Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Samsung

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

$1,019.00across 12 retailers
Model: SM-S948UZKEXAAColor: blackUPC: 198957240140
Lowest at Amazon
$1,299.99 at Amazon
Price seen Oct 12, 2026
Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$1,089.97 at Walmart
Price seen Sep 27, 2026

Where to Buy

Newest price seen: Oct 12, 2026
RetailerPriceLast seenBuy
Z
zeamartstore.com
Sold by Zeamart Electronics LLC
$1,019.00Oct 10, 2026Buy Now
Walmart logo
Walmart
Sold by Paragon R3
$1,089.97Sep 27, 2026Buy Now
NFM logo
NFM
$1,279.99Oct 10, 2026Buy Now
Amazon logo
Amazon
30-day returns (in store too)
$1,299.99Oct 12, 2026Buy Now
Best Buy logo
Best Buy
15-day returns (in store too) · free return shipping · free shipping on $35+
$1,399.99Oct 10, 2026Buy Now

Prices are collected from retailer listings; each row shows the date we last saw that price. Return and shipping terms are each store's standard policy from our retailer research (April 2026). Some products and categories have different terms, so check with the store before you buy.

Pros

  • •Advanced AI features that anticipate user needs and automate tasks, making the experience highly intuitive.
  • •Groundbreaking Privacy Display technology effectively prevents shoulder surfing and can be toggled on demand.
  • •Improved low-light camera performance with brighter apertures on the 200MP main sensor and 50MP telephoto lens, capturing brighter, sharper images.
  • •Horizon Lock provides exceptionally stable horizontal video recording, ideal for professional-quality content.
  • •Lighter and thinner design than previous models and competitors like the iPhone 17 Pro Max, enhancing portability.
  • •Slimmed-down, curved S Pen adds creative versatility and detailed note-taking capabilities.
  • •Supports fast charging with 60W Super Fast Charging 3.0 and 25W wireless charging, ensuring quick power ups.
  • •Large 6.90" AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and high peak brightness for vibrant visuals.
  • •Powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip offers top-tier performance for gaming and demanding tasks.
  • •Seven years of software update support, a rare and valuable feature in the flagship space.

Cons

  • •The large camera bump causes wobbling when placed flat on surfaces, which can be annoying.
  • •Lack of Qi2 magnets means no native MagSafe-like wireless charging, requiring cases for compatible charging.
  • •The dimmer screen compared to the S25 Ultra, with narrower viewing angles despite high-quality ProScaler technology.
  • •Slightly rounded edges and design changes reduce the phone’s distinctive sharp-edged look, which some may prefer.
  • •Hardware updates are minimal; this device leans more on display and software features rather than radical new components.
  • •Camera hardware remains largely unchanged from previous models, with some reviews noting limited visible improvements.
  • •High-quality speakers may muffle when holding the phone in landscape mode.
  • •No included charger in the box, which is a bit of a letdown given the premium price point.
  • •The Privacy Display is lower resolution and not suitable for extended use, limiting its practicality.
  • •Runs hot under heavy use despite the efficient thermal management of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip.

Bottom Line

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra offers some impressive innovations like Privacy Display and advanced AI features, making it an intriguing choice for tech enthusiasts who value privacy, performance, and software longevity. However, its hardware updates are quite incremental, and issues like the wobbling camera bump and lack of native magnetic wireless charging might be dealbreakers for some. If you’re looking for a device with more substantial hardware leaps or better low-light camera performance, you might want to consider the <component-button-product identifierProduct="another-product-id">Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra</component-button-product> for a potentially better experience, or wait for more evolution in the next generation.

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What Reviewers Are Saying

Praised
privacy display200%
wider apertures67%
Better low-light performance67%
horizontal lock stabilization67%
Criticized
camera bump makes phone wobbly67%
screen is dimmer67%
big camera bump33%
wobble on flat surface33%
camera sensor smaller33%
no Qi2 magnets67%

Common Questions

Is the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra worth $1,299?Published 6 months ago

Whether the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra justifies its $1,299 price depends on your specific needs, current phone, and intended usage over the device's lifespan. When $1,299 Is Justified You'll use premiu...

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How long does it take to fully charge the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?Published 6 months ago

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra supports 60W wired charging—the fastest ever on a Galaxy smartphone—achieving a complete charge in approximately 49 minutes. Wired Charging Performance | Charge Level | Ti...

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What video recording features does the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra have?Published 6 months ago

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra offers professional-grade video capabilities that rival dedicated cameras, headlined by the new APV codec and comprehensive manual controls. APV (Advanced Professional Vid...

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How do I turn off the Privacy Display feature on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?Published 6 months ago

Disabling Privacy Display on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is straightforward. Here's how to turn it off and what to expect. Quick Toggle Method (Fastest) 1. Swipe down from the top of your screen 2. S...

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What colors is the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra available in?Published 6 months ago

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is available in four standard colors: Titanium Black, Cobalt Violet, Sky Blue, and Titanium White. All feature unified design language with matching frame and back glass. ...

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How easy is the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra to repair?Published 6 months ago

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra received a repairability score of 5 out of 10 from iFixit, indicating moderate repair difficulty—neither exceptionally easy nor frustratingly hard. iFixit Assessment Posit...

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How does the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra compare to the iPhone 17 Pro Max?Published 6 months ago

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro Max both command $1,299 starting prices and represent the pinnacle of their platforms. Your ideal choice depends on ecosystem preferences and specific fe...

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What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?Published 6 months ago

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is available in three storage configurations: 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. All models include 16GB RAM—an increase from previous base models. Storage Options and Pricing | Stora...

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Why is my Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra having Wi-Fi connection problems?Published 6 months ago

Some Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra users have experienced Wi-Fi connectivity issues, particularly slower speeds compared to previous Galaxy phones. Samsung has acknowledged this as a known issue and confir...

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Why does text look fuzzy on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra display?Published 6 months ago

Some Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra users report text appearing fuzzy, over-sharpened, or showing visible aliasing. This issue is connected to Samsung's sub-pixel rendering changes for Privacy Display techn...

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Is the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra aluminum frame less durable than titanium?Published 6 months ago

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra returns to an aluminum frame after the S25 Ultra featured titanium. This material change is not a durability downgrade—it's a practical engineering decision for the thinne...

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What do I need for 25W wireless charging on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?Published 6 months ago

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra supports up to 25W wireless charging—a significant upgrade from 15W—but achieving maximum speed requires specific Samsung accessories. Requirements for 25W Wireless Chargi...

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How good is the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra camera in low light?Published 6 months ago

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra delivers substantial low-light photography improvements through hardware upgrades that maximize light capture across its camera system. Key Hardware Improvements Main Came...

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Does the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra S Pen have Bluetooth features?Published 6 months ago

No, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra S Pen does not include Bluetooth functionality. Samsung removed Bluetooth Low Energy from the S Pen beginning with the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and this continues with the cu...

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How long does the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra battery last in real-world use?Published 6 months ago

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra delivers approximately 7-8 hours of screen-on time under typical conditions, with meaningful improvements over its predecessor due to enhanced processor efficiency. Real-W...

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Is the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra worth upgrading to from the S25 Ultra?Published 6 months ago

For Galaxy S25 Ultra owners, upgrading to the S26 Ultra requires careful consideration. While improvements exist, they're incremental rather than transformational. Key Upgrades Worth Knowing Faster Ch...

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Does the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Privacy Display cause eye strain?Published 6 months ago

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra's Privacy Display feature has generated significant discussion, with some users reporting eye strain symptoms. Here's what you need to know before purchasing. How Privacy ...

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