The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra launches as the flagship of the new S26 series, offering a 6.8‑inch 120 Hz Dynamic AMOLED display, a 200 MP main camera, up to 16 GB RAM, and a 5 TB storage option, all powered by the Exynos 2400 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. With AI‑driven photo editing, a 5 000 mAh battery and a price around $1,300, it aims to set a new benchmark for premium Android phones.
S26 Ultra Specs at a Glance
Display & Performance
The Ultra features a 6.8‑inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X2 panel that reaches a peak brightness of 1 800 nits. The screen supports a 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate, delivering smooth scrolling and fluid gaming. Under the hood, Samsung pairs the Exynos 2400 (or Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the U.S.) with either 12 GB or 16 GB of LPDDR5X RAM, ensuring rapid multitasking.
Camera System
Samsung sticks with a quad‑lens setup but upgrades the primary sensor to a 200 MP GN2‑type unit. The array also includes a 12 MP ultra‑wide lens, a 10 MP periscope telephoto offering 10× optical zoom, and a 3 MP depth sensor. AI‑enhanced Photo Pro mode optimises scenes in real time, while the Galaxy AI suite can auto‑tag, sort and suggest edits based on content.
Battery & Charging
A 5 000 mAh cell powers the device, complemented by 45 W wired fast‑charging, 15 W wireless charging, and 4.5 W reverse wireless charging. This combination keeps the Ultra running through a full day of heavy use.
Storage & Pricing
Storage starts at 256 GB and climbs to a massive 1 TB, a first for a consumer Samsung phone. In New Zealand, the entry‑level 12 GB/256 GB model begins at NZ$2,300, while the fully‑specced 16 GB/1 TB variant sits higher. Analysts expect the U.S. price to hover around $1,300, positioning it alongside Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max and Google’s Pixel 9 Pro.
Why the S26 Ultra Stands Out
AI‑Powered Imaging
Galaxy AI can recognise objects in real time, suggest optimal camera settings, and generate quick “smart edits” without leaving the native gallery. This AI‑driven workflow could shave minutes off your post‑processing routine, giving you more time to share photos.
Seamless Samsung Ecosystem
The Ultra ships with Android 14, One UI 6, and tight integration with Galaxy Wearables, Galaxy Buds and the new Galaxy Book Pro 2. If you already own Samsung devices, the Ultra acts as a central hub, pulling everything together for a smoother cross‑device experience.
Impact on the Flagship Market
Pressure on Competitors
With a 200 MP sensor and robust AI features, the Ultra may push other OEMs to accelerate their own AI‑driven camera pipelines. Rivals will need to address how to handle massive image files without sacrificing performance or battery life.
Appeal to Professionals
Photographers who need a secondary camera could find the Ultra’s combination of raw sensor power and AI processing attractive. The 10× periscope lens offers reach that previously required a dedicated telephoto lens on a DSLR, making on‑the‑go shooting more viable.
What You Should Consider Before Buying
- Pros: Stunning 200 MP sensor, advanced AI editing, premium build, strong ecosystem integration.
- Cons: Premium price tag, large file sizes may need extra storage management, AI features still maturing.
- Best For: Power users who value top‑tier photography, Samsung ecosystem fans, professionals seeking a compact backup camera.
