Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy S26 Ultra alongside the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+. The new Ultra model features a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen equipped with a Privacy Display function, runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, and debuts a revamped quad-camera setup led by a 200 MP sensor.
The device also brings broader Galaxy AI tools aimed at boosting productivity and safeguarding user data, while maintaining the signature Ultra aesthetic with tougher materials, quicker charging and enhanced video capabilities.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Galaxy S25 Ultra
Here are some of the key areas where the gadget offers an upgrade over its predecessor:
Privacy Display Makes Debut
Both devices feature a 6.9-inch AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, but the Galaxy S26 Ultra sets itself apart with the introduction of a new Privacy Display technology.
Designed to limit visibility from side angles, the Privacy Display ensures on-screen content remains legible only to the person directly in front of the device. The feature mirrors the effect of traditional privacy screen protectors, making it particularly useful for viewing sensitive messages or documents in public spaces.
Notably, this built-in privacy functionality is absent from the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Also Read: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Vs Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max — The Fiercest Flagship Faceoff
Chipset
The Galaxy S26 Ultra runs on Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, delivering a noticeable step up from last year's Snapdragon 8 Elite. For everyday tasks such as web browsing, calling, app usage or gaming, both the Galaxy S26 Ultra and the Galaxy S25 Ultra offer smooth, lag-free performance.
The key distinction lies in raw power, with the newer chip providing gains of 14% in single-core workloads and 29% in multi-core performance.
Design
From a design perspective, the changes this year are largely evolutionary rather than radical. Much like its predecessor, the Galaxy S26 Ultra retains a flat display framed by gently curved edges, a combination that keeps the handset comfortable to hold and easy to slip into a pocket.
At first glance, the front of the device looks almost identical to the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The most noticeable update appears on the back, where Samsung has replaced the vertically stacked individual camera lenses with a new elliptical camera housing. Despite dropping the Bluetooth-enabled S Pen seen on last year's model, the company has managed to make the latest Ultra slimmer and marginally lighter.
Camera
Both the Galaxy S26 Ultra and its predecessor are equipped with a quad rear camera setup, led by a 200 MP primary sensor, alongside a 50 MP ultra-wide lens, a 50 MP telephoto camera offering 5x optical zoom, and a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x zoom. A 12 MP front camera handles selfies on both models.
According to Samsung, the Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces wider lens apertures, enabling greater light intake for sharper and more detailed images. The handset also benefits from improved Super Steady stabilisation for smoother 4K video, as well as enhanced Nightography Video designed to deliver better results in low-light conditions.
Also Read: Samsung Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, S26 Ultra Prices In US, UK, India, Europe, Canada, UAE
Battery
The Galaxy S26 Ultra retains the same 5,000 mAh battery capacity seen on last year's model. However, Samsung says charging speeds have been marginally improved, with the handset now able to reach up to 75% charge in around 30 minutes. Wireless charging and reverse charging capabilities remain unchanged.
Price
The Galaxy S26 Ultra enters the market with a starting price of Rs 1,39,999, marking a Rs 10,000 increase over the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which debuted at Rs 1,29,999.
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