 84.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.2% of smartphones.
Thickness
7.9 mm
Market range: <7.53 mm – >10.5 mm
This smartphone has a thickness of 7.9 mm which is thinner than 72.1% of smartphones and equal to that of 5% of smartphones.
Weight
?
Device volume
?
Show more
What reviewers say

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs the average smartphone

246810TotalPerformanceSoftwareCameraConnectivityDisplayBatteryAudioDesign
  • 5 x higher optical zoom
    This smartphone offers stronger optical zoom than the average smartphone (5 x vs 0 x). The average smartphone's optical zoom is 0 x.
    5 x vs 0 x
  • 50% smaller process node
    This smartphone uses a smaller process node than the average smartphone (3 nm vs 6 nm). The average process node size is 6 nm.
    3 nm vs 6 nm
  • 97.5% higher CPU boost clock speed
    This smartphone has a higher CPU boost clock speed than the average smartphone (4.7 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The average smartphone has a boost clock speed of 2.4 GHz.
    4.74 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
  • 29.9% higher list score
    List score
    10/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
    How we count it
    Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
    Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
    Lists with this model (111)
    List score: in 111 of 228 lists (49%)
    10.0 vs 7.7
  • Supports wireless charging
    This smartphone supports wireless charging, the average smartphone does not. 25.1% of smartphones are wireless charging compatible.
  • Has optical image stabilization
    This smartphone has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.4% of smartphones feature OIS.
  • 2x more storage
    This smartphone offers more internal storage than the average smartphone (512 GB vs 256 GB). The average smartphone provides 256 GB of internal storage.
    512 GB vs 256 GB
  • 0.23 inches inch larger screen size
    This smartphone has a larger screen size than the average smartphone (6.9 inches vs 6.67 inches). The average smartphone screen is 6.67 inches.
    6.9 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • 29.9% higher list score
    List score
    10/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
    How we count it
    Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
    Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
    Lists with this model (111)
    List score: in 111 of 228 lists (49%)
    10.0 vs 7.7
  • 16.4% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.5/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 87% of models

