[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I've only had a few smartphones ever (4 or 5?), but they've all been Samsung. The previous two phones I've had were an S21 Ultra (2021/5 years of use) and an S7 Edge (maybe a "+"; 2016/5 years of use). Due to the extreme lengths I use each phone, my review and impression of any new phone is not quite as consequential as others as there's clearly improvements in every aspect of each phone. That being said, it shows the lasting power of the S series.
I will say, it's not noticeably thinner (opposed to thicker) than an S21 Ultra, nor is it taller (up & down), but it is slightly wider (l to r). The weight feels the same. When I hold the phone one-handed for awhile (streaming shows/YT), it feels slightly heavier. More or less all the same as before.
My biggest complaint with the S21 Ultra was the camera. It looks like a good photo, until you zoom in on a photo. I haven't taken a lot of photos/videos with the S26 Ultra yet, but the initial photos I've taken seem better. The Galaxy AI tool for pictures is neat. The instant moving of an object and the background erasing in the photo editor is new to me and impressive. Some or (all?) of the functions may have been included in previous models, but I'm guessing I'll enjoy this phone more than the previous two.
I do plan to change this phone quicker than I traditionally have - despite the costs.
Word of caution, make sure your Samsung account is working (mine was not) before you make a purchase, if you care about accruing points.
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
5
Galaxy AI
on March 11, 2026
Posted by: Mixedchick
from Pittsboro, NC
So far it's been a great phone. I'm really loving the galaxy AI feature and the privacy screen
Features
5
Performance
5
Design
5
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
4
RETURNED my S-26 Ultra 1 TB, Keeping my old S22
on March 11, 2026
Posted by: S22Ultra1TB
from Los Angeles, CA
I own a Samsung Galaxy S-22 Ultra 1TB and have been very pleased with the 10X Telescope camera and picture quality. Most importantly, I love the S-PEN Bluetooth feature, which allows remote photo taking and using the S-PEN for presentations. I don't understand why this feature was removed initially. Now, I need to return my S-26 Ultra 1TB and wait another 1-2 versions, hoping that AI capabilities will be improved.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Features
4
Performance
5
Design
3
Value
3
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
3
Maybe I should of waited.
on March 11, 2026
Posted by: GYTR1000
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I'll try to keep this short and sweet. I like the Cobalt purple color choice for the free storage upgrade. Cameras were always good , yada, yada. But, i chose my original Note for the pen and now my Ultra. I use my pen regularly for work as a self employed home contractor and the S-pen is to small, especially if using a case. A real pain to get out and use My Ultra looks too much like the others in the Galaxy family. I wish my Ultra was more unique in comparison. I am looking forward to playing with the new Galaxy AI stuff.
Value
3
Response from Samsung USBy R&R Team, March 12, 2026
Hello GYRT1000, we appreciate you sharing your experience of your Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra with us. We are happy to hear that you are pleased with the color of your new device, the camera quality if meeting your expectations, and that you are excited about the features of Galaxy AI. We have provided a link to the complete manual to help you explore the features of Galaxy AI and integrate them in to your usage. We have also shared a link to the Samsung Support Team if you have questions about accessories that may better allow access and ease of use with your S Pen or any other questions about your new device. We appreciate you being a Samsung customer. -Elizabeth Product Manuals https://www.samsung.com/us/support/downloads/ Samsung Support smsng.us/Samsung-Support Samsung Community smsng.us/Samsung-Community Facebook smsng.us/Facebook-Messenger X https://smsng.us/X-Messages
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
5
A refined galaxy experience
on March 11, 2026
Posted by: TheCheese
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I've really been enjoying the recent upgrade to the s26 ultra from my s24 ultra.
It is noticeably quicker and the battery life has also been impressive considering it's the same size.
I am an amateur photographer and heavily use my phone for pictures that I take a little seriously. Out of the box the Galaxy s26 ultra been great to me. All the shots I take feel more refined and detailed. I've uploaded a photo of a super dark and foggy morning and it still captured a ton of great details without even using night sight.
I am also happy with the shape and hold-ability. The s24 was so slippery they must have done it on purpose just to make you want an upgrade more. The camera bump in the back also acts as something to grab on if the phone is sliding.
The galaxy ai has reached an impressive level - photo modifications are easy and natural looking, the noise eraser works great and the ability to add slow-mo to basically anything is a really fun and useful feature.
This feels like the most polished and refined galaxy yet. Worth the upgrade.
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
5
New and improved
on March 11, 2026
Posted by: Noxih2O
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Coming from a 23 ultra I can see the improvements. The new AI features are really cool and improve day to day life.
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
5
I'm well pleased with the S26 ultra.
on March 11, 2026
Posted by: TechUser
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I really like the new features you've added.As far as the galaxy a I and I love the privacy feature.And the overall looking feel of the phone.
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
5
This is an amazing phone
on March 11, 2026
Posted by: Miguelito
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I use my Galaxy S26 Ultra for social, streaming fútbol games. AI is very helpful.