[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I've owned most of the S-Pen equipped phones, including the past four Ultra models. All were great phones, often offering compelling new features and improvements. The S26 Ultra is no different, IMO, though in this model I feel like the most compelling feature is sysrem-wide refinement. It's subtle, but that's a good thing from my perspective. Everything is familiar, just smoother, more cohesive.
There are standout features as well. The privacy screen has been mentioned quite a lot since release, and for good reason. For some it might seem like a neat feature with limited application. For my part it's a much welcomed utility. I manage my finances from my phone more that any other device, and quite often on the go. This feature works as intended, and has all but eliminated any concerns over prying eyes.
The Galaxy AI integration has also been of great utility for me. The big standout has been image manipulation. I use the camera for hobby use, documentation, and occasionally just for laughs. There are quite a few very useful AI features throughout, but image manipulation is where I get the most utility (I have a Galaxy AI lifetime license).
Low light photography has greatly improved, and where as it used to see little use, I am now able to rputinely capture useful images in low lighting. This is a much welcomed improvement.
There's much more to the S26 Ultra, and not near enough character count to do it justice. I cannot recommend this phone enough.
Thanks for reading!
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
3
Missing feature
on April 26, 2026
Posted by: Rakel
The only thing I've been disappointed is that in 2 different Tmobile stores confirmed to me that the pen works with the camara, which that was the only reason for me to get S26 ultra. To avoid more aggravation i haven't returned.
Response from Samsung USBy R&R Team, April 27, 2026
Hi there Rakel, we appreciate you sharing your experience of your Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra with us. We know how frustrating it can be when features you have relied upon are not meeting your expectations. We have provided a link to the complete manual to help you with the hand gestures and the voice commands you can use for remote control of your camera shutter. We have also shared a link to the Samsung Support Team to assist you any time you haev questions about your device. Thank you for 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
Smooth as butter, Perfect time to upgrade
on May 9, 2026
Posted by: Ttime24
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Phone is fast, plenty of storage with the 1tb version. Pictures are still superb! (Coming from the S22 ultra) Galaxy AI is very helpful. Every one already has your data so might as well embrace it and make your life a lot easier and convenient! You can turn it off if you must or find the combination that works for you. The privacy screen is probably the coolest thing ever. Can check my financials or scroll thru my feed without worrying what might pop up and who will see it!
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
5
Awesome product!
on March 11, 2026
Posted by: Martini
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I recently upgraded to the Galaxy s26 Ultra from the Galaxy Note 20 5g, I'm in love with this new phone. I just love the Galaxy AI! The Galaxy AI possibilities are just endless! I use the Galaxy S26 Ultra for almost everything. I couldn't be any more happier.
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
5
Solid Phone
on March 11, 2026
Posted by: MrSamsung
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The S26 Ultra is a great upgrade from my S24 Ultra. It's a shame I can't use my S-pen for taking photos and Samsung went back to aluminum frame. But, the S26 Ultra is more efficient with the 5k battery, faster processor, and privacy screen.
I've had the S26 ultra since March 9th, and after everything I said above, I'm glad to have upgraded. Each day, I'm liking the phone more.
The Galaxy AI is solid. Each day it's improving and I'm impressed by it.
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
4
Overall great phone
on March 12, 2026
Posted by: twoswole77
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] My only gripe and the reason for not giving it 5 stars is because the S pen no longer has Bluetooth capabilities. I loved that feature on my S24 ultra because I could use the Spen to take photos from long distances. Samsung you really dropped the balll on that one! :(
Value
4
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
4
S26 Ultra
on March 12, 2026
Posted by: GoCanes
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The S26 Ultra has a great camera. The Galaxy AI is great, especially in the photo editing with object or person removal. I also like the feature that allows me to circle something on the screen and Gakaxy AI runs a search about it. Dislike: Pen no longer has camera control. While I can say Cheese or smile and it will start a short countdown for the pic, this is much less convenient than being able to just click the pen.
Value
4
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
2
Opaque Display
on March 12, 2026
Posted by: Smitty
I'm very disappointed in the display and pictures being washed out compared to the S23.
Response from Samsung USBy R&R Team, March 12, 2026
Hello Smitty, thank you for sharing your experience of your Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra with us. We completely understand how disappointing it must be to have a brand new device that is not meeting your expectations. We have provided links to the complete manual and the Samsung Support Team to help you adjust any display settings to better align to your preferences, and help you troubleshoot this experience if you believe your device is not operating as intended. 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-Messagese