Samsung has consistently set the standard for flagship smartphones, and the new Galaxy S26 Ultra is no exception. Combining a simple yet elegant design with powerful performance and innovative technology, this device aims to enhance the user experience in every way.
One of the most striking aspects of the Galaxy S26 Ultra is its design. It’s the slimmest and lightest Ultra model Samsung has ever produced, measuring just 7.9mm and weighing 214g.
The use of armor aluminum and Corning Gorilla Glass Armor 2 gives it a sturdy feel while maintaining optimal portability. This commitment to a unified design language across the Galaxy S26 series is evident and adds a sleek aesthetic to the overall device.
Chipset Capabilities
At the core of the Galaxy S26 Ultra is the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, specially tailored for Galaxy devices. It scored a 3,667 single-core score, and 11,083 multi-core score with Geekbench 6, and 997,262 CPU score with AnTuTu Benchmark. This translates to exceptional power for demanding applications.
Coupled with the Adreno 840 GPU, the device excels in delivering rich visuals and smooth graphics during gaming and multimedia experiences, evident through its 23,465 score with Geekbench 6, and 1,345,312 GPU score with AnTuTu Benchmark.
In real-world testing, processor-exhaustive games like “Where Winds Meet” and “Need for Speed: No Limits” showcased the Snapdragon chip’s capabilities without any lag or stuttering.
Furthermore, the integrated neural processing unit (NPU) has received significant enhancements, scoring 6,485 on Geekbench’s AI quantized benchmark, which indicates its prowess in handling Samsung’s advanced AI tools for enhanced device security and efficiency.
Cooling System
The Galaxy S26 Ultra features an upgraded cooling system, incorporating a new thermal architecture with an expanded vapor chamber. This effectively prevents overheating, even during heavy workloads or extended gaming sessions, ensuring optimal performance.
While the device did experience slight heat during intensive tasks, it quickly cooled down, demonstrating the efficiency of this new cooling mechanism.
Battery and Charging
The Galaxy S26 Ultra’s 5,000mAh battery may not initially sound impressive, but it lasted for over 20 hours and 22 minutes in the PCMark Work 3.0 battery life test.
Its fast-charging capabilities, which allow the battery to charge from 0% to 75% in just 30 minutes with a powerful 60-watt charger, add to the convenience. In addition, an advanced energy optimization algorithm helps manage power consumption smartly, extending the overall battery lifespan.
Display Improvements
The Galaxy S26 Ultra’s features the innovative ProScaler technology, providing a viewing experience that is both rich and sharp, enhancing clarity and color precision significantly. This makes it perfect for streaming movies, gaming, or browsing photos.
To prioritize user privacy, Samsung has also introduced the Privacy Display feature, which allows the screen to be viewed clearly only by the person directly in front of it, shielding sensitive content from prying eyes nearby.
Revolutionary Camera Advancements
The camera capabilities of the Galaxy S26 Ultra includes the 200MP main shooter, which boasts enhanced sensors that capture an impressive 47% more light, resulting in stunning images even in poor lighting conditions. The 50MP periscope telephoto lens has also seen significant improvements, enhancing detail capture in every shot.
Moreover, the new Night Photography Video feature addresses a key issue in smartphone videography: recording high-quality footage in low-light environments. This makes shooting videos cleaner and sharper in less-than-ideal conditions.
Additionally, professional video standards support, including PCS (Professional Content Standard) for high-resolution formats, empowers users to create and edit videos in up to 8K at 30 frames per second without sacrificing quality.
Together with the new Super Steady Video mode, which keeps videos stable even during exaggerated movements or shaky situations, makes the Galaxy S26 series as an ideal choice for anyone interested in mobile filmmaking or video production.
AI Integration and User Experience
Samsung’s dedication to improving user experience is evident through the seamless integration of AI features. The Galaxy AI provides personalized Now Brief summaries, scheduling suggestions through Now Nudge, and enhances search functionalities to streamline user interaction.
Features such as automatic photo-sharing prompts, AI-powered document scanning, and organized screenshot management make the user journey even smoother.
Samsung Galaxy AI tools
Key Specifications
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, 3nm, Octa-core
- Dimensions: 163.6mm x 78.1mm x 7.9mm
- Weight: 214gg
- Display: 6.9″ QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display
- Resolution: 3120 x 1440
- Camera: 200MP wide main camera, 50MP ultra-wide camera, 50MP periscopic telephoto camera, and 10MP telephoto camera
- Selfie Camera: 12MP front camera
- Battery: 5,000mAh, with 60W wiredcharging, 25W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse charging
- Operating System: One UI 8.5 (Android 16)
- IP Rating: IP68 dust and water resistance
- Colors: Cobalt Violet, White, Black, and Sky Blue
Verdict
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra features a stunning design, exceptional performance, an innovative display, and groundbreaking camera capabilities.
It is an impressive choice for anyone looking for a top-tier mobile experience. Whether for gaming, photography, or daily tasks, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is designed to impress, making it a solid investment for both tech enthusiasts and everyday users.
However, if you are coming from the Galaxy S25 Ultra, you may find that some of these features are minimal and may not justify the price increase, with the 16GB + 1TB variant costing P121,990. You might consider waiting until the next model to switch. Fortunately, Samsung offers trade-in, pre-order, and financing options for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, making it easier for those who want to upgrade.
Pros
- Lightweight and thin profile for comfortable handling
- Excellent camera capabilities for content creation
- Impressive chipset performance and thermal management
- Good battery life
- AI tools have practical applications and can be easily integrated into office tasks
Cons
- Minimal differences from the previous Galaxy S25 Ultra
- S-Pen still lacks Bluetooth connectivity and functions
- The price does not include a Samsung charger and other accessories
