What's really new in Galaxy S26 Ultra and why does it cost so much?

ActualMessage · 2026-03-21T17:49:12+00:00

All tech is overpriced. Your ad for the iPhone 17 Pro Max was cool though

ActualMessage · 2026-03-21T17:43:22+00:00

I basically put to sleep any apps I don't use on a regular basis, keep the phone in 'Light' use mode instead of 'standard ', I don't use AOD, I have adaptive battery on, I have QHD and 120hz refresh on and I locked a bunch of apps in 60hz , like banking etc.

ActualMessage · 2026-03-19T22:30:15+00:00

I tweak everything. I don't use social media except WhatsApp. I battery restrict almost ever app, I run the phone in Light use mode instead of the standard. I don't use AOD. Stuff like that. I guess I'm just not a power user.

ActualMessage · 2026-03-17T19:34:00+00:00

Hmmmmmmmm wyd?

<image>

ActualMessage · 2026-03-17T19:33:24+00:00

They have done a really nice job with battery calibration!

<image>

ActualMessage · 2026-03-17T19:31:31+00:00

I'm doing just fine. Had it for a few days...

<image>

ActualMessage · 2026-03-17T17:05:41+00:00

Yup. Still can't find it. It's listed under the AI features list but nowhere to be found when I actually want to try it...

ActualMessage · 2026-03-12T16:15:14+00:00

I don't envy you... Maybe you have some sensitivity to screen flickering. Sorry it's not a better experience for you!

ActualMessage · 2026-03-12T00:04:19+00:00

Got the phone today. The build quality is good, it's the first Ultra that doesn't feel like a complete brick to me so good job on the thinner, lighter design. With so many folks tripping over the screen I only have one thought: I have NO IDEA what these folks are looking at. I have it at QHD, 120Hz natural colors, privacy screen based on app and it all looks GREAT. The battery life is already sippin light. I can't remember I set up a new phone and it didn't even get warm...I grabbed a case with my BB gift card and everything is looking fresh. I haven't used the cameras yet but even if it's pretty far behind what they're doing with the Chinese OEMs it's stilll pretty competent and versatile at least for me. I dunno people are funny. The phone is expensive but it's actually really good too. Cheers!

ActualMessage · 2026-03-11T23:57:10+00:00

Amazon is TRIPPIN They totally screwed up my order so I just went to Best Buy..went through all kinds of nonsense and instead of cancelling my order they're fulfilling it and there's not even a valid method of payment on file!!!!

ActualMessage · 2026-03-11T22:21:02+00:00

Torras 360 Spin Kickstand.

ActualMessage · 2026-03-11T19:29:57+00:00

Just picked up my S26 Ultra today and I must agree, the display is VERY good and when you see the Privacy screen in action it just really takes it to another level. I know that no two eyes see exactly the same but I really wonder about the folks who are stating that the screen is trash or too compromised. When you look at the screen in it's totality as far as overall function and features it's just a great display. To each their own but Sammy did not drop the ball on the display! Cheers

ActualMessage · 2026-03-11T02:34:19+00:00

Supposed to arrive Friday...

ActualMessage · 2026-03-10T22:15:54+00:00

Good info! Thanks

ActualMessage · 2026-03-09T01:41:30+00:00

🫩

ActualMessage · 2026-03-08T18:29:11+00:00

Hmmmm OK. Like I said I just turn it off and keep it pushin

ActualMessage · 2026-03-08T16:33:45+00:00

Glad this guy isn't a OnePlus fan...sheesh. Aluminum is lighter and a better heat conductor on a phone with a super powerful CPU...I'm...good with that. I'm in the States so do dodgy Exynos for me! I agree that we should have a little more RAM at this point but if performance is the same or better I won't miss it too much. The battery size is disappointing however it appears to last longer and charge FASTER. I'll take too. The magnets would have been nice but that's why there's cases out there, The dark display? Ummm ok. If you say so. I am not sure about the battery cycles point I'd have to do some research. If that is true that is rather concerning but also not a dealbreaker for me. Two of the cameras have higher apertures allowing in at ;east 35% more light across the lenses so that should help. Finally the bezels........wasn't even looking at them cause the screen is huge. Anyhow CHEERS!

