Customer reviews from Samsung US
Samsung - Galaxy S26 Ultra 512GB - Cobalt Violet (AT&T)
Average customer rating
4.8
(6,165 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 6,165 reviews
5 Stars
5,423
4 Stars
594
3 Stars
87
2 Stars
23
1 Star
38
68%of customers recommend this product.
(
47 out of
69)
Customer Reviews for Samsung - Galaxy S26 Ultra 512GB - Cobalt Violet (AT&T)
Customer Rating
3
Bring Back Expandable Storage!
on March 24, 2026
Posted by: ET14
from Austin,TX
The Galaxy S26 Ultra continues Samsung’s long-standing tradition of delivering what is arguably the benchmark Android flagship. From the moment you pick it up, it feels like a device that represents the cutting edge—refined design, a stunning display, top-tier performance, and a stunning camera system. In many ways, this is the phone that other Android manufacturers still measure themselves against.
Performance is, as expected, exceptional. Samsung’s display technology is once again a highlight—bright, sharp, and incredibly smooth.
The camera system continues to impress, offering versatility that few competitors can match.
However, as great as the S26 Ultra is, it’s impossible to ignore the features that have been stripped away over time—and that’s where this review takes a more critical turn.
The removal of the Bluetooth functionality from the S Pen is a noticeable downgrade. What was once a uniquely powerful tool for remote control gestures and camera functions has been reduced to a more basic stylus experience. For a device that still markets the S Pen as a defining feature, this feels like a step backward.
The absence of an IR blaster is another missed opportunity. While not everyone used it, it added a layer of utility that made the phone more versatile. Its removal continues the trend of smartphones becoming less capable in niche yet meaningful ways.
Most importantly, the lack of expandable storage remains a major disappointment. For a phone that positions itself as the ultimate productivity and media device, removing microSD support limits flexibility. Power users, content creators, and anyone dealing with large files are now forced to rely on expensive internal storage upgrades or cloud solutions. It’s a decision that prioritizes simplicity and profit over user choice, and it undermines what used to be one of Samsung’s biggest advantages over the competition.
In the end, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is still an outstanding smartphone. It excels in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities, and it remains a leader in the Android space. But it’s also a reminder of how much functionality has been lost along the way.
Samsung has proven it can build the best Android phone on the market. Now it needs to remember what made it the best in the first place—features that gave users freedom and control.
Bring back expandable storage.
Performance is, as expected, exceptional. Samsung’s display technology is once again a highlight—bright, sharp, and incredibly smooth.
The camera system continues to impress, offering versatility that few competitors can match.
However, as great as the S26 Ultra is, it’s impossible to ignore the features that have been stripped away over time—and that’s where this review takes a more critical turn.
The removal of the Bluetooth functionality from the S Pen is a noticeable downgrade. What was once a uniquely powerful tool for remote control gestures and camera functions has been reduced to a more basic stylus experience. For a device that still markets the S Pen as a defining feature, this feels like a step backward.
The absence of an IR blaster is another missed opportunity. While not everyone used it, it added a layer of utility that made the phone more versatile. Its removal continues the trend of smartphones becoming less capable in niche yet meaningful ways.
Most importantly, the lack of expandable storage remains a major disappointment. For a phone that positions itself as the ultimate productivity and media device, removing microSD support limits flexibility. Power users, content creators, and anyone dealing with large files are now forced to rely on expensive internal storage upgrades or cloud solutions. It’s a decision that prioritizes simplicity and profit over user choice, and it undermines what used to be one of Samsung’s biggest advantages over the competition.
In the end, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is still an outstanding smartphone. It excels in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities, and it remains a leader in the Android space. But it’s also a reminder of how much functionality has been lost along the way.
Samsung has proven it can build the best Android phone on the market. Now it needs to remember what made it the best in the first place—features that gave users freedom and control.
Bring back expandable storage.
Features
2
Performance
5
Design
5
Value
3
Response from Samsung USBy R&R Team, March 25, 2026
Hello ET14, thank you for sharing your experience of your Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra with us. We are pleased to hear that you are enjoying the premium feel, display quality, and performance of your new device. We would love to help you discover the new features that can be used to replace some of the ones you mention being removed. We have provided a link to an article to help you with the new S Pen features that have replaced the prior usage. The IR blaster you may have used to control tvs and other devices in your home, you can now use Samsung Smart Things App to control your device. For the storage expansion, cloud-based storage expansion allows for expansion, access to your media on any device in your ecosystem, and enhanced durability for your device. We have provided a link to the complete manual for your device to help you with these features, and the hand gestures and voice commands you can use for remote control of your camera. We have also shared a link to the Samsung Support Team to assist you if you have questions about your device. We appreciate you being a Samsung customer. -Elizabeth
Use the S Pen with Galaxy S26 Ultra
https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS10010344/
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
Use the S Pen with Galaxy S26 Ultra
https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS10010344/
Product Manuals
https://www.samsung.com/us/support/downloads/
Samsung Support
smsng.us/Samsung-Support
Samsung Community
smsng.us/Samsung-Community
smsng.us/Facebook-Messenger
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https://smsng.us/X-Messages
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
5
The outstanding Galaxy AI makes photos fantastic.
on March 28, 2026
Posted by: Vanderlei
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] After several years I've returned to a galaxy phone.
