Since the launch of the Galaxy S series in 2010, Samsung has marketed them as flagship phones, boasting the best and latest in hardware and software while providing users with a premium user experience.
Sixteen years later, Samsung has released the S26 lineup, which includes the S26, S26+ and the range topping S26 Ultra.
The S26+ is technically a S26 with a bigger battery and a more impressive screen. Meanwhile, the S26 Ultra builds on the S26+ with a larger battery, a more advanced display and a suite of hardware and software enhancements to justify its “Ultra” badge.
First impression
Firstly, let us address the general first impressions of the phone, starting with the rather uneventful unboxing experience. Besides the phone, you will find a fast-charging double ended USB-C cable, a SIM card removal tool and an instruction booklet.
Once out of the packaging, the phone itself feels premium and more ergonomic than the S25 Ultra due to its lighter material and more rounded edges.
Contrary to popular belief, the “downgrade” from titanium to aluminium allows the phone to dissipate heat more efficiently while maintaining its premium feel – all at a lower overall weight.
On the exterior, you will find the power and volume buttons, a pair of stereo speakers, a usb-c port, an S Pen, microphones, a dual sim card slot and a very large camera bump.
A smooth user experience
While using the S26 Ultra, it becomes apparent why Samsung maintains its reputation as the world’s leading manufacturer of phone and television screens.
It features a beautiful 6.9-inch HDR10+ QHD+ display with a resolution of 3120 × 1440 and a peak brightness of 2,600 nits. It also includes a built-in anti-reflective coating, resulting in comfortable use even under harsher lighting conditions.
In addition, the adaptive refresh rate of 1-120Hz provides a smooth user experience while conserving battery. For those users who feel the need for added privacy in a crowded bus or train, the option to turn on privacy display is available.
Privacy display is a feature that, when enabled, turns off side-facing pixels on the phone’s display, effectively reducing viewing angles.
In terms of unlocking the screen and apps, the display includes a fingerprint sensor that is fast and reliable most of the time.
Advanced camera setup
Given that the cameras throughout the S26 lineup are good, Samsung has kicked it up a notch with the S26 Ultra. The four lenses on the phone are:
- 200MP wide lens (f/1.4, 0.6µm, 2x optical zoom)
- 50MP ultra-wide (f/1.9, 0.7µm)
- 10MP 3x telephoto (f/2.4, 1.0µm)
- 50MP 5x telephoto (f/2.9, 0.7µm, 10x optical zoom)
Fun photography
While exploring the camera, I realised that the S26 Ultra does not just have capable hardware – it makes photography fun.
This is likely due to a combination of multiple different camera lenses, and a robust yet easy-to-use camera software. More advanced users can check out the ‘Pro’ and ‘Expert RAW’ modes for finer manual camera control.
One issue I noticed is that post-processing effects can be hit or miss in photos taken during the day. Unfortunately, the same applies in night shots – software artifacts are noticeable in extreme cases.
The front camera of the S26 Ultra is a 12MP shooter with an f/2.2 aperture and manages to produce pleasant images. In one instance, I noticed that the phone altered the colour of my shirt when taking a selfie in low light. However, in most selfie lighting conditions, the camera preserves detail and colour very well. One noteworthy point about the camera is its depth sensing, which I personally like a lot.
Strong video performance
Videography on the S26 Ultra is just as enjoyable as photography.
The S26 Ultra can record up to 8K video at 30 frames per second and uses professional-level videography tools such as APV log recording for HDR, 4K video at 24 or 30fps and advanced AI subject tracking. It can also be used as a supplementary action camera thanks to its impressive Horizon Lock feature, which acts like a virtual gimbal.
Getting a full day of use from the S26 Ultra is not difficult, thanks to its 5000mAh battery and One UI’s battery optimisations.
Over a two-week testing period, I used the S26 Ultra as my daily device and typically ended each day with around 20-30% remaining. Should you require more frequent top-ups during the day, Samsung has finally increased both wired and wireless charging speeds – up to 60W and 25W, respectively.
It is worth noting that although the S26 Ultra supports wireless charging, you will need to purchase a magnetic case to fully make use of the 25W speed. Samsung claims that built-in magnets can interfere with the screen digitiser and, in turn, the S Pen’s functionality.
A versatile phone
If you are looking to get a versatile phone that feels good in the hands, performs well and sounds great while also takes good photos, Samsung S26 Ultra should be in your shortlist.
Although it might have competitors which features such as bigger batteries or better cameras, the S26 ultra is no slouch in any of these areas.
The S Pen also adds a layer of productivity to daily use and is currently unique among new smartphones on the market.
Hence, when it comes to the question “Ultra enough?”, the answer – considering its camera performance, S Pen, privacy display, usability and overall performance – is yes.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 1163.9 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm
- Weight: 214g
- Screen: 6.9-inch, LTPO AMOLED 2X touch screen, 120 Hz, HDR10+, 16 million colours, 2600 nits (peak)
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM8850 -AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
- Memory: 12/16 GB
- Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
- Operating system: Android 16, One UI 8.0
- Cameras: Quad 200 MP, f/1.4, 23mm (wide), 10 MP, f/2.4, 67mm (telephoto), 50 MP, f/2.9, 111mm (telephoto), 50 MP, f/1.9, 120˚ (ultra-wide), 12 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide) front camera
- Audio: Stereo speakers, no 3.5mm jack.
- Battery: 5000mAh with wired & wireless charging
- Price: starting from $2,549
