Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Review
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The Verdict
Editor's ChoiceThe Galaxy S26 Ultra redefines 2026 flagships, spearheading on-device AI with its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, making complex tasks like real-time translation seamless. Its vibrant 2600-nit Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display offers unmatched clarity for media and productivity. While 60W wired charging is fast, it trails speeds from rivals like the rumored OnePlus 15 Ultra. For those demanding peak performance, longevity, and an immersive visual experience, it's a compelling, premium package that largely justifies its asking price against, say, the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
4.5
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Outstanding check_circle Pros
- The cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset provides unparalleled AI processing for on-device tasks, alongside future-proof performance for demanding apps and games, distinguishing it from the prior generation's capabilities.
- Its 2600 nits peak brightness on the 6.9-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X screen ensures perfect visibility and stunning HDR visuals in any lighting condition, allowing you to easily view content even under bright direct sunlight.
- With a promise of up to seven major Android upgrades, this device offers exceptional long-term value and security, ensuring you stay current with the latest features well into the next decade, unlike shorter-lived support from some competitors.
cancel Cons
- While 60W wired charging is respectable, it doesn't match the ultra-fast charging speeds (100W+) seen in some 2026 flagships from competitors like Xiaomi's top-tier models, meaning you'll wait longer for a full charge in a pinch.
- As a true Ultra flagship, the S26 Ultra commands a top-tier price, making it a significant investment that may be overkill for users who don't fully leverage its advanced AI and camera capabilities, especially when comparing to the more affordable Google Pixel 10 Pro.
- While its 5000 mAh battery is substantial, the combination of a power-hungry 2600-nit display and advanced AI processing means extreme power users might still find themselves seeking a charger before day's end, especially when compared to the efficiency claims of Apple's Bionic chips in the iPhone 17 series.
Technical Specifications
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NETWORK
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE (CA), 5G |
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LAUNCH
| Announced | 2026, February 25 |
|---|---|
| Status | Coming soon. Exp. release 2026, March 06 |
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BODY
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm (6.44 x 3.07 x 0.31 in) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 214 g (7.55 oz) |
| Build | Glass front (Corning Gorilla Armor 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time) - INT · Nano-SIM + eSIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time) - USA · Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM - CN |
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DISPLAY
| Type | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 2600 nits (peak) |
|---|---|
| Size | 6.9 inches, 115.9 cm2 (~90.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~500 ppi density) |
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Armor 2, Mohs level 6 |
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PLATFORM
| OS | Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgrades, One UI 8.5 |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) |
| CPU | Octa-core (2x4.74 GHz Oryon V3 Phoenix L + 6x3.62 GHz Oryon V3 Phoenix M) |
| GPU | Adreno 840 |
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MEMORY
| Card slot | No |
|---|---|
| Internal | 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM |
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MAIN CAMERA
| Quad | 200 MP, f/1.4, 24mm (wide), 1/1.3", 0.6µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 10 MP, f/2.4, 67mm (telephoto), 1/3.94", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.9, 111mm (telephoto), 1/2.52", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 50 MP, f/1.9, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.5", 0.7µm, dual pixel PDAF, Super Steady video |
|---|---|
| Features | Laser AF, Best Face, Horizon Lock, LED flash, auto-HDR, panorama |
| Video | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 10-bit HDR, HDR10+, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS |
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SELFIE CAMERA
| Single | 12 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.2", 1.12µm, dual pixel PDAF |
|---|---|
| Features | HDR, HDR10+ |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps |
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SOUND
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers |
|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No |
wifi
COMMS
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 6.0, A2DP, LE |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| NFC | Yes |
| Radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.2, DisplayPort 1.2, OTG |
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FEATURES
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
|---|
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BATTERY
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
|---|---|
| Charging | 60W wired, PD3.0, 75% in 30 min 25W wireless (Qi2.2) 4.5W reverse wireless |
info
MISC
| Colors | Cobalt Violet, Sky Blue, Black, White, Silver Shadow, Pink Gold |
|---|---|
| Models | SM-S948B, SM-S948B/DS, SM-S948U, SM-S948U1, SM-S948W, SM-S948N, SM-S9480, SM-S948E, SM-S948E/DS |
| SAR | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 1.28 W/kg (head) 1.35 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
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(100) $1299.99Fair Price
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