    80%

    8.2

    Average grade

    20%

    9.9

    Popularity

    Grades by review (162)
    70 reviews: 46 with a printed score, 24 estimated from the review. 92 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.5 vs 7.3
  • 23.1% higher sentiment score
    9.6 vs 7.8
  • 50% smaller process node
    This smartphone uses a smaller process node than the average smartphone (3 nm vs 6 nm). The average process node size is 6 nm.
    3 nm vs 6 nm
  • 97.5% higher CPU boost clock speed
    This smartphone has a higher CPU boost clock speed than the average smartphone (4.7 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The average smartphone has a boost clock speed of 2.4 GHz.
    4.74 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
  • 2x more storage
    This smartphone offers more internal storage than the average smartphone (512 GB vs 256 GB). The average smartphone provides 256 GB of internal storage.
    512 GB vs 256 GB
  • 4 GB more RAM
    This smartphone has more RAM capacity than the average smartphone (12 GB vs 8 GB). The average smartphone has 8 GB of RAM.
    12 GB vs 8 GB
  • 6x more shader units
    This smartphone features more shader units than the average smartphone (1,536 vs 256). The average smartphone has 256 shader units.
    1,536 vs 256
  • Newer DDR memory version
    This smartphone supports a newer DDR version than the average smartphone (5 vs 4). The average DDR version is 4.
    5 vs 4
  • Supports desktop mode
    This smartphone includes desktop mode, the average smartphone does not. 9.4% of smartphones support desktop functionality.
  • 5 x higher optical zoom
    This smartphone offers stronger optical zoom than the average smartphone (5 x vs 0 x). The average smartphone's optical zoom is 0 x.
    5 x vs 0 x
  • Has optical image stabilization
    This smartphone has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.4% of smartphones feature OIS.
  • Supports RAW photo capture
    This smartphone supports RAW photo capture, the average smartphone does not. 37.3% of smartphones allow RAW files.
  • Uses a BSI sensor
    This smartphone uses a BSI sensor, the average smartphone does not. 40% of smartphones include BSI sensors.
  • 1 more flash LEDs
    This smartphone has more flash LEDs than the average smartphone (2 vs 1). The average smartphone has 1 flash LEDs.
    2 vs 1
  • Supports HDR10 video recording
    This smartphone supports HDR10 video recording, the average smartphone does not. 35.7% of smartphones support HDR10.
  • Has a dual-tone LED flash
    This smartphone features a dual-tone LED flash, the average smartphone does not. 40.8% of smartphones include dual-tone flash.
  • Newer USB version
    This smartphone supports a newer USB version than the average smartphone (3.2 vs 2). The average version is USB 2.
    3.2 vs 2
  • Supports eSIM
    Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra supports eSIM, while the average smartphone does not. 19.9% of smartphones support eSIM.
  • Newer Bluetooth version
    This smartphone supports a newer Bluetooth version than the average smartphone (6 vs 5.2). The average version is Bluetooth 5.2.
    6 vs 5.2
  • Has a barometer
    This smartphone features a barometer, the average smartphone does not. 19.7% of smartphones include a barometer.
  • 0.23 inches inch larger screen size
    This smartphone has a larger screen size than the average smartphone (6.9 inches vs 6.67 inches). The average smartphone screen is 6.67 inches.
    6.9 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • 26.6% higher pixel density
    This smartphone has a higher pixel density than the average smartphone (500 ppi vs 395 ppi). The average smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi.
    500 ppi vs 395 ppi
  • Supports HDR10+ support
    This smartphone supports HDR10+, the average smartphone does not. 22.4% of smartphones include HDR10+ support.
  • Supports HDR10 support
    This smartphone supports HDR10, the average smartphone does not. 42.6% of smartphones are HDR10 compatible.
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This smartphone has a higher contrast ratio than the average smartphone (3000000:1 vs 1000000:1). The average smartphone contrast ratio is 1000000:1.
    3,000,000:1 vs 1,000,000:1
  • Has an always-on display
    This smartphone features an always-on display, the average smartphone does not. 49.1% of smartphones offer always-on functionality.
  • Supports wireless charging
    This smartphone supports wireless charging, the average smartphone does not. 25.1% of smartphones are wireless charging compatible.
  • Supports reverse wireless charging
    This smartphone supports reverse wireless charging, the average smartphone does not. 23.4% of smartphones offer reverse wireless charging.
  • 25% faster wireless charging speed
    This smartphone supports a faster wireless charging speed than the average smartphone (25 W vs 20 W). The average speed is 20 W.
    25 W vs 20 W
  • 1 more microphone/s
    This smartphone has more microphones than the average smartphone (3 vs 2). The average smartphone has 2 microphones.
    3 vs 2
  • 1.5 m deeper water resistance
    This smartphone has a deeper water resistance rating than the average smartphone (1.5 m vs 0 m). The average depth rating is 0 m.
    1.5 m vs 0 m
  • 0.4 mm thinner
    This smartphone is thinner than the average smartphone (7.9 mm vs 8.3 mm). The average smartphone thickness is 8.3 mm.
    7.9 mm vs 8.3 mm
  • Better IP rating
    This smartphone has a better IP rating than the average smartphone (IP68 vs IP67). The average IP rating is IP67.
    IP68 vs IP67
  • No live text recognition
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 51.3% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • No memory card slot
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.7% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • No aptX HD
    This smartphone does not support aptX HD, the average smartphone does. 50.2% of smartphones support aptX HD.
  • No reverse wired charging
    This smartphone does not support reverse wired charging, the average smartphone does. 61.5% of smartphones support reverse wired charging.
  • 4.23x more expensive
    Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is more expensive than the average smartphone (£1,100 vs £260).
    £1,100 vs £260
  • 2.1 mm wider
    This smartphone is wider than the average smartphone (78.1 mm vs 76 mm). The average smartphone has a width of 76 mm.
    78.1 mm vs 76 mm
  • 10% slower reverse wireless charging speed
    This smartphone has a slower reverse wireless charging speed than the average smartphone (4.5 W vs 5 W). The average smartphone speed is 5 W.
    4.5 W vs 5 W
  • 4.23x more expensive
    Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is more expensive than the average smartphone (£1,100 vs £260).
    £1,100 vs £260
  • No live text recognition
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 51.3% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • No memory card slot
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.7% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • No reverse wired charging
    This smartphone does not support reverse wired charging, the average smartphone does. 61.5% of smartphones support reverse wired charging.
  • 10% slower reverse wireless charging speed
    This smartphone has a slower reverse wireless charging speed than the average smartphone (4.5 W vs 5 W). The average smartphone speed is 5 W.
    4.5 W vs 5 W
  • No aptX HD
    This smartphone does not support aptX HD, the average smartphone does. 50.2% of smartphones support aptX HD.
  • 2.1 mm wider
    This smartphone is wider than the average smartphone (78.1 mm vs 76 mm). The average smartphone has a width of 76 mm.
    78.1 mm vs 76 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Matthews Tech
