GoKawiilSamsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 4.5 / 5 Very good ZDNET's key takeaways Pros: Privacy Display is truly unique and practical, well-rounded performance and battery, great long-term software support
Cons: AI tools are not the most reliable, Samsung's cameras are no longer the best, lack of Qi2 magnets View now at Samsung
Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.
Samsung has been using a tried-and-tested formula for its S-series flagships since 2024: it pairs a quality-of-life display upgrade with a processor boost, slimmer design, new (sometimes questionable) AI features, and slightly better cameras. The latest Galaxy S26 Ultra follows this same script.
The S26 isn't a revolutionary upgrade over the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which wasn't a major overhaul of the Galaxy S24 Ultra. However, the formula seems to be working, yet again.
Also: Samsung Galaxy S26 vs. S26 Plus vs. S26 Ultra: I compared every model to help you decide
As much as I want Qi2 magnets, bigger camera sensors, and more battery capacity, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is a well-rounded flagship. I've been using it since launch, and features like Privacy Display, faster charging, and Horizontal Lock make for a better user experience. Are they enough to warrant an upgrade from its predecessor? No. But is the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra one of the best phone experiences available right now? Yes.
A big phone that feels light, but...
Samsung continues to slash the weight and thickness of its premium phone. It has shaved 4 grams off the Galaxy S25 Ultra, bringing the S26 Ultra to 214 grams. The thinner, 7.9mm design is down from 8.2mm on the predecessor. In comparison, the iPhone 17 Pro Max (8.75mm) weighs 233g, and the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL (8.50mm) is 232g.
If you like a big screen but can't go from a 6.3-inch phone to a 6.9-inch one because of weight, consider the Galaxy S26 Ultra. It is, in fact, the slimmest and lightest among its immediate rivals.
... continue reading