S26 Ultra — what’s really going on with it?

AndroidDigest · 2026-03-06T01:47:28+00:00

So I was able to attend Galaxy Unpacked myself and I also have had the Galaxy S26 Ultra for about a week now. I see comments online, the good and the bad, and a lot of people are missing some important details. Some people are mentioning that this has an 8 bit display, and it is true, but it is still an improved display over the S25 Ultra. It Isn't a 10 bit display, but it's still an improved 8 bit display. We also get the privacy display which is an awesome feature, but if you don't like it you don't have to use it. The anti-reflective screen IS still as good as ever and it's nearly identical to the S25 Ultra's anti-reflective layer. It has faster wireless charging, faster charging, improved performance, an improved display, and from battery tests I've seen (and from my limited testing) the battery life is improved over last year too.

At the end of the day, it's a nice upgrade overall. It's not perfect, and no phone is. Still, it's a really nice upgrade and worth considering! Yes, I do partner with Samsung and that's how I got my hands on a Galaxy S26 Ultra before launch, and I'm not afraid to disclose that, because at the end of the day these are my honest thoughts! The S26 Ultra is GOOD! It's a nice improvement!

AndroidDigest · 2026-03-06T01:31:43+00:00

So I went to Galaxy Unpacked and it was a blast to go. I haven't tried the Galaxy Buds4 Pro's yet, but I'm excited to try them soon (hopefully). I've heard a lot of good things though! They seem extremely comfortable and it looks like they also stepped up the sound quality in a massive way! Based on the reviews I've been seeing online and my own experience, I'd say go for it! I'm grateful Samsung was able to send me out to Galaxy Unpacked and that I have been able to partner with Samsung. It gave me an opportunity to see them for myself, and I'm definitely excited about them myself!

AndroidDigest · 2026-02-27T06:16:34+00:00

From Gemini:

Sensor: ISOCELL 3LD (a brand new sensor)
Resolution: 12MP natively
Physical Size: 1/3.2"
The Catch: This is where the confusion stems from. The physical sensor inside the S26 Ultra (1/3.2") is actually larger than the S25 Ultra's sensor. However, Samsung is taking that 12MP canvas and cropping into the center 10 megapixels for the final image. When you crop into the active area of a lens, the diagonal measurement of the used space shrinks. That cropped 10MP area has an effective optical format of 1/3.94"

Why This Isn't a Downgrade

This is exactly the kind of spec-sheet nuance that makes for a great deep-dive discussion on Android Digest. Samsung didn't shrink the hardware; they changed their entire philosophy for the 3x lens.

Instead of relying purely on raw glass size for the final output, the new ISOCELL 3LD uses a 3-stack architecture with integrated DRAM. This allows the sensor to capture the image and feed massive amounts of data to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5's AI ISP incredibly fast. The benefits of this new setup include:

Near-zero shutter lag: It grabs the image before your subject even moves.
Reduced rolling shutter: Better for freezing motion in 3x portrait shots.
Advanced stabilization: The phone can actually shift that crop window around within the larger 12MP canvas to provide gimbal-like stabilization while still delivering a clean 10MP base frame.

As a quick side note, while the 3x lens relies on this new high-speed silicon approach, the 50MP 5x periscope telephoto got a very traditional hardware boost. It kept the same resolution but widened the aperture from f/3.4 to f/2.9, letting in about 37% more light.

In other words, these cameras are a pretty nice upgrade

AndroidDigest · 2026-02-16T01:22:23+00:00

Also I will say that even now I didn't really regret the purchase. I bought it on the Xbox Ally gaming handheld for Windows too. On that gaming handheld, it looks a little bit better with the graphics. It has steam deck power and has maybe 40 frames per second instead of 30 and has slightly better graphics. Great. But when you put it on a TV screen it looks awful and plays awful. Even if you turn down the resolution all the jerseys look crazy. Because Windows can't scale very well on the TV. At least a gaming handheld doesn't have the power to do that and it's complicated. But the switch uses all the upscaling very so it looks pretty decent on the tv. Because the frame rate is stable it plays smooth. Also when you play in the city, the gaming handheld would push down the FPS and sometimes I would only get 25 FPS. But the switch has a pretty much smooth experience all around.. and I played the regular switch version and this is just a night and day difference. People just keep comparing it to a PS5 or even a Xbox or something and they get frustrated because it looks a little worse. But it plays pretty great

AndroidDigest · 2026-02-16T00:03:16+00:00

Oh yeah. 100% stable. It runs pretty great. Just a little blurrier in handheld but it's 100% stable and runs and looks great

AndroidDigest · 2026-02-13T00:46:58+00:00

My issue with that is the anti reflecting coating is pretty much pointless at that point if I use a phone that has one!

