Samsung has officially launched the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, and it clearly targets the ultra-premium flagship segment. As expected, this year Samsung has focused heavily on display quality, camera performance, and raw power upgrades.
But the real question is — is it worth buying? Or are there some reasons why you should consider skipping it?
Let’s break down 5 reasons to buy and 5 reasons to skip the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.
5 Reasons to Buy Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
1️⃣ Stunning 6.9-inch 2K LTPO AMOLED Display
The S26 Ultra features a massive 6.9-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 2600 nits peak brightness.
Outdoor visibility is excellent, and the anti-reflective coating helps reduce glare in bright sunlight. Whether you stream content, play games, or edit photos, the display experience is top-tier.
2️⃣ 200MP Quad Camera – Pro-Level Imaging
Samsung equips the phone with a 200MP primary camera (f/1.4 aperture) that delivers highly detailed shots, even in low light.
The full camera setup includes:
- 10MP 3x telephoto
- 50MP 5x periscope zoom
- 50MP ultra-wide
It supports 8K video recording, 10-bit HDR, and Super Steady video. If photography or videography matters to you, this setup delivers true flagship performance.
3️⃣ Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 – Flagship Performance
Powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3nm), the S26 Ultra offers exceptional performance for gaming, multitasking, and AI tasks.
With 12GB/16GB RAM options and UFS 4.X storage, you get fast app loading speeds and seamless performance.
4️⃣ 7 Years of Android Updates
The phone runs Android 16 with One UI 8.5 and promises up to 7 major Android upgrades.
This makes it a strong long-term investment if you plan to use your phone for four to five years.
5️⃣ Premium Build + S Pen + DeX Support
- Gorilla Armor 2 protection
- IP68 water and dust resistance
- Built-in S Pen
- Samsung DeX and Wireless DeX support
This is not just a smartphone — it can function as a mini productivity device, especially useful for professionals and students.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs S25 Ultra: What’s New, What’s Better, and Should You Upgrade?
❌ 5 Reasons to Skip Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
1️⃣ Premium Pricing
The starting price is around $1299, placing it firmly in the ultra-premium category. It may not fit everyone’s budget.
2️⃣ Battery Capacity Stays at 5000mAh
While 5000mAh is still solid, some competitors now offer 5500mAh to 6000mAh batteries in this segment.
3️⃣ 60W Charging Isn’t the Fastest
60W wired charging is good, but several rival brands offer 100W+ charging that can fully charge a device much faster.
4️⃣ No 3.5mm Jack & No Expandable Storage
There’s no headphone jack and no microSD card slot. While common in flagships, some users may still miss these features.
5️⃣ Slightly Heavy at 214g
Due to the large display and premium materials, the device weighs 214g, which might feel slightly heavy during extended use.
ALSO READ — iPhone 18 Pro Set to Dominate Fall 2026 With Massive Camera Upgrade
Should You Buy It?
You should consider buying the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra if you want:
- One of the best smartphone displays available
- A powerful and versatile camera system
- Long-term software support
- Premium design with S Pen functionality
You may want to skip it if:
- You prefer faster charging speeds
- You want a larger battery
- You’re looking for a more affordable flagship option
Best Recent Flagship Alternatives
1️⃣ iPhone 17 Pro Max
- Powerful A-series chipset
- Industry-leading video recording
- Strong ecosystem integration
A great option for users invested in Apple’s ecosystem.
2️⃣ Xiaomi 17 Ultra
- Advanced Leica-tuned cameras
- Large main sensor
- Very fast charging support
A strong alternative for photography enthusiasts.
3️⃣ VIVO X300 PRO
- ZEISS-tuned camera setup
- Compact flagship with excellent photo output
- Large battery with fast charging
Ideal if you want a compact yet powerful flagship with strong cameras at a slightly lower price tier.
ASLO READ — Apple to Unveil 5+ New Products Next Week: iPhone 17e, New MacBook, M5 Macs Tipped
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a complete premium flagship package. It delivers an exceptional display, powerful hardware, a versatile camera system, and long-term software support.
However, its high price and comparatively slower charging speed may not appeal to everyone.
If budget isn’t a concern and you want one of the best Android flagships of 2026, this device absolutely deserves your attention.