The hardware still excellent, superior than any other, and now with galaxy AI the software makes any task easier.
Features like privacy display enhance the security of using bank and others critical applications.
The camera is superior than any other phone and makes professional photos under all circumstances.
I'm really happy for returning to be part of the galaxy family again.
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
1
Mediocre Device
on April 2, 2026
Posted by: Lundy1980
from Ormond Beach FL
Cameras are the same as the last 4 years. The Display is not as color accurate as previous years due to the new "privacy Display feature" that makes the colors more washed out and Grey, battery life is a little better then previous years not by much, performance is a little better then the last 4 years of phones in the s series lineup, they did make the cooling chamber a bit bigger then last year's which helps with overheating but it can still be a problem at times especially while gaming or doing something intensive, the durability is about the same as 2 years ago except the screen is a little tougher they downgraded the frame of the device to the one used 2 years ago, otherwise its the same exact phone as the last 4 years so "upgrade" at your discretion
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Features
2
Performance
3
Design
2
Value
3
Response from Samsung USBy R&R Team, April 3, 2026
Hi there Lundy1980, thank you for sharing your experience of your Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. We understand how important it is to feel that you've made a good investment in a new device that you enjoy using every day for a range of tasks. We have provided a link to an article to help you with the temperature of your device during your prolonged usage. We have also shared a link to the complete manual to help you adjust the Privacy Display to only enable with specific apps or notifications to help you have the brightness you may be seeking with your normal usage, and make use of the privacy when desired. We have also shared a link to the Samsung Support Team to assist you if you have questions about the differences between the titanium and armor aluminum for peace of mind with the durability of your device while continuing to lighten the design for comfort in your hand. We appreciate you being a Samsung customer. -Elizabeth
Keep your Galaxy device at its normal operating temperature
https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS00076952/
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
Keep your Galaxy device at its normal operating temperature
https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS00076952/
Product Manuals
https://www.samsung.com/us/support/downloads/
Samsung Support
smsng.us/Samsung-Support
Samsung Community
smsng.us/Samsung-Community
smsng.us/Facebook-Messenger
X
https://smsng.us/X-Messages
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
5
This product has great features.
on April 3, 2026
Posted by: Shiaatias
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Love it so much Its better then the s25 ultra. And the privacy screen protector is sick
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
5
Great Phone, Annoying Bixby
on April 4, 2026
Posted by: Codysseus9
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The Galaxy S26 Ultra is honestly a really solid phone. It feels premium, runs fast, and the screen looks amazing. The camera is great, battery life has been good for me, and overall I actually like using it a lot.
My only real complaint is Bixby. It still feels unnecessary and kind of gets in the way sometimes. The phone itself is great, but Bixby sucks.
My only real complaint is Bixby. It still feels unnecessary and kind of gets in the way sometimes. The phone itself is great, but Bixby sucks.
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
1
Don't buy!
on April 4, 2026
Posted by: Jc112
My phone will not charge above 70% and android auto will not work, have contacted support to help they don't have a solution. This phone is very expensive don't waste your money!
Features
1
Performance
1
Design
1
Value
1
Response from Samsung USBy R&R Team, April 6, 2026
Hi there Jc112, thank you for sharing your experience of your Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra with us. We understand how frustrating it is when you have a new device that is not operating as intended or expected. We have provided a link to a troubleshooting guide to help you with the charging of your device. For the experience you mention with Android Auto beginning with One UI 7.0 a setting with the USB connection has been in place that may be restricting or blocking the connection with your car. We recommend adjust the settings for this in your settings app with the following path Settings > Security and privacy > More security settings > Block USB connections while locked (Default: On). We have also provided a link to the Samsung Support Team and your warranty information to assist you further if this experience continues. We appreciate you being a Samsung customer. -Elizabeth
Galaxy phone or tablet is not staying on or charging
https://www.samsung.com/us/support/troubleshooting/TSG01001407/
Samsung Support
smsng.us/Samsung-Support
Samsung Community
smsng.us/Samsung-Community
Facebook
smsng.us/Facebook-Messenger
X
https://smsng.us/X-Messages
Samsung Warranty
smsng.us/Warranty-Info
Galaxy phone or tablet is not staying on or charging
https://www.samsung.com/us/support/troubleshooting/TSG01001407/
Samsung Support
smsng.us/Samsung-Support
Samsung Community
smsng.us/Samsung-Community
smsng.us/Facebook-Messenger
X
https://smsng.us/X-Messages
Samsung Warranty
smsng.us/Warranty-Info
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
5
Streamlined
on April 5, 2026
Posted by: GalaxyGuy
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I upgraded from the s23 ultra to the new s26 Ultra. It seems like everything has been streamlined and functions extremely well with new AI Integrations. This is very much a phone of the future.
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
5
It is tremendous
on April 7, 2026
Posted by: rbryinc
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Great features, AI is great. Looks tremendous. Best Galaxy yet
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US