Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review: The best Android phone just got better

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review: The best Android phone just got better

https://www.shortlist.com/tech/samsung-galaxy-s26-ultra-review-the-best-android-phone-just-got-better

Publish Date: 2026-03-18 10:14:00

Source Domain: www.shortlist.com

With most of the major phone companies launching flagship phones yearly, this constant grind to push new hardware sometimes feels like there isn’t actually anything new to push at all.

With the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, however, this really isn’t the case. In fact, Sammy’s new handset brings with it one of the most innovative phone features in recent years — the ability to block your screen from prying eyes, thanks to some mind-blowing display tech.

My colleague Hermione recently wrote about the virtues of this tech when living somewhere as busy as London — it really is a welcomed layer of discretion on a phone that is in pretty much every way on top of its game.

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The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is another stunning device from Samsung and the most premium non-folding phone the tech giant has produced.

I have been using the Android handset as my main whip for a number of weeks now — and have fallen for the thing in a big way. Even its use of AI smarts, which I usually pour scorn on, have won me over. Just how, I hear you scream? Well, here are 5 things to know about the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra…

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: In Short

• Privacy Display: Innovative Flex Magic Pixel technology limits screen view from prying eyes.
• Redesigned Form Factor: Softer, curved edges replace the S25’s sharp design, plus a visually improved, raised camera enclosure.
• Ultimate Power and Efficiency: Features the powerful, overclocked Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip for smooth performance and 30+ hour battery.
• Advanced Camera System: The 200MP main and 50MP telephoto cameras have wider apertures for better light and sharper images.
• New AI Smart Features: Fun and useful enhancements like Super Steady Video and impressive background noise removal from videos.

Today’s best Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra deals

1. Design lacks sharpness — and that’s a good thing

(Image credit: Gerald Lynch | Future)

Samsung now offers a…

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