Samsung Electronics introduced the highly anticipated Galaxy S26 Ultra on February 25, 2026, during its Galaxy Unpacked event held in San Francisco. This flagship smartphone emphasizes advanced artificial intelligence features and comes equipped with significant hardware upgrades. It retains the large-screen, S Pen-enabled design that has become synonymous with Ultra models, while incorporating innovative privacy technology and enhanced performance.
Key Features and Innovations
One of the standout features of the Galaxy S26 Ultra is its world-first built-in Privacy Display. This hardware-level enhancement prevents screen content from being visible at side angles, effectively blacking out the display for onlookers while ensuring clarity for the user. This technology addresses increasing concerns about privacy in public spaces and is a significant addition to Samsung’s suite of security features.
The device boasts a 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. It achieves peak brightness levels of around 2,600 nits, making it suitable for outdoor visibility. With Corning Gorilla Armor 2 protection and thinner bezels, the screen design enhances the overall user experience.
Under the hood, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, specifically customized for Galaxy devices. Built on a 3nm process, this processor offers 19% faster CPU performance and 24% improved GPU capabilities compared to earlier models. Enhanced AI processing capabilities allow for smoother multitasking and improved thermal management during intensive tasks.
Storage, Battery, and Camera Enhancements
Samsung offers the Galaxy S26 Ultra with options of 12GB or 16GB of RAM, paired with storage configurations of 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of UFS storage. While there is no microSD expansion, pre-order incentives in some markets include storage upgrades.
The device retains a 5,000mAh battery, promising up to 31 hours of video playback under lab conditions. A notable upgrade is the 60W fast charging capability, allowing users quicker top-ups compared to the previous model. Wireless charging is available at 25W, complemented by reverse wireless charging support.
The camera system has also seen significant improvements, featuring a 200MP wide main sensor with an f/1.4 aperture for enhanced low-light performance. The advanced quad-camera setup includes a 50MP ultra-wide, a 10MP 3x telephoto, and a 50MP 5x periscope telephoto lens. The front camera is a 12MP unit with AI enhancements, ensuring high-quality selfies. Video capabilities have been upgraded with improved stabilization features.
Pricing and Availability
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is priced starting at $1,299 for the base 256GB model, maintaining the same price point as its predecessor, the S25 Ultra. Pre-orders began on February 25, 2026, with general availability set for March 11, 2026. Samsung is offering trade-in credits of up to $900 and additional discounts on accessories through its website.
Positioned as a powerhouse for productivity and media consumption, the Galaxy S26 Ultra combines exceptional performance with a focus on privacy and security. Early hands-on reports highlight the device’s comfortable ergonomics and vivid display, while full reviews will provide insights from real-world usage. As Samsung enters a competitive landscape of premium smartphones, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is poised to appeal to creators and power users alike.
