TLDR Review: Galaxy S26 Ultra
Pros
- •The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra features a massive and stunning 6.9" Privacy Display that delivers vibrant, visually impressive, and sharp graphics even when privacy mode is on.
- •Powered by the newest overclocked Snapdragon processor, it offers incredibly fast, smooth, and responsive performance that easily handles multiple apps simultaneously.
- •The AI Camera system produces some of the best photos and videos captured on a phone, showcasing exceptional quality.
- •Battery life is durable and efficient, lasting through the day without overheating, thanks to Samsung’s smart software optimization despite no increase in actual capacity.
- •The phone has a premium, weluilt feel with a comfortable size that balances large screen experience without becoming unwieldy.
- •Network connectivity and responsiveness have been noticeably improved, making everyday usage seamless.
- •Promises up to 7 years of software updates, which is a major plus for lonerm use and security.
- •Users can completely disable AI features if preferred, offering flexible control over the AI functions and notifications.
- •The absence of the S Pen is not missed, as Bluetooth functionality for the pen was removed and many users didn’t use it much.
- •Storage at 256GB is ample for large apps, media, and files.
Cons
- •Some users find the AI notifications frequent (around times a day), which can be mildly annoying, although opt-out options do exist.
- •The phone sometimes performs actions without explicit user permission, which could be concerning for privaconscious buyers.
- •It’s considered less useriendly compared to iPhones, especially for those new to the Android ecosystem.
- •The display supports it color instead of native 10-bit, which is a minor downside for some enthusiasts who demand the highest possible color depth.
- •This model is not a dramatic leap over the S24 or S25 for users who aren’t interested in the newest AI features or display privacy enhancements.
- •The size, while balanced, may still feel larger than regular models for users who prefer more compact phones.
Bottom Line
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a powerhouse smartphone boasting a stunning large Privacy Display, top-tier AI camera, robust battery life, and future-proofed software support, making it an excellent choice for users wanting a premium Android experience that lasts. However, if you’re sensitive to AI notifications, prefer a more user-friendly interface, or are looking for a more compact upgrade, consider these factors carefully. For users who want the latest performance but with a less complex AI integration, looking into other Samsung Galaxy models or waiting a bit more might be worthwhile.
How we researched this
About this review: We pulled together findings from professional reviews and hundreds of user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.
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