We tested the Galaxy S26 Ultra for a month: Is Samsung resting on its laurels?

Samsung’s latest flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, is now available starting at 1,469 euros. Known for its versatility, the S26 Ultra introduces a new feature called Privacy Display, which has sparked both technological excitement and skepticism about its practicality. As Samsung continues to dominate the Android smartphone market, the question remains: is the Galaxy S26 Ultra still the top choice in 2026?

The Galaxy S Ultra series has long been applauded for its comprehensive features, with Samsung consistently delivering top-notch displays, battery life, and camera quality. While the S26 Ultra builds upon its predecessors, including the S24 Ultra and S25 Ultra, the focus remains on incremental improvements rather than groundbreaking changes.

The highlight of the S26 Ultra is its Privacy Display, a technology that limits screen visibility to the user only, offering a unique level of privacy. However, after a month of testing, the limitations of this feature became apparent, with challenges in usability and display quality. While the OLED screen remains impressive, Samsung’s decision to revert to an 8-bit display raises questions about their commitment to cutting-edge technology.

In terms of performance, the S26 Ultra offers fast charging capabilities, minimizing the time required for a full recharge. However, some design choices, such as the return to aluminum and subtle design changes, may not resonate well with all users. Additionally, the absence of features like magnetic charging and innovative camera upgrades leaves room for improvement.

Despite its strengths, the S26 Ultra faces stiff competition from Chinese manufacturers prioritizing battery technology and camera innovations. While the device excels in versatility and overall performance, Samsung may need to revisit its strategy to maintain its competitive edge.

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a solid choice for Android enthusiasts, offering a stunning display, impressive camera capabilities, and reliable performance. However, the lack of significant enhancements raises questions about Samsung’s innovation roadmap. As the smartphone market evolves, Samsung may need to step up its game to stay ahead of the competition.

For those considering the S26 Ultra, pricing starts at 1,469 euros for the base model with 256GB of storage. Additionally, for those interested in the previous model, the best deals on the S25 Ultra are still available.