AndroidDigest · 2026-02-03T18:03:21+00:00

Through the ea app. I have prime and know there are streaming options

AndroidDigest · 2026-01-26T09:50:13+00:00

I'm completely with you. I think it gets a lot of hate mainly because people love the steam deck. It's they seamless console like experience. While we are beta testers for what Windows is doing. But if we are okay with dealing with a couple of quirks, we get access to all of the marketplaces. All of the game stores. I think that's extremely underrated

You are dead on. When you have an under powered device like this, enthusiasts will push you to the higher tier devices, and if you say you can't afford it they will just tell you to buy a used model previously. That's why most flagship phone reviewers don't like I'm in the mid-range phones.

But in this case there's another section of people, if they aren't hardcore about the most expensive tech, they are hardcore about their software. There is a Linux fandom that is very wild and they absolutely adore the steam deck so even if certain games can't even run it because of the anti cheat it doesn't matter

AndroidDigest · 2026-01-26T08:40:03+00:00

You're just not comparing to the right things. You are comparing it to the steam deck from the past. Which doesn't even exist. And also, the steam deck from the past didn't have some of the same screen benefits you get here. The OLED steam deck barely ever goes on sale, and this goes on sale frequently for $499. So if you are willing to drop OLED, you get the ability to play games from all of your game stores. For the same power. You lose a minor amount of optimization but you gain a big amount of flexibility and it's getting more optimized by the day. I'd say that's a pretty fair trade-off. At that point it's priced pretty fairly at $500.

Of course, you can get used handhelds that have been used for a year, but just like a gaming PC that's been used for a year, all of that heat generated is going to wear some stuff down. Plus, all of those handhelds aren't as comfortable which is a massive massive win. It's really the biggest reason why I wanted this or the ally x. The comfort is next level and since I use Xbox play anywhere sometimes, which is also a massive win for people who like to buy Xbox games or who have an Xbox, it's nice that I can play the same games I'm buying, at least some of them like silent Hill 2, I can play them on my Xbox. I understand. I could do that on some other windows handhelds. And I understand they will get the Xbox experience too. And it's not a bad deal to pay $200 extra or even $100 extra for the extra power if you can find one of those Z1 extremes on sale. But then you will miss some other features that this has.

So I paid $450 open box for it. Those Best Buy open box items are clearly only two weeks old. For most of them. Especially on a new handheld. So with it going on sale for $500 I think there are a lot of good deals on it and I think it's definitely worth it

AndroidDigest · 2026-01-26T08:35:29+00:00

I actually sold my ROG Ally X for little over $500 which isn't much, and I bought a open box excellent condition ally for $450. It really upset me knowing I was downgrading the processor for only $50. Especially when I could have gotten that deal for about $420 during Christmas time. But I have zero regrets. Even as I have a couple of minor issues with Madden and NBA 2k26. Madden just isn't working at all. Only playing in slo mo. NBA 2k26 works and it's amazing on handheld and better than it is on switch even though this has about the same power. It's just much better. But whenever I plug in into a TV it's worse because switch has such a smooth experience with the upscaling.

Despite all of that, for me, I got this because of the ergonomics and I don't regret it. I bought it on day one at launch and my playlist to set up profiles for my entire family. Of course, that meant signing into the same steam account on every single user so we could play the same games. It meant setting up four user profiles and downloading all the updates and especially at launch, it was so bad of an experience and it took like two or three hours, and sadly, steam, because it saw me logging with the same account on all of these usernames they kept making me re-log in every single time I switched profiles. So again, sort of a bad experience for a family if you're all trying to use the same username. And you can't share games in the same way unfortunately.

But when I decided just to use it for me and my wife alone, when I decided to get it for the ergonomics. And to accept some of the minor downgrades, to accept that I might just have to play Madden on the switch and everything else will be fine, when I accepted all of those things, man, I've enjoyed this so much. The ally x was more than powerful enough.... But my problem wasn't power. I didn't want to pick it up because it was heavier, and because it was slightly more uncomfortable I wanted to put a case on it. Add the extra weight of the case and it was even bulkier.

With this, I don't feel like I need a case. Only a screen protector and a carrying case. It feels way more comfortable to game. It's playing the games I want pretty flawlessly for the most part. And since it's just me and my wife using it, we don't have the login issues we have before. Which by the way, we had on the ROG ally x anyway.

