Samsung Electronics unveiled the Galaxy S26 Ultra on February 25, 2026, during its Galaxy Unpacked event in San Francisco, positioning the device as the company's most advanced AI-focused smartphone yet. The premium flagship introduces hardware refinements, a groundbreaking privacy feature and performance boosts while maintaining the familiar large-screen, S Pen-equipped design that has defined Ultra models.

Galaxy S26 Ultra
Galaxy S26 Ultra

Here are 10 essential details about the Galaxy S26 Ultra based on official specifications and announcements.

1. **World-First Built-in Privacy Display**
The standout innovation is the Privacy Display, a hardware-level feature that limits screen visibility from side angles. When activated, the display blacks out or obscures content for onlookers while remaining fully visible to the user facing it directly. This pixel-level privacy technology addresses growing concerns about shoulder surfing in public spaces, marking a first for smartphones. Samsung emphasized its commitment to user security, with the feature complementing existing software privacy tools.

2. **6.9-Inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display**
The device retains a 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (1-120Hz) and Vision Booster for enhanced outdoor visibility. Peak brightness reaches around 2,600 nits for HDR content. The screen uses Corning Gorilla Armor 2 protection and features thinner bezels for a more immersive experience. Anti-reflective coating reduces glare, making it ideal for media consumption and productivity.

3. **Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy Processor**
Powering the S26 Ultra is Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 customized for Galaxy, built on a 3nm process. Samsung claims 19% faster CPU performance, 24% improved GPU and 39% enhanced NPU for AI tasks compared to predecessors. This enables smoother multitasking, gaming and on-device AI processing. The chip supports better thermal management, keeping the device cool during intensive use like video editing or extended gaming sessions.

4. **Up to 16GB RAM and 1TB Storage**
Configurations include 12GB or 16GB RAM options, paired with 256GB, 512GB or 1TB UFS storage. Higher RAM variants maximize multitasking and AI features. No microSD expansion is available, so users must select appropriately at purchase. Storage upgrades were offered as pre-order incentives in some markets.

5. **Advanced Quad-Camera System with Brighter Apertures**
The rear setup features a 200MP wide main sensor (f/1.4 aperture for better low-light performance), 50MP ultra-wide (f/1.9), 10MP 3x telephoto (f/2.4) and 50MP 5x periscope telephoto (f/2.9). Optical zoom covers 3x and 5x natively, with up to 10x optical-quality zoom via adaptive pixel technology. The front camera is 12MP (f/2.2) with an AI-enhanced image signal processor for natural selfies. Video upgrades include improved Super Steady stabilization with horizontal lock.

6. **5,000mAh Battery with 60W Fast Charging**
Battery capacity remains 5,000mAh, delivering up to 31 hours of video playback under lab conditions. A major upgrade is 60W wired charging (up from 45W), allowing quicker top-ups. Wireless charging hits 25W, with reverse wireless charging supported. The combination provides all-day endurance for heavy users.

7. **Thinner, Lighter Design at 7.9mm and 214g**
Dimensions are 78.1 x 163.6 x 7.9mm, weighing 214g — slimmer and lighter than the Galaxy S25 Ultra despite the large screen. The frame uses refined Armor Aluminum with rounded ergonomic corners for better one-handed comfort. It maintains IP68 water and dust resistance. The integrated S Pen stylus features a curved top for improved grip and matching device contours.

8. **Galaxy AI Enhancements and One UI 8.5 on Android 16**
Running Android 16 with One UI 8.5, the phone emphasizes intuitive AI. Features leverage the powerful NPU for faster generative tools, real-time context understanding and agentic AI capabilities. Bixby interactions are refined, with deeper Gemini integration previewed. Samsung promises extended software support, including security updates.

9. **Pricing Holds Steady at $1,299 Starting**
The Galaxy S26 Ultra starts at $1,299 for the 256GB model — unchanged from the S25 Ultra — while base S26 and S26+ models saw increases. Pre-orders began February 25, 2026, with general availability on March 11, 2026. Offers include up to $900 trade-in credit or $150 toward accessories on Samsung.com. Colors and regional variants vary.

10. **Positioned as Productivity and Media Powerhouse**
Samsung markets the S26 Ultra as the ultimate all-in-one for creators and power users. It combines top-tier performance, camera versatility, display quality and unique privacy features. Early hands-on reports highlight comfortable ergonomics, bright visuals and responsive AI, though full reviews await real-world testing.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra arrives amid intense competition in the premium Android space, with Samsung focusing on meaningful refinements over radical redesigns. Pre-orders are live through Samsung's site, carriers and retailers, with availability expanding globally from March 11.