TechRadar assessment
A thinner design, broad camera system and integrated S Pen support the flagship case. The original price remains high.
TechRadarPhones & tablets / Review roundup
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
US unlocked, 256GB / 12GB; regional radio variants differ
Roundup updated 2026-10-03 · 2 assessment sources · 2 additional reviews
What reviewers found
A versatile big Android phone for buyers who use the pen, zoom cameras or privacy feature.
Those features need to justify its premium over a smaller Galaxy or Pixel.
A roundup of published reviews; we haven’t tested this product. How we work
At a glance
Good for
A versatile big Android phone for buyers who use the pen, zoom cameras or privacy feature.
The catch
Large, costly phone; Raised camera assembly
Where to buy
Current prices are available at the retailer.Check price at Amazon Product search
Affiliate links · We may earn a commission.
Strengths and limitations
Pros
- Integrated S Pen
- Privacy Display and versatile cameras
Cons
- Large, costly phone
- Raised camera assembly
In depth
Tom’s Guide assessment
The Privacy Display, low-light photography and faster charging are meaningful additions, although the raised cameras and familiar battery capacity limit the upgrade story.
Tom’s GuideWho should buy it
A versatile big Android phone for buyers who use the pen, zoom cameras or privacy feature. Those features need to justify its premium over a smaller Galaxy or Pixel.
TechRadarTom’s GuideReview observations
What reviewers reported in use; these are qualitative observations, not benchmark scores.
Review observation · Published assessment
Qualitative findingTechRadar: A thinner design, broad camera system and integrated S Pen support the flagship case. The original price remains high.
TechRadarSpecifications
Check the configuration: memory, storage and cooling can vary between models.
Hardware & configuration
- Chip
- Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy
- Selected memory
- 12 GB
- Selected storage
- 256 GB
- Display
- 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution
- 3120 × 1440
- Refresh rate
- 1–120 Hz
- Main camera
- 200 MP, f/1.4
- Ultrawide camera
- 50 MP
- Front camera
- 12 MP
- Battery capacity
- 5,000 mAh
- Weight
- 214 g
- Stylus
- Integrated S Pen
- Special feature
- Privacy Display
Still unknown
- No firsthand testing or long-term failure-rate study by Next Interrupt. Published measurements retain their original sample and test conditions.
Published reviews & comparisons
TechRadar · Comparison ·
iPhone 18 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: which should you choose? ↗
Publisher excerptWe compare the key specs and features of the iPhone 18 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra to help you decide which is right for you.
Android Authority · Review ·
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra gets its spark back, but I still want more ↗
Publisher excerptSamsung recaptured some of the magic, but is it worth this much money?
Tom’s Guide · Review ·
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review ↗
The Privacy Display, low-light photography and faster charging are meaningful additions, although the raised cameras and familiar battery capacity limit the upgrade story.
Test scope
The Privacy Display, low-light photography and faster charging are meaningful additions, although the raised cameras and familiar battery capacity limit the upgrade story.
Publisher group: Future
TechRadar · Review ·
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review ↗
A thinner design, broad camera system and integrated S Pen support the flagship case. The original price remains high.
Test scope
A thinner design, broad camera system and integrated S Pen support the flagship case. The original price remains high.
Publisher group: Future
Alternatives to consider
ModelChoose it forThe catchCompare
Apple iPhone 172 reviewsAn iOS phone with a smoother display and more base storageNo dedicated telephoto camera; expensive versus value Android phonesCompare →
Apple iPhone 18 Pro3 reviewsThe smaller choice for buyers who want Apple’s Pro camera hardware.Premium cost; Heavier than the preceding ProCompare →
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max5 reviewsFor iPhone buyers who prioritize a large display and endurance over pocketability.Heavy two-handed phone; Expensive starting configurationCompare →
Google Pixel 11 Pro7 reviewsFor buyers who prefer Google’s camera and software experience in a smaller flagship.Base-memory reduction versus previous Pro; Limited annual-upgrade caseCompare →
Google Pixel 10a2 reviewsA practical affordable Android phone when you want Google’s software and cameras.Previous-generation processor; No dedicated telephotoCompare →
Google Pixel 9a2 reviewsEveryday Android photography without flagship spendingA dated design and fewer premium camera optionsCompare →
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max3 reviewsBetter internal cooling allows games to maintain high framerates for longer periods while running noticeably cooler than the prior model.Trusted Reviews: Weighing 249g, the phone is noticeably heavier than previous generations, making it one of the weightiest devices reviewed recently. Trusted Reviews: While the physical variable aperture is innovative, the visible real-world imaging advantages remain relatively minor and subtle.Compare →