nullSamsung went back to aluminum after using titanium on the S24 and S25 Ultra. Here's what's going on.
The real reasons:
Cost: Titanium is expensive. Aluminum lets Samsung keep the $1,299 starting price while upgrading other components.
Weight: The S26 Ultra is lighter than titanium predecessors. Noticeable if you hold phones frequently.
Colors: Titanium limited options. Aluminum enables Cobalt Violet, Sky Blue, and other colors.
Manufacturing: Those rounded corners required different tooling. Aluminum is easier to form.
Is aluminum worse?
Depends what you care about.
Titanium is harder and resists scratches better. Some loved the premium feel.
Aluminum is softer. It might dent instead of crack when dropped hard. Some prefer this since dents are less catastrophic.
Does it matter?
For most people, no. The glass front and back break when you drop your phone, not the frame. Gorilla Glass Armor 2 and Victus 2 provide primary protection.
If titanium was a feature for you, you might be disappointed. If you just want a phone that works well, you won't notice. Compare S26 Ultra prices.
We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. How ShopSavvy makes money
How we researched this
Where this comes from: this answer draws on the product's published specifications and the reviews ShopSavvy collected for it, alongside prices from ShopSavvy's price data.
Download ShopSavvy App
Compare prices across tens of thousands of stores, set price alerts, watch for deals by keyword, and much more.
Install ShopSavvy Browser Extension
Compare and track prices automatically while you shop online at thousands of websites.
More Answers
If you're still curious about the , here are some other answers you might find interesting:
- How do I enable Live Text Translation on the Galaxy S26 Ultra?
Live Text Translation is essential when traveling. Point your camera at a sign or menu and see translations in real-time right in your viewfinder. How to use...
- Can I use the Galaxy S26 Ultra with any carrier?
Short answer: Yes. Buy unlocked and it works with basically every carrier. US carriers: Unlocked S26 Ultra from Samsung works with AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, US...
- How do I set up Private Album on the Galaxy S26 Ultra?
Private Album is where you put photos you don't want anyone else to see. It's hidden, encrypted, and actually secure. Setting it up: Open Gallery. Tap the menu...
- What is Dim Strobing on the Galaxy S26 Ultra and should I enable it?
Dim Strobing is a feature you turn on once and forget about. It quietly makes watching videos more comfortable. What it does: When watching video with flashing...
- What is Now Brief on the Galaxy S26 Ultra?
Now Brief is Samsung's personalized morning rundown that combines information from multiple apps into one summary. What it does: Every morning (and evening if...
- What are LUT video profiles on the Galaxy S26 Ultra and how do I use them?
LUT profiles are essentially professional-grade color filters for video, built right into the camera. What they do: LUT (Look-Up Table) is what colorists use...
- What is Call Screening on the Galaxy S26 Ultra?
Call Screening is one of those features that sounds gimmicky until you use it. Then you wonder how you lived without it. What it does: Unknown number calls....
- How do I use Quick Share with iPhone on the Galaxy S26 Ultra?
You can now share files directly between your Galaxy S26 Ultra and iPhones. Samsung added cross-platform compatibility with AirDrop. How it works: Open the...
- Is Samsung Care+ worth it for the Galaxy S26 Ultra?
Is Samsung Care+ worth it for the Galaxy S26 Ultra? Let's do the math. The numbers: The S26 Ultra costs $1,299+. Screen repair without insurance runs about...
- How do I fix battery drain issues on the Galaxy S26 Ultra?
Galaxy S26 Ultra battery draining fast? Give it two weeks first. The adaptive battery needs 10-14 days to learn your usage patterns. After two weeks, if still...
