Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra offers a subtle set of hardware improvements
ThinkingNews Desk · how this was written
Samsung’s new Galaxy S26 series comprises three models—the S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra—all built on familiar designs and powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processors, with updated software features. The Ultra adds a “Privacy Display” that narrows viewing angles to keep screen content hidden, while the S26 and S26+ mainly receive software upgrades and carry higher price tags than their predecessors.
Written from all 6 reports below, not from any single one.
How it was reported
- Engadget·Samsung's S26 and S26+ offer familiar designs, Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chips and new software features
Samsung's S26 and S26+ feature familiar designs and Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chips. They also offer new software features. The devices likely boast enhanced performance and capabilities.
- Engadget·Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra offers a subtle set of hardware improvements
Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra features subtle hardware upgrades. The device likely offers improved performance and capabilities. It builds upon previous models with refined specifications.
- Wired·Samsung Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra: Specs, Features, Price, Release Date
Samsung's Galaxy S26 series features AI enhancements. The flagship S26 Ultra has a Privacy Display to block the screen from others. The series includes the S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra.
- Engadget·Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra hands-on: Meaningful tweaks plus a slick new Privacy Display
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra features meaningful tweaks and a new Privacy Display. This display is expected to enhance user privacy. The device likely offers improved performance and features.
- The Verge·I’m super impressed with the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s new Privacy Display
The Galaxy S26 Ultra features a new Privacy Display, limiting screen viewing angles. This technology uses two sets of pixels to keep content private. It can be turned on or off for added convenience.
- The Verge·The Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus are more of the same for more money
The Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus offer mostly software updates. They feature new tools like Audio Eraser for improved voice clarity. The base models cost more than their predecessors.
- Engadget·Samsung Galaxy S26 hands-on: A lot more of the same for a little more money
The Samsung Galaxy S26 offers minimal upgrades. It has a similar design and features to its predecessor. The new device comes with a higher price tag.
- Engadget·Samsung Galaxy S26 vs. S26+ vs. S26 Ultra: Comparing the three new phones
The Samsung Galaxy S26 series includes three new phones. The S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra are compared. Key differences are likely discussed.
- Engadget·Samsung Galaxy S26 vs. Galaxy S25: What’s changed and which one should you buy?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 and S25 are compared, highlighting changes between the two models. Key differences likely include updated processors, improved cameras, and enhanced features. The article probably guides buyers in choosing the best option.
- TechMeme·Samsung unveils the $1,299+ Galaxy S26 Ultra with a Privacy Display feature that limits the screen legibility, an all-new agentic AI, improved night mode, more (Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET)
Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra features a Privacy Display and agentic AI. The phone also has an improved night mode. It starts at $1,299.
- TechMeme·Samsung announces the Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus, featuring a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset, starting at $899 and $1099, respectively, a $100 hike (Patrick Holland/CNET)
Samsung announced the Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus, featuring a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. The phones start at $899 and $1099, a $100 hike. They were unveiled at the Galaxy Unpacked event in San Francisco.
- TechMeme·Hands-on with Galaxy S26 Ultra's Privacy Display: very impressive with a dual-pixel system that allows users to toggle viewing angles to prevent side-peeking (Allison Johnson/The Verge)
The Galaxy S26 Ultra features a Privacy Display with a dual-pixel system. This system allows users to toggle viewing angles, preventing side-peeking. The display is very impressive.
- The Verge·Here’s how the new Samsung Galaxy S26 compares with last year’s S25
Samsung's Galaxy S26 lineup includes the baseline S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra, with prices starting at $899.99, $1,099.99, and $1,299.99. The S26 Ultra features a bigger battery, better cameras, and S Pen support.
- Ars Technica·The Galaxy S26 is faster, more expensive, and even more chock-full of AI
The Galaxy S26 series features upgraded internals and AI investments. The phones have minor cosmetic tweaks and increased prices, with the Ultra remaining at $1,300. The S26 series includes the first "Agentic AI phones".
- The Verge·How the new Galaxy S26 phones stack up against each other on paper
Samsung's Galaxy S26 phones feature Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, delivering improved performance and new AI-based features. The phones include tools for editing photos and screening unknown calls. Prices start at $899.99 for the S26.
- TechCrunch·Everything announced at Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event, including S26 smartphones, Privacy Screen and more
Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event unveiled the S26 smartphones and a new privacy screen feature on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The privacy screen is a notable feature. It was a key announcement at the event.
- TechCrunch·Everything Samsung revealed at its Galaxy Unpacked event
Samsung revealed a new privacy screen feature on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. This feature was a notable highlight of the event. It enhances user privacy.
- The Verge·Samsung exec confirms you can blame RAM — and other materials — for the Galaxy S26’s higher pricetag
Samsung's Won-Joon Choi confirms RAM and material costs contributed to the Galaxy S26's higher price. The memory shortage made a significant contribution. The S26 costs $100 more than its predecessor, with double the storage at 256GB.
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- Samsung’s next Unpacked is confirmed for later this month4 outlets
- Samsung quietly raises US prices for most of its Galaxy S26 lineup by $100 and the 1TB Galaxy S26 Ultra by $200; the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 are unchanged (Adrian Diaconescu/PhoneArena)4 outlets