Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Samsung's 2026 flagship pairs the 200MP main sensor with a wider f/1.4 aperture that gathers 47% more light, adds the first-of-its-kind Privacy Display, keeps the built-in S Pen and DeX, and runs the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 — all in a thinner, lighter 214g body.
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links.
Our Verdict
The S26 Ultra's 200MP main sensor gains a wider f/1.4 aperture that gathers 47% more light, and Tom's Guide found low-light photos and video noticeably improved over the S25 Ultra. Dual telephotos (5x + 3x), 100x Space Zoom, 8K video, and new Horizon Lock stabilization make it the most versatile kit here — only the Pixel's stills processing keeps it from second.
Score Breakdown
Pros & Cons
Pros
- •200MP main camera now f/1.4 — 47% more light for low-light shots
- •Privacy Display blocks side-angle viewing, first on any phone
- •Built-in S Pen and DeX desktop mode
- •60W wired charging up from 45W
- •Thinner and lighter than S25 Ultra (7.9mm, 214g)
- •7 years of OS and security updates
Cons
- •$1,299 list price with pricier storage upgrades
- •Still 5,000mAh — no silicon-carbon battery like OnePlus and OPPO
- •Large camera bump
- •One UI ships with duplicate Samsung apps
Specifications
| Display | 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 3120x1440, 120Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy |
| RAM | 12GB/16GB |
| Storage | 256GB-1TB |
| Battery | 5,000mAh, 60W wired, 25W wireless |
| Camera | 200MP f/1.4 main + 50MP ultrawide + 50MP 5x + 10MP 3x telephoto |
Who Is This For?
Best For
- Content creators
- Zoom photography
- S Pen note-takers
- DeX desktop users
- Working on-screen in public (Privacy Display)
Not For
- Compact phone seekers
- Clean Android preference
- Budget buyers
Where to Buy
Appears In
Compare Head-to-Head
Customer Reviews
Alternatives to Consider
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Apple
The photography king with lifelike colors, rich detail, and industry-leading video recording. Triple 48MP camera system with 5x telephoto and new 18MP front camera delivers unmatched consistency.
Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
The AI photography master with 100x Pro Res Zoom, Camera Coach AI that analyzes composition in real-time, and best-in-class portrait mode. Tensor G5 chip optimized for AI photography.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Samsung
The versatile video king with 200MP main sensor, 8K video recording, S Pen productivity, and Samsung DeX desktop mode. Best zoom quality with 100x Space Zoom.
OnePlus 13
OnePlus
Hasselblad-tuned triple 50MP camera system with Sony LYT-808 1/1.4" main sensor, 3x triprism telephoto, and 4K Dolby Vision on all cameras. Snapdragon 8 Elite power with a massive 6,000mAh battery and IP68/IP69 water resistance.