[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Obviously the privacy display is the big new feature. It's very impressive to see it in person while knowing its done on a hardware level. Setting it to notifications and specific apps is the way to go since it does decrease overall brightness a little bit.
Coming from a S24 ultra this phone has all the familiar premium feelings of previous iterations. Galaxy AI on the s24 was very limited in terms of on device processing. The s26 can do much, much more on device and its significantly faster. Battery life is better and the 60w charging means I can top up whenever I need to and get enough charge to get through the day.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The Galaxy S26 Ultra is an impressive step up. After trading in my S24 Ultra, I’ve found the daily functionality and performance noticeably smoother. As a pilot and simulator instructor, I rely heavily on the Microsoft suite; having Teams, PowerPoint, Excel, and SharePoint integrated with the S Pen makes managing my workflow seamless. Additionally, the Galaxy AI has been a game-changer. Its ability to identify objects in photos and retrieve precise answers to complex questions is truly unparalleled.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I like the overall power of the device and its Galaxy AI features, as a always do as a frequent enjoyer of Samsung ultra phones. However, I notice this year with the swap to the new display type the smaller elements seem slightly more fuzzy. I do feel like the internet is exaggerating how bad it is, as the screen still looks fine, but just a note.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The phone itself is generally the same as the last few. It have AI though is different. Not having to go online to a website to do certain things utilizing AI is also nice. I originally didn't think I would care for the phone because its smaller than the last few I have had, started with the Note and absolutely loved it. Was super sad when they stopped making them. But it's honestly not to bad. It fits in more places now comfortably and that is a huge plus. I have only had it for a few weeks so im still learning all the new bells and whistles but for the most part I am pleased.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has officially turned my phone from a tool I manage into a partner that understands my life. The shift to a thinner, 214g frame with rounded edges means it no longer digs into my palm, but the real impact is how Galaxy AI feels woven into my day. Features like "Now Nudge" act like a digital assistant, suggesting my coffee order or traffic alerts before I even ask. For my commute, the "Flex Magic Pixel" privacy display is a lifesaver, letting me handle sensitive emails on a crowded train without worrying about prying eyes. As a heavy user, the upgrade to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is most noticeable during downtime. Streaming 8K video is seamless, and gaming feels like a console experience—the 24% GPU boost and redesigned vapor chamber keep everything fluid and cool even during high-intensity sessions. With 60W charging and a battery that consistently ends the day at 40%, my "battery anxiety" is officially cured. The S26 Ultra doesn't just offer better specs; it offers a more frictionless way to live.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Super clean and smooth operation. Really useful Galaxy AI features that are more than expected. Reluctant to buy in to Galaxy AI marketing as it usually feels gimmicky, but have really enjoyed the functional nature of these features. Really solid phone and worthy upgrade from my S24 Ultra.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I love the AI feature, I am learning so many new things. It is helping me tremendously in my job as I am not the best with my words. I know what I want to say, but not the best at putting them together on paper or in an email, but with the this new S26 ultra it has been a game changer and a life saver. It's been the best upgrade I have ever made.