The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is the top model of the Galaxy S26 series from Samsung. It was announced on February 25, 2026, at Galaxy Unpacked, and sales started on March 11, 2026. In the US, prices start at $1,299.99 for 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. The phone sits above the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+ in the flagship lineup.
Design and display
The phone measures 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm and weighs 214 g. Samsung calls it the slimmest Ultra yet, and it is 0.3 mm thinner than the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The frame is now Armor Aluminum instead of titanium. Gorilla Armor 2 covers the front, while the back uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The phone is rated IP68 and keeps a built-in S Pen.
The 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display has a 1440 x 3120 resolution. Its adaptive refresh rate runs from 1 to 120 Hz, and peak brightness reaches 2,600 nits. The main new feature is a built-in Privacy Display. When it is on, it limits what people can see from side angles. You can apply it to the whole screen, to selected apps, to PIN and password entry, or only to notification pop-ups.
Performance
Inside is a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 tuned for Galaxy phones. The Ultra uses this chip in all regions, while the Galaxy S26 and S26+ use the Exynos 2600 in some markets. Compared with the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Samsung quotes up to 19% faster CPU, 24% faster GPU and 39% faster NPU performance. In addition, a redesigned vapor chamber spreads heat over a larger area.
The 256 GB and 512 GB versions have 12 GB of RAM, and the 1 TB version has 16 GB. Storage is not expandable, because there is no microSD slot.
Cameras
The rear has four cameras. The main camera uses a 200 MP sensor with an f/1.4 aperture, up from f/1.7 on the previous model. Next to it is a 50 MP ultrawide camera with an f/1.9 lens. For zoom, there is a 10 MP 3x telephoto and a 50 MP 5x periscope telephoto with an f/2.9 aperture. According to Samsung, the main and 5x cameras let in 47% and 37% more light than on the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Video recording goes up to 8K at 30 fps or 4K at 120 fps. The S26 Ultra is also the first Galaxy phone to support APV, a professional video codec. On the front, there is a 12 MP f/2.2 selfie camera.
Battery and charging
The battery has a typical capacity of 5,000 mAh, the same as on the previous model. Wired charging rises from 45 W to 60 W, and Samsung says it reaches 75% in about 30 minutes. Wireless charging increases to 25 W, and reverse wireless charging is supported. However, the phone has no built-in magnets, so magnetic accessories need a Magnet Case. A charger is not included in the box.
Software and updates
The phone launched with Android 16 and One UI 8.5. Samsung promises seven years of security updates and up to seven major Android upgrades. It also brings Galaxy AI features such as Photo Assist, Now Nudge and Now Brief. Gemini and Perplexity are available as assistant options alongside Bixby.
Should you buy the Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Galaxy S26 Ultra suits buyers who want a large screen, a built-in stylus and a four-camera setup with two telephoto lenses. The Privacy Display is exclusive to this model in the series. The long update promise also helps people who keep a phone for several years. On the other hand, battery capacity is unchanged, and the frame is aluminum rather than titanium. For Galaxy S25 Ultra owners, the main gains are faster charging, brighter cameras and the Privacy Display.
