The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a smartphone that feels like a bold step forward, a throwback to a time when smartphone brands would take significant leaps in innovation. It boasts a range of impressive features, including the Privacy Display, Now Nudge functionality, enhanced photography and videography capabilities, and AI integration that is genuinely useful and fun. The device also includes Call Screening, a feature that can answer unknown calls and provide information about the caller, making it a handy tool for those who receive unsolicited phone calls.
One of the standout features of the S26 Ultra is its Privacy Display, which limits the viewing angles of the 6.9-inch screen, making it harder for anyone nearby to catch a glance at your phone. This feature can be easily toggled on and off, and it can be preset to activate under certain conditions, such as when entering a banking app or hiding notifications. The Privacy Display slightly reduces the brightness of the screen, but it provides peace of mind when using the device in public.
The Now Nudge functionality is another impressive feature that suggests actions based on what's on your screen and your content across apps and services. It can be quite handy when it works, making it easier to navigate your phone and perform tasks, such as sharing photos. The AI image enhancement capabilities of the S26 Ultra have also been significantly improved, allowing for more precise and efficient editing of photos and videos.
The S26 Ultra's photography and videography offering is a significant improvement over previous generations, with the low-light photography seeing particular improvement thanks to the 200-megapixel main camera's aperture. The video setup's new 'horizontal lock' functionality is also a game-changer, allowing for professional-looking videos to be captured right from the phone. The battery life of the device is also excellent, frequently reaching the end of the day with 50% still in the tank.
In terms of design and build quality, the S26 Ultra shares much of its design with the previous year's model, with a slight weight and thickness reduction. However, the placement of the camera lenses on a protruding platform can cause issues when placing the phone on a flat surface. Overall, the S26 Ultra is a strong choice for those who want a smartphone with a range of impressive features and a premium build quality.
