CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.
9.3 / 10 Score Cnet Score CNET provides expert, unbiased reviews of products and services. When we assign a score, we use a scale of 1-10. Each product we score is evaluated by criteria specific to its category with most assessing pricing, quality, features and performance. Read more on: How we test Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra $1,300 at Samsung Pros Innovative Privacy Display
Long-lasting battery
Intuitive AI features
Consistently great cameras Cons Some inconsistent AI features
No magnetic wireless charging
Many of the same specs at the S25 Ultra
There was a time, not too long ago, when phones didn't all look the same and people took pleasure in showing off the unique hardware features of their devices. Swiveling keyboards, sliding displays and rotating cameras drew onlookers with their dynamic functionality.
In 2026, amid a sea of smartphone monotony, my version of smartphone peacocking is flaunting the Privacy Display feature on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. Any chance I get, I enthusiastically pull the phone out of my pocket, slowly tilt the screen away from my captive audience, and watch their jaws drop as all or portions of the screen disappear from view -- no blackout screen protector needed.
It's the little things sometimes.
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