GoKawiilFor most of my adult life, I’ve gravitated towards larger phones like the iPhone Pro Max and Samsung’s Ultra models. But over the past few years, I’ve spent time with more compact devices — the Samsung Galaxy S25, OnePlus 13s, and now the Samsung Galaxy S26. And I have to admit, switching to something smaller feels refreshing.
That said, compact phones usually come with their fair share of compromises, and thermals are often the biggest concern. That’s where the Galaxy S26 does things differently — it handles most day-to-day tasks without getting uncomfortably warm.
But that’s not the only thing it’s good at. There are a few reasons why I chose the Galaxy S26 over the S26 Ultra, and why I think you should, too.
Which would you choose? The $900 Galaxy S26 or the $1,300 Galaxy S26 Ultra? 16 votes $900 Galaxy S26 69 % $1,300 Galaxy S26 Ultra 31 %
I keep falling for the S26’s size
I knew within minutes of using the Galaxy S26 that I liked it. It’s light, but not in a way that makes it feel cheap. The aluminium frame adds just enough heft to remind me this is still a premium phone. I don’t have to think about how I’m holding it.
One-handed use feels natural thanks to its sleek build; reaching the buttons is also easy, and it fits into my pocket without any friction. What really caught me off guard was going back to the Galaxy S26 Ultra. It felt big and inconvenient in a way I hadn’t really noticed before. Safe to say, the S26 has spoiled me a little, and I’m loving every bit of it.
I knew within minutes of using the Galaxy S26 that I liked it.
The S26 hasn’t changed much in terms of design, apart from a slight tweak to the camera island, which gives it a cleaner look. I’ve been using the Cobalt Violet finish, and it grew on me. It’s subtle, not something that stands out immediately, but it looks nice when light hits it at certain angles. The only thing I’m slightly wary of is the back. It’s a bit slippery, and I’m always aware of that when I’m using it without a case. Of course, putting one on adds some bulk and takes away from its sleekness, but that’s still better than dealing with a cracked back.
An excellent, compact display
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