This device represents one of Samsung’s most significant generational leaps in recent years, combining genuine hardware innovations with crushing performance that could make anyone reconsider their loyalty to any ecosystem.

The Highlight: Privacy Display

The most ingenious breakthrough of the S26 Ultra is its Privacy Display, which works at the pixel level. Unlike traditional screen protectors, this function can be selectively activated for specific apps or notifications. When tilting the phone, content darkens away from prying eyes—ideal for checking messages or banking data in public spaces. Although not a complete blackout, it effectively deters casual onlookers.

Unmatched Performance

Equipped with the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, the numbers speak for themselves. Its Geekbench 6 score of 10,827 surpasses the iPhone 17 Pro Max by over 10%—power close to that of some laptops. The ability to record 4K video at 120 fps while running multiple apps simultaneously, combined with the improved vapor chamber, suggests exceptional thermal management without risks of slowdown or overheating.

However, There’s a “But”: The Size

Despite being slightly thinner than its predecessor, the S26 Ultra’s dimensions point to a device that demands two hands. Handling could be uncomfortable even for people with large hands, raising the question of whether so much power (literally and figuratively) compromises daily ergonomics.

AI Ecosystem and Camera

Samsung has doubled down on artificial intelligence. Gemini, Perplexity, and Bixby come preloaded, with features like “Circle to Search” and intuitively functioning AI photo editing. Credit where due: the company clearly labels AI-generated content, addressing the growing concern over deepfakes.

In the photography department, although the lens setup (200MP main) is similar to the previous model, the improved apertures allow for superior light intake, which technically translates to sharper images, especially in low-light conditions.

Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra presents itself as an incredibly powerful and future-proof phone that will seduce tech enthusiasts. Its display is magnificent, its AI is useful, and the camera remains top-tier. But its enormous size raises questions about its practicality as a universal companion. The lingering question is whether such technical excellence justifies a device that, by its very dimensions, doesn’t quite adapt to all users.

By: Nestor Castillo, ForAllTechNews Director