Samsung’s latest unveiling at the Galaxy Unpacked event introduces three devices: the S26, S26 Plus, and feature-rich S26 Ultra. The S26 Ultra stands out with its impressive Privacy Display feature, allowing users to control how their screen’s content is shared.
Despite a few enhancements, such as a slight increase in screen size, upgraded RAM options up to 16GB, a more robust aluminum frame, and faster charging, many features remain consistent across the Ultra series, with pricing around $1,300.
Visuals and Build Quality
The S26 Ultra offers a larger 6.9-inch display compared to its predecessors’ 6.8 inches. All models feature AMOLED technology with a resolution of 3,120 by 1,440 pixels and adaptive refresh rates from 1 to 120Hz. The standout feature is the Privacy Display, which obscures side views while keeping the screen clear for the user.
The S26 Ultra showcases Gorilla Glass Armor 2 for enhanced durability and is slightly larger yet thinner than the S25 Ultra and S24 Ultra, measuring 6.44 by 3.07 by 0.31 inches.
Photography Capabilities
Each model features a quad-camera setup with a 200-megapixel wide lens, a 50-megapixel ultrawide lens, and dual telephoto lenses (10-megapixel 3x and 50-megapixel 5x). While the hardware remains unchanged, the S26 Ultra benefits from software upgrades that enhance low-light photography and improved video stabilization.
Performance Essentials
Battery life is consistent at 5,000 mAh across the three Ultra phones, but the S26 Ultra improves charging speed, supporting 60W wired and 25W wireless charging. Storage options include 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, with the S26 Ultra uniquely offering a 16GB RAM model for enhanced multitasking.
The S26 Ultra uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, while older models use Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
Comparison Summary
Features of the Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. S25 Ultra vs. S24 Ultra
| Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display Size & Tech | 6.9-inch AMOLED; 3,120×1,440 pixels; 1-120Hz | 6.8-inch AMOLED; 3,120×1,440 pixels; 1-120Hz | 6.8-inch AMOLED; 3,120×1,440 pixels; 1-120Hz |
| Pixel Density | 500 ppi | 501 ppi | 501 ppi |
| Dimensions | 6.44×3.07×0.31 in | 6.41×3.06×0.32 in | 6.40×3.11×0.34 in |
| Weight | 214 g | 218 g | 233 g |
| Camera System | 200MP (wide) + 50MP (ultrawide) + 10MP (3x) + 50MP (5x) | Identical to S26 Ultra | 200MP (wide) + 12MP (ultrawide) + 10MP (3x) + 50MP (5x) |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| Storage & RAM Options | 12GB & 16GB RAM; Options from 256GB to 1TB | 12GB RAM; Options from 256GB to 1TB | 12GB RAM; Options from 256GB to 1TB |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 5,000 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| US Price Starts At | $1,300 | $1,300 | $1,300 |
Key Takeaways
- The S26 Ultra retains familiar specifications while introducing slight design and feature enhancements.
- Privacy Display improves control over screen visibility.
- Software advancements enhance low-light photography capabilities.
- Faster charging offers convenience for users.
- Improved processor boosts performance during demanding tasks.
- Consider specific enhancements when choosing a device.