The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra brings a dedicated Hi‑Fi DAC, a dual‑stage amplifier, and 32‑bit/384 kHz support straight to the flagship, delivering studio‑grade sound without extra gear. Paired with a 6.9‑inch Dynamic AMOLED display, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, and a 5 000 mAh battery, the phone aims to satisfy audiophiles and power users alike.
Audio Hardware That Sets a New Standard
At the heart of the S26 Ultra is a custom‑tuned DAC that handles lossless FLAC and high‑resolution PCM files. The dual‑stage amp boosts output while keeping distortion low, so you’ll hear subtle instrument details that most flagships miss. This hardware combo puts the device in the same league as dedicated portable players, giving you true high‑fidelity playback on the go.
Design and Display Overview
The phone keeps the familiar 6.9‑inch Dynamic AMOLED panel with a 120 Hz refresh rate. The glass back and aluminum frame feel premium, and the slimmer bezels improve one‑handed use. Though the silhouette isn’t a radical departure, the refined finish complements the upgraded audio suite.
Performance and Battery Life
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, the S26 Ultra handles gaming, AI tasks, and multitasking with ease. Coupled with 12 GB of RAM, you’ll experience smooth app launches and quick AI‑driven photo processing. The 5 000 mAh cell delivers a full day of mixed use, and fast charging tops out at 45 W, getting you back to full power in under an hour.
Camera System and Computational Photography
Samsung equips the Ultra with a four‑sensor array, led by a 200 MP main lens. While the hardware matches previous generations, the computational pipeline has been fine‑tuned. You’ll notice faster autofocus, better low‑light detail, and more natural colour reproduction. The AI‑enhanced upscaling further sharpens images without sacrificing realism.
Software Experience and Ecosystem Integration
Running One UI 7.0, the S26 Ultra trims excess bloat while retaining useful Samsung tools like DeX mode and Knox security. Seamless handoff works with Galaxy Buds Pro 2, Galaxy Watch 6, and other Galaxy devices, so you can pick up where you left off on any compatible gadget. The refined UI keeps the experience slick and intuitive.
Pricing and Market Position
The base 256 GB model starts at £1 279, with 512 GB and 1 TB options priced at £1 449 and £1 699. This places the Ultra firmly in the premium tier, edging out the previous S25 Ultra and challenging other high‑end flagships that lack comparable audio hardware.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Studio‑grade audio, powerful chipset, refined UI, strong camera performance, solid battery life.
- Cons: Premium price, design changes are incremental, no major screen overhaul.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra doubles down on what the brand does well—polished software, robust hardware integration, and now, high‑fidelity sound. If you value a seamless Android experience paired with genuine audiophile‑grade audio, the Ultra delivers a compelling package that could set a new benchmark for flagship smartphones.
