Samsung confirms the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s screen is worse than it initially claimed

Source: Android Authority

• Samsung has now confirmed that the Galaxy S26 Ultra uses an 8‑bit display.
• This comes despite early pre‑launch briefings claiming the use of a 10‑bit panel, which would enable greater color reproduction.

Prior to the launch, Samsung announced in pre‑launch briefings that the flagship Galaxy S26 Ultra would feature a screen supporting 10‑bit color depth—a marked upgrade from the display used by the Galaxy S25 Ultra. That information proved to be inaccurate.

Do you care if the Galaxy S26 Ultra has a 10‑bit screen?

In an email to Android Authority, Samsung confirmed that the Galaxy S26 Ultra launches with an 8‑bit display. This means the new flagship offers no marked improvement in color depth over its predecessor.

Galaxy S26 series uses 8‑bit display panel. It features the new customized Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset which offers up to 4× the image‑processing power for improved viewing.

Unfortunately for Samsung, an improved chipset doesn’t magically turn an 8‑bit display into a 10‑bit‑capable panel.

8‑bit vs 10‑bit displays

Adamya Sharma / Android Authority

There’s a marked difference between 8‑bit and 10‑bit color depth levels — close to a billion additional displayable colors in the latter’s favor. While you likely won’t notice every individual color, the difference affects how shades transition. Fewer available colors can lead to more noticeable crossover points (banding) where one shade transitions into another. The theoretical differences and visual experiences between the two display specs can be vast.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra’s lack of a 10‑bit panel is disappointing, especially given that 10‑bit color depth isn’t a smartphone novelty. Many manufacturers have included 10‑bit panels in far cheaper devices, so there’s little excuse for a flagship that commands a $1,299 price tag.

The device’s display is also under scrutiny because of the launch of its much‑hyped Privacy Display feature. This technology uses a unique pixel arrangement to obfuscate information when viewed from certain angles. Some users have reported that the feature may impact the S26 Ultra’s display fidelity in all scenarios, whether it’s active or not.

Notably, if you want a 10‑bit panel on a Samsung phone, you may have to wait several years. A new rumor suggests Samsung could skip the spec on the Galaxy S27 series as well, reserving it for the 2028 S28 lineup.

Whether you care about display color depth or not, Samsung’s practice of claiming a spec and then reneging after launch sets a worrying precedent. Mistakes happen, but this is a particularly glaring one.