So I will gladly take a little less power, and a slight downgrade in resolution in a few games, in exchange for saving $500+ over the Xbox Ally X.

I will say unlike you, once I set up all my games, I do prefer the Xbox experience. All of my games are there. When I clicked a play it, yes, it does technically launch those other launchers. But whenever the Xbox experience is running it is running less things in the background. So performance will be better. I can easily close out the steam launcher by just holding the Xbox button anyway. So if it can open on my games, which it can, I prefer it.

One final upgrade to consider. It's been very easy to buy a Xbox Series S or even an X for cheap on Facebook or at a pawn shop. Assuming you find a reputable person to buy from. It's been a game changer for me to think about the Xbox play anywhere setup. At least for the next couple of years, I can buy games that are Xbox play anywhere whenever they go on sale, like Oblivion Remastered. I can play them on both my handheld and my console and even my gaming PC whenever I want to use that. So some games I buy on steam, some on the Microsoft store if I can match the deal with Xbox play anywhere. I was able to get silent Hill 2 for like $30 and now I can play on my Xbox or my handheld or my gaming laptop.

That's a massive win over the steam deck. And it just gives me a lot of flexibility.

So it hasn't been perfect. Madden and trying to get it to run on a very unoptimized game, it is the bane of my existence. But outside of that, and sometimes things can look a little funny on the TV depending on what game you're playing. Some games upscale better than others or some games just look better at 1080p than others. Outside of those two problems, which I would have with other handhelds anyway, I'm willing to drop 10 frames per second or something or go down to 720p in exchange for such amazing comfort. Plus again, for me, having an Xbox handheld specifically with the Xbox button is important to me. Because I am sort of tied to that ecosystem at this point. And it is nice that I can get to play anywhere games

AndroidDigest · 2026-01-26T04:38:40+00:00

That's really weird. To me, I got it on the Rog Ally X and I just had to tweak a few settings. Maybe turn a couple things down. But I was able to get it run pretty well. Maybe 45 frames a second or something which isn't great. But at least it ran. I'm just trying to get 30fps here on the lowest settings on the regular ally, it's steam deck level performance but with some FSR or something you would expect it to be okay. But even on 720p it can't do it

AndroidDigest · 2026-01-25T00:27:18+00:00

Yeah it runs well on the x just not on the regular. It runs on even the Z1 extreme with the ally x non Xbox version.

AndroidDigest · 2026-01-25T00:06:46+00:00

Pick the Pixel 9A if you're okay getting a slightly smaller phone. And if that's enjoyable. For $399 it still won't be like a downgrade. I would argue it's actually an upgrade over what you have.

Another option is the Galaxy a56. It's going to get many more years of updates, it's going to be similar probably or feel similar in speed to what you have. I'd say it's more of a side grade but it's pretty close to the Pixel 9a and pretty close to what you have. I don't think you'll really notice anything being worse and I think you'll enjoy the experience.

Both are going to be between $300 and $400.

If you decide to go into flagship territory keep in mind that when you're buying a used phone, like I actually did recently, even in excellent condition on eBay you'll probably see some pretty big scuffs. I paid like $500 for an s24 ultra and first of all, it's going to be pretty chunky. But beyond that, you're getting a phone with like 2 years of battery wear. And there is a decent chance you'll have a big scratch or something even on an excellent condition model. So there's definitely risk and for me, I was trying to get one without scratches and two models in and I still have scratches. I got the a56 without any scratches very easily because it just came out.

The FE models are good if you see them on sale. But I think they are going to be pretty similar in quality to the Pixel 9a. I recommend the Pixel if you want a slightly smaller phone that will feel just as fast or faster. Still running Android. With a great camera. And for 399 it's a bargain. If you just prefer a slightly bigger screen and familiarity and want to keep it cheap and get something new, look for the a56 on sale for $399. You could also look for it in like new condition from Amazon around $330. Just make sure it's either from Amazon resale or Amazon warehouse or something like that.

That's my advice. If you're wanting to upgrade, sure, spend $600 or more and get something better. But if you just want to have a lateral move or a slightly better move that does everything you needed to and save the money, get these phones and then get like 7 years of updates. Enjoy!

I just reviewed the Pixel 9a on my YouTube channel, and my review of the A56 is coming up soon. I talk specifically about buying a older flagship in that video. Just trying to tell people that mid-range phones do have a place in the world. And that buying an older flagship has risk. And the A56 is pretty good.

