Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Review: Productivity Powerhouse
The Galaxy S26 Ultra refines Samsung's flagship formula with a slimmer titanium frame, an anti-reflective display and seven years of updates.
We spent 5 weeks testing the Galaxy S26 Ultra as part of our daily routine to see how it holds up beyond the spec sheet. Here is everything you need to know before you buy.
Price and Availability
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is available now from Samsung and major retailers starting at $1,299. Keep an eye out for seasonal sales, as we regularly see discounts during major shopping events.
Key Specifications
| Spec | Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.9" QHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Chip | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| RAM | 12GB |
| Cameras | 200MP main, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP 5x, 10MP 3x |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh, 45W |
| Extras | Built-in S Pen |
Design and Display
The Galaxy S26 Ultra feels premium from the moment you pick it up. Samsung has trimmed the bezels, and the display gets bright enough to read comfortably under direct summer sun. Colors are vivid without being oversaturated, and scrolling is buttery smooth thanks to the adaptive refresh rate.
Camera Performance
We shot hundreds of photos with the Galaxy S26 Ultra in daylight, at night and indoors. Daylight images are sharp with natural skin tones, while night mode pulls out impressive detail without making scenes look artificial. Video is stable enough for handheld vlogging.
Performance and Battery Life
Apps open instantly and demanding games run at high frame rates without noticeable throttling. In our standardized battery test, the Galaxy S26 Ultra comfortably lasted a full day of heavy use, with enough left over for the commute home.
Pros and Cons
What we like
- Gorgeous glare-free display
- Versatile quad camera with superb zoom
- S Pen remains unique and useful
What we don't like
- Big and heavy for one-handed use
- Galaxy AI features overlap with Google's
Verdict: Should You Buy the Galaxy S26 Ultra?
For power users who want a do-it-all phone with the best zoom on the market, the S26 Ultra is hard to beat.
Our score: 9.3/10 – Editor’s Choice