Question 1

Is the privacy display feature on the Galaxy S26 Ultra genuinely useful?

Accepted Answer

The reviewer found the privacy display to be the number one most useful piece of tech on the device, using it almost daily. It allows for discreet viewing of private work emails, Slack messages, or mature content on flights without others seeing, by simply toggling it on. It also offers customization options for per-app usage or different privacy levels, making it more versatile than a permanent privacy screen protector.

Question 2

How does One UI compare to Pixel UI in terms of customization and functionality?

Accepted Answer

One UI is described as one of the best Android skins, offering an insane amount of customization options within the core operating system and through Good Lock modules from the Galaxy Store. Samsung's native apps also provide more features than Google's versions, which the reviewer finds superior. Furthermore, One UI doesn't rely solely on AI, providing a rich experience even with AI features turned off, unlike Pixel phones where AI is central to the experience.

Question 3

What is the S Pen experience like on the S26 Ultra?

Accepted Answer

The S Pen offers one of the smoothest digital writing experiences, with Samsung Notes providing extensive features for note-taking. The reviewer found the summarization and handwriting cleaning functions particularly useful for taking physical notes, which can aid long-term memory retention. Additionally, the S Pen can be used as a precise cursor for games with small touch targets, reminiscent of older portable gaming devices.

Question 4

What is the biggest downside of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

Accepted Answer

The primary complaint is Samsung's software update timeline, which reportedly slows down significantly once a device becomes last-gen. The reviewer noted that the S25 Ultra took about five months to receive a major One UI update, contrasting sharply with Pixel phones which typically receive updates on day one. This delay can be frustrating for users who spend a premium on their device.

Question 5

How powerful is the Galaxy S26 Ultra for gaming and productivity?

Accepted Answer

The S26 Ultra is very powerful, thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, allowing it to run graphics as high as possible. This enables Samsung DeX to provide a fully fleshed-out desktop experience, far ahead of Pixel's desktop mode, with desktop shortcuts, widgets, and a comprehensive notification center. With DeX, users can achieve an almost console-like gaming experience, for instance, playing Destiny Rising feels like playing on a PS5, and can even use their phone as a secondary extended display.

9to5Google's Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Review

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