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The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is an experiential upgrade over its predecessor. I wouldn't say "incremental" because some features like Privacy Display and improved agentic AI are very significant, but if you already have the Galaxy S25 Ultra, you're probably wondering if these features make it worth buying.
Also: Samsung Unpacked 2026 recap: Galaxy S26 Ultra specs, Buds 4 Pro, Bixby, more
I've been testing Samsung's latest flagship phone, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, to find out exactly how it differentiates from its predecessor, the S25 Ultra. Here's how the two devices directly compare, and the reasons to buy one over the other.
You should buy the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra if…
Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET
1. You need Privacy Display
First, note that the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the same display size, resolution, and refresh rate as its predecessor. Both phones have a 6.9-inch QDH+ 120Hz AMOLED display with a less reflective screen. When the Galaxy S25 Ultra first came out, I said it had the best display on a 2025 smartphone.
Now, Samsung has topped that with the introduction of the Privacy Display feature. When turned on, it works like a stick-on screen protector. It limits the viewing angles, so no one can eavesdrop on your screen in public. You can have it turned on for the whole screen at all times, when entering PINs and passwords, or only for specific apps.
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