The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is Samsung’s flagship smartphone for 2026, designed for users who want the most advanced display, top-tier performance, long battery life, and professional-grade cameras. Positioned at the very top of Samsung’s Galaxy lineup, the S26 Ultra aims to deliver powerful hardware and refined software for power users, photographers, and productivity enthusiasts. In this review, we’ll look at its design, display, performance, gaming capabilities, camera system, battery life, and overall value to help you decide whether the Galaxy S26 Ultra is worth buying this year.

Key Specifications

• Display: ~6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 144Hz refresh rate
• Resolution: QHD+ (approx. 3200 × 1440)
• Brightness: Up to ~2500–3000 nits peak (rumored)
• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 / Exynos 2600 (region dependent)
• RAM & Storage: 12 GB / 16 GB RAM; 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB storage
• Rear Camera: 200 MP main + 50 MP ultra-wide + 50 MP periscope telephoto + 12 MP telephoto
• Front Camera: 12 MP
• Battery: ~5500 mAh
• Charging: ~60 W wired, ~45 W wireless
• Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.x, NFC
• Operating System: Android 16 with One UI 8
• Price Range: Premium flagship segment

Design & Build Quality

The Galaxy S26 Ultra continues Samsung’s tradition of premium flagship design. It features a sleek glass and metal build with reinforced Gorilla Glass and an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. The phone’s large 6.9-inch display sits within thin bezels, giving it a modern and elegant look, while the rear camera array remains bold but refined. Rumors suggest Samsung may use a slightly slimmer and lighter frame compared to its predecessor without sacrificing durability. The buttons are well-placed for comfortable one-handed use despite the device’s size. Overall, the build feels sturdy and luxurious, befitting a flagship device.

Display Quality

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra features a stunning Dynamic AMOLED 2X display that delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast — ideal for watching videos, gaming, and productivity. The screen supports a 144Hz adaptive refresh rate, which adjusts based on content to balance smoothness and battery life. Peak brightness is rumored to reach very high levels, ensuring excellent outdoor visibility. With HDR10+ support, content appears rich and immersive. Samsung continues to lead in display quality, making the S26 Ultra’s screen one of its standout features.