The yearly Samsung Galaxy S series update is here. The Galaxy S26 Ultra packs Qualcomm's latest flagship chip, a new privacy display that keeps prying eyes away, and the fastest charging speeds ever on a Galaxy Ultra.
Design and Display
The S26 Ultra is thinner at 7.2mm and lighter at 214 grams compared to the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Samsung swapped the titanium frame for aluminum while keeping the Gorilla Glass Victus 2 back. The front looks nearly identical to last year's model with a 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED panel featuring QHD+ resolution and a 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Peak brightness hits 2,600 nits, and Gorilla Armor 2 provides protection against drops and scratches.
Privacy Display Feature
The headline feature is the Privacy Display, which dims specific screen areas when viewed from an angle. This isn't software trickery. It's actual hardware innovation that allows Samsung to dim individual pixels so they appear black from the side. This protects your notifications, pop-ups, and password entries from nosy commuters. You can toggle it manually or let the phone enable it automatically based on your location.
Performance and Battery
Unlike the standard S26 models, the Ultra gets the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chip worldwide. The base 256GB and 512GB models include 12GB RAM, while the 1TB variant bumps that to 16GB. The 5,000 mAh battery remains unchanged from previous generations, but charging speeds finally jump past 45W to 60W wired. Wireless charging supports up to 25W with compatible Qi 2.2 chargers, and reverse wireless charging stays at 4.5W.
Camera System
The 200MP main sensor returns with a wider f/1.4 aperture, capturing 47% more light according to Samsung. The 10MP 3x telephoto uses a smaller sensor than its predecessor, while the 50MP 5x telephoto gains a brighter f/2.9 aperture that's 37% more light-sensitive. The 50MP ultrawide remains identical to last year.
S Pen and Galaxy AI
The S Pen returns for another year but still lacks Bluetooth connectivity. Samsung didn't remove the stylus despite earlier rumors. The ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, anti-reflective coating, and 12MP selfie camera are also present.
The phone runs One UI 8.5 on Android 16 with extensive Galaxy AI integration. Photo Assist brings AI-powered editing to the Gallery app. Audio Eraser now works in third-party apps like YouTube and Netflix to reduce background noise. Call Screening filters spam calls by answering and transcribing them. Now Nudge offers contextual suggestions based on your current activity, while Now Brief delivers personalized information on your home screen.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra launches in Black, Cobalt Violet, Sky Blue, and White. Samsung.com exclusives include Silver and Pink Gold. Official sales begin March 11.