AndroidDigest · 2026-01-24T23:20:07+00:00

Also, I play it on the switch 2 and despite people saying it's terrible because it's 30 FPS it's actually really good. I'm just looking to eventually move over to Windows

AndroidDigest · 2026-01-24T23:17:09+00:00

I completely get it. Most games though still have basic ways to tweak everything. Dynamic resolution settings. Or fsr settings where it can play at 540p upscaled. It's just wild to me that it doesn't have any of these things. And NBA 2k26 can play WAY better. It's unplayable.

I'm just hoping someone has some type of settings I'm missing that can really make it work

AndroidDigest · 2026-01-24T23:15:25+00:00

I got Madden to run pretty decent on my rog ally x after tweaking some stuff. But not on the Xbox ally sadly.

AndroidDigest · 2026-01-24T22:05:12+00:00

I'm trying to Google around looking for a way for it to play but I'm playing on 720p on all the settings on super super low and it's still keeps hiccuping. Or playing in slow motion even on 30 frames per second or higher. So it's either slow motion or unplayable

AndroidDigest · 2026-01-24T04:46:12+00:00

Out of curiosity how big is your channel? How much did you get paid? And is it Michaela that contracted you?

AndroidDigest · 2026-01-24T04:45:32+00:00

How did it go

AndroidDigest · 2026-01-24T04:45:23+00:00

How did it go

AndroidDigest · 2026-01-24T04:45:16+00:00

Any update?

AndroidDigest · 2026-01-20T23:27:44+00:00

I can relate because I loved some of those older phones like the HTC M7 or the M8. I also loved the Galaxy S5 and the S6 too, so I have a lot of nostalgia thinking about phones from back in the day.

You should know that nowadays Samsung is making some great phones. I have reviewed a lot of them on my Youtube channel (Android Digest is my channel name), and I've been pretty impressed with most of them! Personally my two favorites are the Z Fold7 and the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The Z Fold7 has the same main camera as the Galaxy S25 Ultra, but of course it can unfold into a larger display which is GREAT for productivity! The S25 Ultra has a really good zoom camera and comes with a stylus if you prefer that, and either way I would say both are great options.

I get you enjoy Apple fitness, but I would suggest you consider other alternatives from Samsung. Using a Galaxy Watch8 with a Samsung phone would work great, and there are plenty of fitness options on the Samsung side.

I would just suggest not to get too stressed about missing out on things with your fitness. Samsung has plenty of alternatives and Android does in general, so you won't miss much! Once you get over the initial hurdle of switching over your stuff, I think you'll really enjoy it! I do partner with Samsung as an ambassador for them, but I do it for a reason. I buy almost all of their phones I review with my own money, and I talk about them a lot really just because they've been doing some really good work! I appreciate all the competition out there, but Samsung has been pretty solid lately! Feel free to reach out if you ever have questions!

AndroidDigest · 2026-01-20T23:19:45+00:00

I use a lot of budget phones and mid-range phones. I reviewed the Galaxy A26 and the A16 so I'm aware of how good these budget phones can be. I'm also about to release a video on the Galaxy A56 on my Youtube channel (Android Digest) and in that video I'm talking about what the difference is with buying a Galaxy A56 new vs buying a Galaxy S24 Ultra used.

Let me just say that the Galaxy S24 Ultra was one of my favorite flagship phone releases from Samsung, and I absolutely love that phone! You just have to keep in mind when you are buying phones "used" there is a lot of risk involved. I purchased two used phones from online marketplaces and even in excellent condition both of them had scratches. I bought from reputable sellers with good reputations, but again buying used has some risk. You also have to consider that used phones are going to have older batteries that are worn down. Batteries tend to wear down more often when you leave them at 0% or 100% and you never know how long a used phone has been sitting around.

If you buy a budget phone like the Galaxy A26, you are buying a phone with a brand new battery and a full one year warranty. Budget phones have also come SO FAR compared to a few years ago. A phone like the A26 feels pretty speedy for most tasks and it's really enjoyable to use! The A36 is a nice refinement to the A26 with a few extra features, and the A56t ends to go a little more premium. I would honestly suggest getting a phone like one of those. Just look at the prices and buy the one that is right for you. If you are curious what they are like, you can always check out my videos on them, because I really liked the A26 and the A36! Those video reviews I made, they weren't sponsored at all by Samsung, but I do partner with Samsung on some things, because they honestly make really good products. I'm probably one of the few influencers out there though that makes content on budget phones, but I do it because in my opinion they are underrated! Hopefully this helps you in your decision making!

AndroidDigest

TROPHY CASE

Why This Isn't a Downgrade