I tested the Galaxy S26 and S26 Ultra for weeks. Here's why the Ultra is worth the extra money

At a glance:

• Galaxy S26 Ultra offers significant upgrades including Privacy Display, faster charging, and better connectivity
• The base model has puzzling downgrades in connectivity and camera specs despite a price increase
• Samsung's Ultra model is the only one in the series that justifies its cost with feature set

The Ultra's screen finally offers more than size

The Samsung Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Ultra represent two distinct approaches to flagship smartphones. While both models share the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset and One UI 8.5 software, they diverge significantly in their design philosophy and feature sets. The author, who has historically preferred compact phones like the Galaxy S25 Edge and iPhone Air, found themselves surprisingly impressed by the Ultra model after weeks of testing both devices side-by-side.

What makes the Galaxy S26 Ultra particularly noteworthy is how Samsung has managed to make a large-screen device more manageable. With a 6.9-inch display that measures just 7.9mm thick and weighs 214 grams, it's actually thinner and lighter than competitors like the Pixel 10 Pro XL (8.5mm, 232g) and iPhone 17 Pro Max (8.8mm, 233g). This compact form factor for a "Ultra" class device makes it easier to wield despite its large screen size. While there were moments when the device felt oversized, it remained usable more often than not, challenging the perception that bigger phones are necessarily more cumbersome.

The real game-changer, however, is the Flex Magic Pixel OLED panel that powers the new Privacy Display feature. This technology allows users to toggle privacy protection with a simple button press, making it particularly valuable in public settings like public transit, flights, and crowded sporting events. The author describes this as their "favorite smartphone feature in years," noting that it provides "freedom to use your phone however you'd like without worrying about prying eyes over your shoulder." While the panel does have some trade-offs in terms of off-angle brightness and sharpness compared to traditional OLED screens, the author concludes that the Privacy Display innovation outweighs these limitations, especially since the difference isn't immediately noticeable in everyday use.

The base model's puzzling downgrades

Upon closer examination, the Galaxy S26 series reveals a puzzling pattern of downgrades for the base model that goes beyond simple feature differentiation. While Samsung typically reserves certain specifications for its premium Ultra model, the extent of cost-cutting measures on the standard Galaxy S26 raises questions about its long-term viability, especially given the seven years of software support that Samsung promises for the entire lineup.

The most concerning downgrades affect connectivity. The Galaxy S26 notably lacks a mmWave 5G antenna, a feature that was present on the previous Galaxy S25. Additionally, it doesn't include an ultra-wideband (UWB) chip, which is essential for precision finding with trackers and accessories. To compound these omissions, the base model remains on Bluetooth 5.4 while other models in the series have upgraded to Bluetooth 6. These specifications might not be immediate pain points for all users, but they become significant when considering a device expected to remain relevant for half a decade. The author expresses particular concern about these omissions, stating, "I feel solid about the Galaxy S26 Ultra lasting that long. I can't say the same about the Galaxy S26, because it lacks cutting-edge specs on day one."

Performance differences also emerge when examining the thermal management systems. While both the Galaxy S26 and Ultra models share the same Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor in North American markets, only the Ultra features Samsung's redesigned vapor chamber cooling system. This larger, more efficient cooling solution allows the Ultra to sustain peak performance for longer periods, even though the base model can outperform it in short benchmark tests. The thermal differences become particularly relevant for users who engage in extended gaming sessions or resource-intensive tasks that push the hardware to its limits. These performance limitations, combined with the connectivity and Bluetooth downgrades, paint a concerning picture for the long-term usability of the base model within Samsung's promised seven-year support window.

Camera upgrades on the Ultra

Samsung's camera strategy for the Galaxy S26 series presents a fascinating dichotomy between the Ultra model and the standard Plus and base models. While the Ultra receives significant hardware upgrades, the base and Plus variants continue to rely on camera systems from previous generations, creating a noticeable gap in imaging capabilities across the lineup.

