Samsung NAILED IT! This is the new Galaxy S26 ultra
House of Tech
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: A First Look
Samsung has nailed the new Galaxy S26 Ultra. There, I said it. This phone features several hardware improvements and software enhancements that make all the difference. The result is a phenomenal device, at least based on my brief hands-on time here in San Francisco.
Good morning from Galaxy Unpacked 2026! If you're looking at just the specs, it might be easy to dismiss the Galaxy S26 Ultra, but that would be a mistake. The S26 Ultra brings a host of improvements in key areas that truly elevate the experience. It's slimmer, lighter, and the rounded edges make it feel more cohesive with the rest of the lineup. The result is the nicest Ultra phone Samsung has ever made.
"The S26 Ultra charges at 60 watts, which Samsung says will charge the battery to 75% in 30 minutes and to full in around 49 minutes."
Design and Build
The S26 Ultra is just 7.9 mm thick, which is 6 mm thinner than last year, and it's also 4 grams lighter. All in all, it makes for a gorgeous in-hand feel, one of the best I can remember on an Ultra. The camera setup remains the same as the S25 Ultra, but both the main camera and the telephoto lens now let in significantly more light. The 200-megapixel wide camera has an f/1.4 aperture, allowing for 47% more light, while the 50-megapixel telephoto has an f/2.9 aperture, letting in 37% more light. This should greatly enhance low-light performance.
Camera Features
Samsung has also improved Super Steady Video with a new horizon lock feature that allows you to rotate the phone up to 360° without affecting the overall video quality. This is based on real-time gyro and accelerometer data, and my initial testing has me excited about it. Additionally, the S26 Ultra uses sensor-based real-time AI processing to autoframe 4K content without losing quality, and it adds a new advanced professional video codec for virtually lossless video at up to 8K resolution.
Battery and Charging
While the battery size remains the same at 5,000 milliamp hours, the charging speed has seen a significant upgrade. The S26 Ultra now supports 60-watt charging, allowing it to reach 75% in just 30 minutes. You also get a 3-amp cable in the box, which means you can achieve full speed with any compatible charger.
"Samsung is focusing heavily on AI software this year, making it easier to edit photos after capturing them by simply typing commands."
AI Features
This year, Samsung is heavily investing in AI software. For instance, you can now edit photos post-capture by telling Galaxy AI what changes to make, using text commands. This includes features like adding backgrounds or restoring elements in a photo. There's also a new one-stop creative studio for creating stickers, invitations, and more. Additionally, the new screenshot analyzer automatically sorts screenshots into eight categories, which is a lifesaver for anyone with a cluttered screenshot folder.
Privacy Display
One of the standout features is the new privacy display, exclusive to the S26 Ultra. This innovative screen dims individual pixels when you receive notifications or unlock your phone, making it virtually impossible for someone to see your screen from an angle. This is a game-changer for anyone concerned about privacy, especially in public spaces.
"The world's first privacy screen on a mobile device is here, and it's kind of fantastic."
Color Options and Availability
The Galaxy S26 Ultra comes in four main colors: Cobalt Violet, Sky Blue, White, and Black, along with two online exclusive colors: Silver Shadow and Pink Gold. The hero color is Cobalt Violet, but I personally prefer the Sky Blue, which is stunning.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is available for pre-order today and launches on March 11th, priced at $1,299.99 in the US. There will likely be pre-order deals, including storage upgrades and other promotions.
All in all, I really like the Galaxy S26 Ultra more than I expected. At first glance, it seems like a modest upgrade, but the small enhancements in key areas create a more substantial overall improvement. I can't wait to spend more time with it in the coming weeks.
What do you think of Samsung's new flagship? Let me know in the comments below, and don't forget to subscribe for more content!