Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Real-World Test

Why It Matters

The S26 Ultra’s privacy display and accelerated charging give Samsung a tangible edge, while its expanding AI suite signals a strategic push to match Google’s ecosystem and retain flagship relevance.

Key Takeaways

• S26 Ultra slimmer at 7.9 mm, aluminum frame replaces titanium.
• New privacy display limits side‑angle visibility with adjustable levels.
• Faster 60 W wired and 25 W wireless charging improve convenience.
• AI suite adds Nudge, call screening, photo assist, Gemini tasks.
• Camera upgrades: wider apertures, 24 MP selfie, APV video codec.

Summary

The video is a hands‑on, real‑world test of Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S26 Ultra, filmed at the company’s Unpacked event in San Francisco. The reviewer received a review unit on the day of the launch and walks viewers through the phone’s design, hardware, software and AI features while also showcasing the event venue.

Key hardware changes include a thinner 7.9 mm profile, an aluminum armor frame replacing last year’s titanium, and the same 6.9‑inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display with a 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate. The standout is a new privacy display that narrows viewing angles on demand, and Proscaler image‑scaling for sharper content. Battery capacity stays at 5,000 mAh, but charging jumps to 60 W wired and 25 W wireless, promising a 75 % charge in roughly half an hour. Software runs Android 16 with One UI 8.5, adding AI tools such as Nudge, call‑screening, photo‑assist, and Gemini‑powered task automation.

The reviewer highlights the privacy screen’s hardware‑level pixel control, noting a slight dimming but no noticeable battery hit. AI features like Nudge feel promising but under‑delivered compared to Google’s Pixel Magic Q, while call‑screening works reliably. Camera upgrades focus on wider apertures (f/1.4 main, f/2.9 telephoto) and a 24 MP selfie sensor, with Samsung’s APV codec positioned as an answer to Apple ProRes for professional video.

These updates suggest Samsung is narrowing the AI gap with Google while differentiating its flagship with privacy‑focused hardware and faster charging. The incremental design refinements and camera tweaks keep the Ultra line competitive, but the real market impact will hinge on how quickly AI features become genuinely useful for everyday users.

Original Description

I take the new Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra out for a day exploring San Francisco after it was announced. Come watch 🙏

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