Smartphones · Review
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
The strongest Android flagship in this batch, and a much better buy at its frequent sale price than at list.
91
out of 100
Our verdict
Samsung's top Galaxy S model keeps the quad-camera system and large QHD+ screen and adds a Privacy Display that narrows viewing angles on demand. Tom's Guide called it the best Android phone yet and measured about 16 hours on its battery test, nearly two hours more than the S25 Ultra, with improved low-light photos and faster charging. The main complaints are a very large camera bump, slightly dimmer HDR output than the S25 Ultra and no built-in Qi2 magnets. Samsung has since raised the list price to $1,399.99, but it was on sale for $1,149.99 at Samsung.com when we checked.
What's good
- Privacy Display is a useful, unique feature
- Versatile 200MP-led camera system with two telephotos
- Battery life improved over the S25 Ultra
- Fast Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy
What's not
- Very large camera bump
- No built-in Qi2 magnets
- List price raised to $1,399.99 after launch
How it scores
How we rate →Specifications
- Price basis
- 256GB base model (12GB RAM), unlocked (US)
- Display
- 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz adaptive, 2600 nits, Privacy Display
- Processor
- Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy
- Rear cameras
- 200MP wide, 50MP ultra wide, 50MP telephoto, 10MP telephoto
- Battery
- 5,000mAh; up to 31 hours video (Samsung)
- Weight
- 214g
- Build
- Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Armor 2 front