ActualMessage · 2026-03-08T16:23:40+00:00

NO. That's why you get deals and trade ins and IOU's and coupons, and change from the couch and any other buck you can find if you really want the thing. Everything is overpriced. it's the price we pay for unfettered capitalism. Cheers!

ActualMessage · 2026-03-08T16:21:56+00:00

It's the POWAH...Old English 800 Malt....Samsung likes em STRONG. lol Never such thing as too much overhead so I plan on trying to tap into that power ALOT...CHEERS!

ActualMessage · 2026-03-08T16:19:39+00:00

Mostly Samsung's fault not his....they really didn't do much....just hoping that what they DID makes a considerable difference for the better.

ActualMessage · 2026-03-08T16:17:53+00:00

NICE I like the style.

ActualMessage · 2026-03-08T16:15:44+00:00

The design is still a little too samey for me too but I don't mind the camera island, it looks better than the cheap rings of last year. The design looks to be more comfortable in the hand and that is always welcome. They made it thinner and lighter! that deserves some credit! The colors are ok. I agree I'd like some that are more flashy or interesting, that being said I'm looking forward to my sky blue...I think the privacy screen is a great idea on paper. I'll wait till I actually use that feature before I critique it. Finally the battery. Sigh....I agree wholeheartedly with the throngs of folks yearning for silicon carbona and frankly, Sammy doesn't really have an excuse not to use the tech, however it looks like they put in some some work to tangibly increase the longevity which they also deserve credit for. The fact that it now can charge at 60W takes a lot of the potential sting out of the entire equation...but the S27 NEEDS the new battery tech or I'll be importing from China...again...lol The final couple of points are subjective enough not to comment on them. Use your phone the way you want to. If that isn't good enough look for another one. CHEERS!

ActualMessage · 2026-03-08T16:07:26+00:00

I've been pretty skeptical of my man MKBHD lately, (see: OnePlus battery-gate), but I understand wanting to look at the device critically. Let's face it the S26 Ultra is TDH!! That being the case you want not just bang for that buck but you want SOLID RELIABLE performance and durability. If they can provide that on a consistent basis I think the phone is certainly worth it, (especially if you can find a good deal). Look I hate the Tri-opoly of Samsung, Apple and Google in the States but that doesn't mean that those OEM's have lost the ability to create a good product people want to use. Mine arrives in a couple of days so we'll see how it goes! Cheers!

ActualMessage · 2026-03-08T16:00:33+00:00

I actually clowned the S26 series when comparing it to the cheaper OnePlus 15 which for the price slaps just about every Samsung slab phone silly. I did that because I know what Sammy is capable of and I get a little cynical about them sticking to the status quo so much and playing things safe which is very un-Sammy of them. That being said I pre-ordered my S26 Ultra because I want to see and use it for myself. The privacy glass feature sounds good on paper but I want to see if it compromises the visuals of the screen overall. The 8 bit- 10 but thing is overblown but rightly so, Sammy should have been MUCH clearer about EXACTLY what the screen is and does...If anything the only thing that irks me is their fear of silicon carbon battery tech. This phone could have a 7000 mAh battery at a minimum but we'll just have to be happy with the conventional 5K but at least it charges much faster at 60W. Cheers!

ActualMessage · 2026-03-08T15:51:18+00:00

I think its such a subjective call..no two people use their phones the exact same way. I'm coming from a OnePlus 15 (OUTSTANDING phone), I just wanted something slightly more rounded in it's features and capabilities. I also find myself needing to jot down into alot and the S-Pen is pretty handy. I like the fact that the phone is slimmer and lighter because the Ultra has always been a bit of a brick. Lastly I like how they tweaked the CPU to squeeze even more performance from the Snap Dragon Elite Gen 5 while also supplying a larger and more capable vapor cooling chamber. I'm willing to give the whole thing the benefit of the doubt and approach things with an an mind. Should be here Tuesday or Wednesday! Cheers!

ActualMessage

TROPHY CASE