This independent review examines Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra smartphone, a top-tier Android device for 2026 that combines powerful hardware, advanced AI features, and a versatile camera system.
Specification
Display: 6.9″ QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (120 Hz) with built-in Privacy Display
Processor: Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5
Memory: 12 GB RAM (expandable)
Storage: 512 GB (expandable)
Cameras: 200 MP main + 50 MP telephoto + 50 MP ultra-wide
Front Camera: 12 MP
Battery: 5000 mAh
Operating System: Android 16
Other Features: Built-in S Pen, IP68 water/dust resistance, Gorilla Armor 2 protection
AI Features
Auto-enhances photos, removes backgrounds, improves low-light shots, and allows creative edits via natural language prompts
Provides context-aware suggestions and summaries for tasks
Enables object recognition in photos to find related information online
Supports multi-step task automation across apps
Camera
200 MP wide-angle main sensor with bright F1.4 aperture
50 MP ultra-wide
50 MP telephoto (5× optical zoom)
12 MP front-facing camera
Display
6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X
QHD+ resolution (≈3120 × 1440) with adaptive refresh rate from 1–120 Hz
Peak brightness up to ~2600 nits
10-bit colour support for rich, accurate colours
Protected by Corning Gorilla Armor 2
Battery & Charging
5000 mAh battery
Supports Super-Fast and wireless charging
Positives
Flagship performance with a top-tier processor and responsive UI
Highly versatile camera system with a 200 MP main sensor
Battery life and charging comfortably cover a full day
AI features provide practical and creative enhancements
Privacy Display offers a unique, security-oriented feature
Negatives
Privacy Display may reduce perceived screen clarity for some users
Battery capacity unchanged from previous model, while competitors are increasing theirs
Some AI features feel less polished or partly redundant compared with third-party tools
Premium pricing may not justify upgrading for all users
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a high-quality flagship Android smartphone. Its camera is exceptional, and the AI features are powerful, offering practical and creative advantages. The Privacy Display is innovative but has received mixed reactions. Battery life is adequate but not class-leading, and upgrades over the previous generation are relatively modest.
Availability: At the time of writing, this model is available on Amazon UK for approximately £1,449.
Code Inclusive Rating
9.65 out of 10
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