The most significant upgrades on the Galaxy S26 Ultra are found in its primary and telephoto cameras. Despite maintaining the same megapixel counts as the previous generation, the new 200MP primary sensor and 50MP telephoto camera feature larger, brighter image sensors with wider apertures. Samsung has also introduced an All Lenses on Prism (ALoP) telephoto design, which contributes to improved image quality and detail. These hardware improvements position the Ultra's quadruple-camera system as a serious contender for the title of best Android camera phone in North America, particularly when combined with computational photography advancements.

In contrast, the Galaxy S26 and S22 share identical rear camera hardware, featuring a 50MP main sensor, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. While Samsung has introduced a new 24MP camera mode as a middle ground between 12MP and 50MP, and computational photography improvements help the Galaxy S26 take better photos than older models, the hardware itself remains unchanged. The author specifically criticizes the outdated telephoto camera, noting that "it doesn't offer the resolution or zoom length on par with the best telephoto cameras available in 2026." This becomes particularly problematic when considering the phone's seven-year support cycle, as camera technology continues to advance rapidly. The disparity between the Ultra's cutting-edge camera system and the base model's unchanged hardware creates a significant gap that potential buyers should carefully consider based on their photography needs and long-term usage expectations.

Charging differences

One of the most practical differentiators between the Galaxy S26 and S26 Ultra lies in their charging capabilities, with the Ultra offering a substantial advantage that impacts daily usability. For North American users who have grown accustomed to slower charging speeds on premium smartphones, the Galaxy S26 Ultra's 60W wired charging support represents a welcome evolution in Samsung's flagship lineup.

Testing revealed that the Galaxy S26 Ultra can charge from empty to full in just 42 minutes, a significant improvement that the author found noticeable in daily use. The ability to quickly top up the battery during short breaks—such as a social media scroll break—means the phone can be recharged before the user even realizes it. This fast charging capability becomes particularly valuable for users with demanding schedules who can't afford to be tethered to an outlet for extended periods. The combination of a 5,000mAh battery and rapid charging creates a user experience that addresses one of the most common pain points of modern smartphone usage.

The base Galaxy S26 presents a stark contrast in charging performance, supporting only up to 25W wired charging. In practical terms, a 30-minute charge on the base model only yields approximately 55% battery, leaving users with significantly less power in the same timeframe. Furthermore, the Galaxy S26's smaller 4,300mAh battery means users will need to charge the device more frequently than the Ultra model. These charging limitations, combined with the base model's other downgrades, create a user experience that falls short of what buyers might expect from a flagship device in 2026. The charging disparity becomes even more pronounced when considering the price difference between the models, as the Ultra's superior charging capability provides tangible daily benefits that justify a portion of its premium cost.

Value proposition

When examining the pricing strategy for the Samsung Galaxy S26 series, a paradox emerges that challenges conventional expectations of value in the smartphone market. Despite its $1,300 starting price, the Galaxy S26 Ultra actually represents the best value proposition in the lineup, while the base Galaxy S26 and midsize Galaxy S26 Plus have both seen $100 price increases this year.

The author acknowledges that the $1,300 price point for the Ultra is steep and doesn't suggest that everyone needs to spend that much on a smartphone. However, they make a compelling case that the Ultra is the only model in the 2026 Galaxy S lineup with a feature set that justifies its cost. What makes the Ultra particularly attractive is that it received the most significant upgrades while maintaining its price from the previous generation. This combination of substantial improvements and stable pricing makes it "the best value Ultra phone in years" according to the author.

The value equation becomes even more skewed when considering the base model's specifications. With outdated connectivity standards (missing mmWave 5G and UWB), older camera hardware, and slow charging, the Galaxy S26 struggles to justify its increased price point. The author expresses particular concern about how these downgrades will affect the phone's longevity, stating, "With the Galaxy S26 featuring outdated connectivity standards, older camera hardware, and slow charging, I can't see it aging well." This assessment leads to a clear recommendation: "It's the Galaxy S26 Ultra or bust this year." For consumers who prefer a smaller form factor or lower price point, the author suggests waiting for potentially more substantial changes in next year's Galaxy S27 and S27 Plus models, rather than settling for a compromised experience with the current base model.