Written by Fanny
Edited on
25 February 2026
·
08:30
Expert review Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
In February 2026, Samsung presented the Galaxy S26. This is the largest and most extensive model from the S26 Ultra series. The smartphone has a 6.9-inch screen, S Pen stylus, strong cameras, and a privacy, so the people next to your can't see your screen as easily. You can also charge the battery wired with 60W, so it's almost full in a short time. I tested the Samsung S26 Ultra and you can read my first impression of this device in this review.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- With Galaxy AI, you can perform tasks with 1 question without opening an app and edit your photos by writing a prompt.
- On the large 6.9-inch Quad HD screen, you can comfortably watch movies and series in high quality.
- Thanks to the included S pen stylus, you can edit photos and videos extra precisely.
- With the telephoto lens, you can zoom in up to 5 times without your photos becoming less sharp.
- A charger isn't included with this device, so you'll have to buy one separately.
- Due to the large size, this smartphone doesn't fit in your pocket very well.
€ 1.449,-
Pre-order
Expected on: 06-03-2026
First impression
When I take the Samsung S26 Ultra out of the box, it feels large and luxurious. The rounded edges and matte finish give the device a luxurious look. It's a bit hard to hold in 1 hand, but it feels more familiar with 2 hands. The S Pen stylus sits neatly in the housing. The box just contains a cable, you have to buy the charger adapter separately.
Privacy screen
A striking part of the S26 Ultra is the built-in privacy screen. When I turn this function on, I can see the screen well when I'm right in front of it but it's less clear from the sides. On the train or bus, people can't see your screen as easily. If I don't need the extra privacy, I can easily turn this function off in the settings.
Camera: extra zoom and detail
There are 4 cameras on the back of the Samsung S26 Ultra, of which 2 are telephoto lenses. During the day, I can take photos with many details and vibrant colors. In low light, I can still see clear details thanks to the larger sensor. With the telephoto lenses, I can zoom in 3 to 5 times optically without quality loss. Even zoomed-in photos and 8K videos remain sharp, which is mostly useful for concerts or city photos.
Screen and size
The 6.9-inch Quad HD screen of the S26 Ultra provides a lot of viewing space. Movies, series, and games look sharp and colorful. The text is clearly readable and I can see many details in the images. Due to the large size, the device is harder to control with 1 hand and doesn't fit in every pocket. For those who watch content and multitask a lot, this screen can be an advantage.
Conclusion: Samsung Galaxy S26 review
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is mostly interesting if you get the most out of your smartphone. You get a large and sharp screen, strong cameras with extra zoom, a large battery, and an S Pen stylus. The privacy screen is useful if you often work on the go. If you're looking for a compact device, the regular S26 suits you better. If you'd rather have an all-in-one, the S26 Ultra is the best choice.
Article by Fanny
Smartphone Expert.
