Samsung has launched the Galaxy S26 Ultra, a premium Android flagship priced at $1,299.99. The device introduces a redesigned chassis and a custom processor aimed at closing the performance gap with Apple's ecosystem.

The switch to Armor Aluminum and rounded corners

In a surprising pivot, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra replaces its previous titanium frame with an "Armor Aluminum" construction. According to the report, this change allows for a wider range of colors—including Cobalt Violet, Sky Blue, Silver Shadow, and Pink Gold—while significantly improving heat dissipation. During intensive video-editing tasks, the aluminum chassis remained only mildly warm, solving a thermal issue that plagued earlier titanium-based models.

Beyond thermals, Samsung has fundamentally altered the ergonomics of the Galaxy S26 Ultra by rounding the corners. This design choice eliminates the sharp edges typical of previous Ultra models, making the device more comfortable for one-handed use. The report suggests that these refinements make the phone feel slimmer, potentially encouraging users to ditch protective cases entirely.

Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and the hardware-baked Privacy Display

The internal architecture of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is centered on a custom Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. This silicon upgrade is designed to bring Android performance to a level comparable with Apple's in-house chips, enabling seamless multitasking and on-device AI powered by Gemini. As the report notes, intensive camera processing and AI tasks now run witohut any detectable lag .

One of the most distinct additions to the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is the "Privacy Display." Unlike software-based overlays, this is a hardware-integrated filter that liimts viewing angles with a single tap, preventing bystanders from seeing the screen. Real-world testing confirmed that the feature effectively hides sensitive information from side-viewers,adding a layer of physical security to the luxury handset.

Gorilla Armor 2 and the IP68 rating gap with Chinese rivals

Durability on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is handled by a combination of Corning Gorilla Armor 2 on the front and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back. The front glass includes a new ceramic layer intended to reduce glare and increase drop resistance. In long-term daily use, the device reportedly showed no micro-scratches even when stored with keys and chargers.

While the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra maintains an IP68 rating—allowing it to survive 30 minutes in 1.5 meters of water—it now trails some competitors. The report highlights that several Chinese manufacturers have moved to IP69 or IP69K ratings, which protect against high-pressure water jets. While IP68 is sufficient for most, the gap suggests that Samsung is playing it safe while other brands push the boundaries of ruggedization.

The 60W charging fix and Horizon Lock video

Battery capacity on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra remains stagnant at 5,000 mAh, a figure that has not changed across several generations of Ultra devices. To offset the lack of a larger cell, Samsung has implemented 60W wired fast charging to reduce the time users spend tethered to a wall. This move addresses "quick-charge anxiety" without requiring a complete redesign of the internal battery chemistry.

On the imaging front, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces "Horizon Lock" video mode to stabilize handheld footage. However, the report points out that the device still suffers from occasional exposure wobble and minor shutter lag. Furthermore, the camera module still protrudes by roughly half a centimeter, meaning the phone continues to wobble when placed on a flat surface—a lingering ergonomic flaw that Samsung has yet to resolve.

Remaining uncertainties in the S26 Ultra rollout

Despite the comprehensive review, a few critical points remain unverified. it is unclear why Samsung chose to stick with a 5,000 mAh battery when competitors are increasing density, and the report does not specify if the "exposure wobble" in Horizon Lock is a software bug that can be patched or a fundamental hardware limitation of the new sensors.