If there’s one launch we’re always excited about during the first quarter of 2026, it’s the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event. It’s here where we get to see Samsung’s newest flagship device, and this year, we’re checking out the new Galaxy S26 series.
Specifically, we’re checking out the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. For those interested in the regular Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Plus, you can check out Miguel’s first impressions also up on the YugaTech website.
Based on what we saw from the spec sheets, it seems like Samsung didn’t really make a lot of changes to the Galaxy S26 Ultra coming from its predecessor the S25 Ultra. However, when we tried it out, there was more to this new flagship phone beyond some subtle redesigns.
What are those changes, and what do we think of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra? Read on to find out.
Design and Construction
In terms of the design, the Galaxy S26 Ultra still adopts the signature Samsung design language that we’ve come to love. But the first thing we noticed is the redesigned camera island. Compared to the S25 Ultra, which didn’t really have a camera island, it now has a vertical camera island that houses three of the five cameras.
It’s an obvious redesign, and we like how it looks now. But of course, some users will have a different opinion. Then again, style is subjective, so whether you like it or not, do comment on your opinion below.
Although not as obvious, the S26 Ultra is also a lot less angular, with more curves at the corners. Despite that, it is marginally longer and thinner than its predecessor, the S25 Ultra. We’re talking mere millimeters here, so unless you have an S25 Ultra with you, it’s hard to tell.
This being the Ultra, of course, it still comes with the S-Pen. Thanks to the redesigned corners, users can now accidentally insert the wrong way in. It will still lock in place, but for those with OCD, it will look out of place.
Unfortunately, just like the S-Pen of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, the Bluetooth function doesn’t seem to be returning anytime soon.
Fortunately, it still works well, and you can easily draw or sketch on the phone. Perfect for those who like to doodle down notes instead of typing them.
What we did like is that there’s now a notification when you lock the phone, and the S-Pen isn’t inserted. At least now, you won’t ever lose it anymore.
There are four colors available Cobalt Violet, Sky Blue, Black, and White. Among the four we saw, we think the violet one looks the best. There are also two online exclusive colors – Silver Shadow and Pink Gold.
Display and Multimedia
As for the display, it’s amazing as expected. It still features a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED panel with a QHD+ resolution. It still features up to 120Hz, giving users that super smooth feel. From the spec sheets, the display appears to be a carryover, but there’s nothing wrong with that.
With that, we still had an amazing experience watching videos on this phone, even if it was only YouTube videos. The audio is great too, continuing to feature dual stereo speakers with support for Dolby Atmos.
From our short experience, it was loud, and the quality was decent. However, we’ll explore more of that in our full review.
While the display remains the same, the new feature is the privacy function. It’s exclusive to the Galaxy S26 Ultra, but it effectively keeps wary eyes from seeing what’s on your screen. Think of it like a privacy glass, but instead of being permanent, users can choose to turn it on and off.
It works great, similar to the privacy glass I have on my phone. But at least with this one, users can choose to turn it off when not needed.
Cameras
On paper, the cameras of the Galaxy S26 Ultra appear to be a carryover from before as well. It features a 200MP main, 50MP Ultrawide, 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, and another 50MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom. For selfies, there’s a 12MP front camera.
With that, the output of the images appears to be similar to before. They’re sharp, and there’s decent contrast too. Whether we use the ultrawide or zoom, there’s no doubting the quality of the images.
But what we really liked is the new stabilization function on the Galaxy S26 Ultra when shooting video. It still records at 8K, but there is now a function where users can lock the horizon. So even if you run around or shake the camera, the video will be stable.
Just check out the videos we were able to take with and without the function turned on and see for yourself. And as always, the video quality is amazing, everything you’d expect from a Samsung flagship smartphone.
You can also check out the sample photo gallery below and other videos we were able to capture using the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Sample Photos
Thursday, Feb 19
Performance and Benchmarks
Perhaps the biggest change Samsung made to the Galaxy S26 Ultra is the chipset. While the base S26 and S26 Plus now use an Exynos chipset, the S26 Ultra packs a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset.
While we did not get to run our benchmarks, we were able to run Genshin Impact on the S26 Ultra. There’s no doubt it could run the game on max graphics, and we’re certain it could handle even more graphics-intensive titles. There are little to no heating issues either, even when we ran Genshin for around 30 minutes.
With that, we have very high hopes for the S26 Ultra when it comes to performance. Best of all, it could handle all the new features that the new OS offers.
For those interested, there are two RAM options available – 12GB and 16GB. For storage, users can choose between 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.
OS, Apps, and UI
Aside from the new chipset, what we’re also excited about the Galaxy S26 Ultra is the UI. It ships with OneUI 8.5 out of the box, and it comes with all of the AI features we’ve come to love.
Of course, we can’t forget about Google’s Circle to Search and Gemini features.
But what we’re excited about OneUI 8.5 is the return of a new and improved Bixby. It works similarly to Gemini, but what Bixby can do with the Galaxy S26 Ultra and the Galaxy S26 series is control various functions of the phone.
For example, users can use Bixby to adjust the screen brightness or volume without having to even open the drop-down menu or hitting the volume rocker.
The same can be done for adjusting other phone settings. Instead of toggling stuff in the menu, all users have to do now is let Bixby do the work.
Battery
In terms of the battery, the Galaxy S26 Ultra still packs a 5,000mAh battery pack as before. However, charging speeds have been increased. From 45W on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, it now features 60W Super Fast Charging 3.0.
Samsung also claims it has Super Fast Wireless charging, but did not disclose wireless charging speeds just yet. It also features wireless power share if you want to help your friends out who are low on battery.
Initial Impressions
Given our short time with the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, we’re very curious as to what more it can do. The new powerful chipset is already something we expected from the brand’s flagship smartphone, but what we’re excited about is the new One UI 8.5 functions, including the return of Bixby.
We’re also glad Samsung decided to bump charging speeds, which is something their phones have desperately needed. With the new privacy function on the display, users won’t have to spend on a privacy screen protector anymore, either.
For those concerned about the price, the jump isn’t that big compared to its predecessor, at least for the base variant. It starts at PHP 86,990 for the 256GB variant, but for those who want the 512GB variant, that one will set you back PHP 100,990. As for the 1TB variant? It costs PHP 121,990.
There’s no doubt that the 512GB and 1TB variants of the Galaxy S26 Ultra are very expensive, hitting the six-digit mark. However, Samsung will have a bunch of promos and special offers that you can take advantage of to make it more affordable.
Overall, though, we’re quite impressed with the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra so far. It’s expensive, but it always has been. We’ll save our other comments for the full review.
But so far, what do you guys think of the Samsung Galaxy 26 Ultra? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra specs:
6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display
120Hz Dynamic refresh rate
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy
12GB,16GB RAM
256GB, 512GB, 1TB Storage
Quad Rear Cameras:
200MP main
50MP ultrawide
10MP telephoto 3x optical zoom
50MP telephoto 5x optical zoom
12MP front camera
5,000mAh battery
Super Fast Charging 3.0 (60W)
Super Fast Wireless Charging
Wireless PowerShare
S-Pen
78.1 x 163.6 x 7.9mm
214g
Cobalt Violet, Sky Blue, Black, White, Silver Shadow, Pink Gold
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