Galaxy s26 ultra: a disappointing upgrade that missed the mark

A month after its unveiling, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra isn't the revolutionary leap many anticipated. While sales are reportedly strong, particularly for the Ultra model in the US, early reactions suggest a growing sense of disappointment among consumers. The question is: did Samsung stumble with its latest flagship?

A premium feel, but at what cost?

Samsung's continued use of an aluminum frame instead of the titanium found in previous Ultra models is a notable point of contention. The company cited rising RAM costs as the reason, a pragmatic decision perhaps, but one that leaves a noticeable gap in the perceived premium feel. At $1,300, buyers expect a certain heft and quality that a titanium frame delivers.

The lack of Bluetooth support for the S Pen, a feature heavily desired after last year's removal, is another glaring oversight. Samsung’s belief that few users utilized this functionality seems short-sighted. And while the display remains bright, a privacy display feature significantly impacts resolution, effectively dimming half the pixels.

Camera tweaks, while present, feel incremental. The 5x telephoto lens gains a slight aperture improvement, and the main 200MP sensor sees a similar update. However, the absence of a 3x telephoto lens upgrade is a missed opportunity, especially considering competitors are pushing the boundaries of zoom capabilities.

Perhaps the most underwhelming aspect is the battery. The 5,000mAh cell remains unchanged, a decision that feels particularly disappointing given advancements from rivals like OnePlus and Xiaomi. And the absence of MagSafe compatibility further diminishes the phone's appeal.

Glimmers of innovation amidst the disappointment

Not all is bleak. Samsung deserves credit for the introduction of the privacy display, a valuable feature for those prioritizing screen security. The wired charging speed jumps to 60W, and the new 24MP mode unlocks higher-resolution photography. The addition of an APV codec promises improvements in video recording, and the software introduces AI-powered image merging and noise reduction tools.

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