Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: A Comprehensive Review of the Latest Flagship
The latest Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has officially launched, marking another step forward in smartphone innovation. Unveiled at the Galaxy Unpacked event in California in late February, this premium device goes on sale from 11 March 2026. However, potential buyers should note a slight price increase across the range, attributed to ongoing component shortages in storage and active memory. For the Ultra model, this translates to a £30 rise, bringing the 256GB version to £1,279.
Design and Build: Sleeker and More Comfortable
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra features a gentle redesign with more generously curved corners, moving away from the squarer look of its predecessor. This change, along with new colour options like cobalt violet and sky blue, gives the phone a more refined appearance. Notably, it is the thinnest Ultra ever at 7.9mm and around 4g lighter than last year's model, enhancing comfort despite its large size. However, it lacks Qi2 magnets for wireless charging, which may require users to invest in third-party cases for reliable charging.
Performance and Processor: Power and Efficiency
Under the hood, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite gen 5 for Galaxy processor, ensuring fast and efficient performance. This chip handles everything from app openings to advanced AI features with ease. The improved vapour cooling chamber prevents overheating during intensive tasks like gaming, maintaining a comfortable temperature.
Cameras: Subtle Improvements for Stellar Results
Samsung continues to lead in smartphone photography with the S26 Ultra. It retains a 200MP main sensor and three other rear cameras, with wider apertures on key lenses for better low-light performance. Stills and videos are exceptionally detailed and realistic, solidifying its position among top competitors like Apple and Google.
Privacy Display: A Game-Changing Innovation
The standout feature of the S26 Ultra is its new privacy display. Using a combination of software and hardware, it makes the screen invisible to onlookers at angles, without the need for physical screen protectors. Users can toggle this feature on or off quickly, set it for specific apps like banking, or even activate it for notifications only. This innovation works in both portrait and landscape orientations, offering unparalleled privacy in public spaces.
Battery Life and AI Features
The phone includes a 5,000mAh battery, providing ample power for a full day of use. On the software side, Samsung's Galaxy AI has been enhanced with features like live translation and Now Nudge, which proactively suggests relevant content based on user data. Note that Now Nudge requires the default Samsung keyboard to function.
Verdict: Is It Worth the Investment?
While some specifications remain similar to last year's model, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra offers meaningful upgrades. The faster processor, improved design, enhanced cameras, and innovative privacy display make it a compelling choice. It stands as Samsung's best phone to date and the top Android device currently available, despite the minor price increase.
