Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra offers a subtle set of hardware improvements

Source: Engadget

Overview

Samsung has announced the latest version of its flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Like its predecessor, the high‑end phone brings a mix of hardware upgrades and new AI‑powered software features.

Design

• Display: 6.9‑inch QHD+ AMOLED with 120 Hz refresh rate and support for the S Pen stylus.
• Form factor: Flat sides, a pronounced camera bump, and a slightly thinner profile (0.31 inches vs. 0.32 inches on the S25 Ultra).
• Materials: Aluminum frame (replacing the titanium frame of the previous generation).
• S Pen: Curved top to better match the phone’s curves.
• New feature: Privacy Display – limits screen visibility when viewed from an angle.

Hardware

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy (a customized version of last year’s flagship chip).
• Memory: 12 GB or 16 GB RAM.
• Storage options: 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB.
• Battery: 5,000 mAh with wired and wireless fast charging, plus Wireless PowerShare for accessories.

Camera

The rear camera array remains four lenses, with the same megapixel counts as the S25 Ultra, but with updated apertures:

The wider apertures on the main wide and periscope lenses should improve low‑light performance.

Software

• AI assistant: Samsung is integrating Perplexity as a system‑level AI assistant, accessible via a button press or “Hey Plex.” It enhances Bixby and works within Samsung apps.
• Google Gemini: Still available, with new capabilities such as booking rideshares or filling grocery carts in the background.
• Camera software: Updated algorithms boost photo and video quality, complementing the hardware tweaks.

Pricing & Availability

• Starting price: US $1,300.
• Colors: Cobalt Violet (purple‑ish), Sky Blue (light blue), Black, White, Silver Shadow, and Pink Gold (online‑store exclusive).
• Pre‑order: Available now.
• General availability: March 11.