They Didn't Mention This... - S26 Ultra Durability Test

Why It Matters

The S26 Ultra’s durability upgrades reinforce Samsung’s premium positioning while highlighting that even high‑end phones require protective accessories, influencing buyer expectations and market competition.

Key Takeaways

• Samsung reverts to aluminum frame, dropping titanium for recyclability
• Privacy screen halves viewing angle, dims display noticeably
• Gorilla Armor 2 glass shows minimal scratches, protector still recommended
• Camera lens modules now click in place, simplifying repairs
• Dbrand cases add magnets, Easter eggs, boosting rugged protection

Summary

The video conducts a hands‑on durability test of Samsung’s flagship S26 Ultra, examining its build, screen, camera, and accessories.

Samsung returns to an aluminum frame, discarding titanium, and uses Corning Gorilla Armor 2 glass. The privacy screen cuts the visible angle from 80° to 45° and dims the display, while the S Pen loses wireless charging and Bluetooth. Scratch tests show level‑6 marks are now hard to detect, but the reviewer still recommends a protector after a $300 screen replacement on the previous model.

The reviewer notes the translucent camera island glows under a flashlight, the lens modules now click back into place with glass intact, and Dbrand’s cases add magnets and hidden Easter eggs. He also demonstrates the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor still works despite deep scratches.

For consumers, the S26 Ultra’s ruggedness justifies its $1,300 price tag but underscores the importance of protective accessories. Competitors may need to match Samsung’s blend of premium materials and repair‑friendly design to stay relevant.

Original Description

Samsung tried to make the new S26 Ultra more Private. But I'll reveal everything. Get a dbrand case or Prism Screen Protector for your smartphone HERE: https://www.dbrand.com/buy/s26-ultra The new S26 ultra has a new Privacy Screen this year. We will use an angle finder to figure out exactly at what angle that screen is visible from. AND we will see if Samsung fix the camera lenses coming off on the S26 Ultra that we saw on last years smartphone. They wont come off on their own - the lenses are very secure.

Get my smartphone tool kit here: https://www.ifixit.com/JerryRig

Watch the Samsung S26 Ultra Teardown video here: https://youtu.be/TRW4W7KkJXs