Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review: Private and performant

"The Galaxy S26 Ultra is big, powerful, and overflowing with features. It can be a bit too much at times, particularly if you don't care for mobile AI. It's expensive, but you get long support and just about everything you could want from a smartphone in 2026."

"The device looks and feels monolithic, with a sturdy metal frame sandwiched between premium glass on the front and back. The screen is covered with Gorilla Armor 2, which incorporates ceramic for added strength and a surface that reduces reflections. The back is Gorilla Glass Victus 2, with Corning's highest impact and scratch resistance to date."

"This phone has Samsung's most capable camera setup, and you won't forget it. The camera bump on the back rises about half a centimeter from the glass panel, making the phone extremely wobbly when lying on a table. Most people put their phones in cases, so this isn't a major usability issue."

Samsung continues its annual Galaxy S flagship tradition with the S26 Ultra, a premium smartphone priced at $1,300 that dominates Samsung's flagship sales despite budget alternatives costing significantly less. The device features a robust metal frame with premium glass construction, Gorilla Armor 2 screen protection with ceramic reinforcement, and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 back panel for durability. It includes Samsung's most capable camera system, though the prominent camera bump creates stability issues when placed on tables. The phone delivers powerful performance and comprehensive features, though it may include excessive mobile AI functionality. While not revolutionary, the S26 Ultra represents solid flagship engineering and could prove valuable as competitors scale back amid rising component costs.

Read at Ars Technica