The Galaxy S26 Ultra’s display looks different even with Privacy Display turned off [Gallery]
Source: 9to5Google
Overview
The flagship feature of Samsung’s new Galaxy S26 Ultra is the Privacy Display, and so far it’s been a great addition to the device. Closer inspection, however, shows that the display behaves a bit differently compared to a traditional panel.
Samsung touts the Privacy Display on the Galaxy S26 Ultra as a major new feature, and in our first impressions we agree. While the feature can struggle in some situations and impacts the display experience when active, it is very useful and a pretty big game‑changer for display tech.
Hardware Comparison
The team at GSMArena recently published a breakdown of the Privacy Display, including a side‑by‑side comparison of the Galaxy S26 Ultra with its Privacy Display on and off, alongside a Galaxy S25 Ultra that lacked the feature entirely.
When the Privacy Display is active, a view of the screen under a digital microscope clearly shows a massive difference: effectively half of the pixels shut down. Even with the Privacy Display turned off, the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s pixel layout differs from the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s – the new display isn’t as dense as the previous generation’s.
Galaxy S26 Ultra with Privacy Display active
Galaxy S26 Ultra with Privacy Display off
Galaxy S25 Ultra
Testing Results
GSMArena’s testing found that color reproduction, brightness, and viewing angles are all virtually identical to the previous generation’s screen. In our own anecdotal use, there are very minor impacts to viewing angles, and many early users have reported quality impacts. Some, including Creative Strategies analyst (and occasional 9to5Google contributor) Max Weinbach, have noticed increased eye strain – see his comment here.
Pre‑order Information
The Galaxy S26 series is available for pre‑order now, with Samsung’s usual pre‑order perks in full swing. Boosted trade‑in values and other incentives are available through March 11, when the phones hit store shelves.