≈ estimated
29/10/2026
Long-term review · seven months of daily use
Verdict
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a favourite for photos and video, and its battery is not a worry.
8.0
Team VRY
≈ estimated
24/10/2026
Long-term test · seven months of daily use
Verdict
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is the best pick for top hardware and performance, though fingerprint and software issues remain.
6.0
Tech Buffet
≈ estimated
21/10/2026
Long-term review · seven months of use as primary phone
Verdict
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is recommended only because rival Android ultra options are lacking, given the steep price rise.
7.0
Android Authority
≈ estimated
05/10/2026
Long-term review · six months of daily use
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a decent, complete phone, but it lacks excitement compared with previous Ultras.
9.0
6 Months Later
≈ estimated
29/09/2026
Long-term review · six months of daily use
Verdict
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a strong phone that most buyers will be happy with, though it is not the best Android for everyone.
7.0
besttechintelugu
≈ estimated
13/09/2026
Long-term review · almost six months of daily use
Verdict
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is worth it mainly for S23 Ultra or older Samsung owners; S24 and S25 Ultra owners can skip it.
8.0
Matthew Moniz
≈ estimated
03/09/2026
Long-term review · about six months of use
Verdict
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a good buy at its price, but wait for the next model if the display tint bothers you.
9.0
Techtuber Simba
≈ estimated
18/08/2026
Long-term test · six months of daily use
Verdict
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is worth buying if the budget allows; the S25 Ultra is the cheaper alternative.
9.0
Melih Gungor - MTG
✓ explicit
09/08/2026
Long-term test · five months of daily use
Verdict
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a good upgrade focused on refinements; it is not flashy, but clearly better where it matters.
8.0
Booredatwork.com
≈ estimated
18/07/2026
Six-month review · daily use and camera comparisons
Verdict
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is still a sturdy, reliable choice worth buying, though rivals now lead in some areas.
8.0
Kaushal Joshi
≈ estimated
24/06/2026
Long-term review · three months of daily use
Verdict
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra offers strong performance and display, but camera-focused users may prefer an iPhone.
6.0
Jon Valiagas
≈ estimated
16/05/2026
Three-month review · daily use and privacy display test
Verdict
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has minor gripes overall, but its privacy display is overrated and an iPhone fits work better.
More graded video reviews (20)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
androidheadlines.com
✓ explicit
09/03/2026
Full review · Flagship Android phone
Verdict
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is a comfortable, fast all-rounder whose Privacy Display is great in public but adds a gray tint.
8.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
13/03/2026
Full review · Flagship Android phone
Verdict
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is the most comfortable Ultra yet, but its Privacy Display dulls the screen, so use it in public, not all day.
8.0
gsmarena.com
≈ estimated
Not Dated
Lab test · Display and charging
Verdict
The Galaxy S26 Ultra charges fast, with 84% in 30 minutes, but its battery life trails Chinese rivals and the iPhone.
7.0
techadvisor.com
≈ estimated
25/02/2026
Hands-on test · New features
Verdict
The S26 Ultra is a modest hardware update, but Privacy Display and Horizon Lock stabilisation are new tricks worth trying.
8.9
gadgetguy.com.au
✓ explicit
18/03/2026
Full review · Flagship Android phone
Verdict
The Galaxy S26 Ultra suits buyers with deep pockets who want top speed, strong cameras and the latest AI tools, though its price is steep.
8.0
howtogeek.com
✓ explicit
17/03/2026
Hands-on review · Camera and battery
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is an excellent, well-rounded phone that feels like last year's model, so owners of recent Ultras gain little by upgrading.
10
whathifi.com
✓ explicit
03/07/2026
Review · Video and audio focus
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a strong phone for watching movies on the go, with better upscaling and a detailed screen for streaming, though little else has changed.
7.0
androidheadlines.com
≈ estimated
27/02/2026
First impressions · Camera and battery
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra's cameras impress early on, but battery life looks weak after its first day, and a full review is still pending.
9.0
independent.co.uk
✓ explicit
06/03/2026
Hands-on test · Privacy and cameras
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a gentle update whose Privacy Display is its one real breakthrough, while the cameras and design barely change.
9.0
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
10/03/2026
Full review · Battery and camera
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a safe, polished upgrade with a standout screen and long software support, but its battery is only fine.
8.0
androidcentral.com
✓ explicit
18/03/2026
Hands-on review · Display and software
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra stands out for its Privacy Display and One UI software, though its battery lags and its screen trails rivals on paper.
9.0
zdnet.com
✓ explicit
06/04/2026
Long-term review · Battery and software
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a well-rounded flagship whose Privacy Display and long software support make it a strong pick, but not a must-upgrade.
9.0
businessinsider.com
≈ estimated
16/10/2026
Full review · Cameras and design
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is the phone to buy if photos matter more than foldables, with strong gaming and a slim body, but its back glass scratches easily.
9.0
techadvisor.com
✓ explicit
09/03/2026
Review · Software and privacy display
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is not a big leap, but its polished software and unique Privacy Display make it a strong, expensive all-rounder.
9.0
engadget.com
✓ explicit
05/03/2026
Hands-on review · Privacy and AI
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra changes little outside its Privacy Display, a feature useful enough that other premium phones should copy it.
7.0
dxomark.com
≈ estimated
09/03/2026
Lab test · Camera performance
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra cleans up noise and holds more detail than its predecessor, but trails the best rivals in low-light speed and portraits.
8.0
androidpolice.com
✓ explicit
14/03/2026
Hands-on review · Privacy Display
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a very fast, comfortable phone whose Privacy Display is a real reason to buy, but the camera doesn't impress.
9.0
arstechnica.com
≈ estimated
17/03/2026
Full review · AI and performance
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is the fastest Android phone available, but its AI features mostly underdeliver and it gets hot under heavy load.
9.0
digitalcameraworld.com
✓ explicit
09/03/2026
Six-week review · Camera focus
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a strong phone whose Privacy Display stands out, but its camera upgrades are modest and skin tones often look too red.
9.0
digitaltrends.com
✓ explicit
07/06/2026
Long-term test · Privacy display
Verdict
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is a powerhouse whose privacy display and stylus stand out, but S25 Ultra owners have little reason to upgrade.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

  • 512 GB of storage holds a large library of photos and video.
  • The 5x optical zoom with stabilization brings distant subjects closer.
  • A 3 nm chip with a 4.74 GHz boost clock keeps apps quick.
  • The 120 Hz OLED screen at 500 ppi is sharp and smooth.
  • Three microphones give clearer sound for calls and video.
  • Desktop mode lets you connect it to a screen and work like on a computer.

What customers don't like about Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

  • Reverse wireless charging is slow at 4.5 W.
  • At 78.1 mm wide, it is hard to reach across with one hand.
  • The 6.9-inch screen is large for small pockets.
  • It does not get direct OS updates, so new software can arrive later.

Verdict

Lots of room is the first thing you notice with the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. It has 512 GB of storage, and the 6.9-inch OLED screen runs at 120 Hz and 500 ppi, so video and text look sharp and smooth. The 5x optical zoom with stabilization gets close to distant subjects without a shaky result. Inside, a 3 nm chip with a 4.74 GHz boost clock keeps apps moving quickly. Wireless charging runs at 25 W, and the phone can also charge earbuds or another phone from its back. The trade-off is size: at 78.1 mm wide, one-handed use is a stretch, and reverse charging is slow at 4.5 W. It suits a buyer who shoots a lot of photos and wants a phone that lasts for years.

Compare Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra with other smartphones

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and other smartphones

No results found