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Trakin Tech's Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Review

Samsung · Reviewed by Trakin Tech · Published 2026-03-02

Rating 5/5Source quality 75/100Evidence 15Claims 10Q&A 6Pros 12Cons 4Sponsored

Based on a review by Trakin Tech (accessed 2026-03-02).

What they actually found

  • Loved — Thinner (7.9mm) and lighter (213.9g) than previous model
  • Annoyed by — S Pen lacks Bluetooth connectivity (only for writing)

Based on this review alone: buy it if you care about thinner (7.9mm) and lighter (213.9g) than previous model — just accept s pen lacks bluetooth connectivity (only for writing).

This source's evidence 🎬

Source verdict

The reviewer considers the S26 Ultra to be the "peak" Android phone for those seeking the best. They highlight its improved portability, effective privacy display feature, robust AI capabilities, and dependable camera system, despite some incremental updates from the S25 Ultra.

About this source

This video provides an unboxing and quick review of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, covering its design changes, display features, specifications, battery, software, AI capabilities, and camera performance. The reviewer also compares it to the previous S25 Ultra model.

Review notes

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra stands out as the ultimate Android flagship, delivering unparalleled performance and a suite of innovative AI features. The device feels notably thinner at 7.9mm and lighter at 213.9 grams compared to its predecessor, with a more manageable rounded design. While the S Pen unfortunately loses Bluetooth connectivity and the 5000mAh battery capacity remains unchanged, the new pixel-level Privacy Display and enhanced 60W charging speed are welcome improvements. If you prioritize cutting-edge AI, long-term software support, and a dependable camera system, this phone is an excellent choice. However, if you rely on the S Pen's Bluetooth functions or expect a substantial battery increase, you might want to consider alternatives or manage expectations.

What the reviewer liked

  • Thinner (7.9mm) and lighter (213.9g) than previous model
  • More manageable rounded design
  • Gorilla Armor 2 protection on front and back glass
  • Pixel-level Privacy Display (app-specific option is highly effective)
  • Powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor (scores 3.8-3.9M on AnTuTu)
  • Fast 60W wired charging
  • 7 years of major OS and security updates
  • Innovative Galaxy AI features (Now Nudge, Circle to Search, Call Screening)
  • Improved vapor cooling chamber keeps thermals under 40°C during heavy gaming
  • Dependable 200MP primary camera produces consistent, high-quality photos
  • 4K Auto Framing and Horizontal Lock features enhance video recording
  • Wide range of connectivity including Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0

What the reviewer criticised

  • S Pen lacks Bluetooth connectivity (only for writing)
  • Battery capacity remains 5000mAh (reviewer expected more)
  • Charging adapter not included in the box
  • Aluminum frame instead of titanium (though contributes to lighter weight)

Structured claims

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is noticeably thinner and lighter than its predecessor, making it feel more manageable in hand.

reviewer_claimstrong

The S26 Ultra features an Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Armor 2 protection on both the front and back glass, proving durable in a drop test.

reviewer_claimmoderate

The device boasts a 6.9-inch 120Hz LTPO AMOLED display with 1 billion colors and 2600 nits peak brightness, offering excellent visuals.

specification_claimstrong

The S26 Ultra includes a new pixel-level privacy display feature that effectively prevents viewing from the sides, configurable for the entire screen or specific apps.

reviewer_claimmoderate

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, the S26 Ultra delivers exceptional performance, achieving high AnTuTu scores and maintaining thermals under 40 degrees Celsius even during intensive gaming due to an improved vapor cooling chamber.

measurement_claimstrong

The S26 Ultra integrates advanced Galaxy AI features like "Now Nudge" (a proactive agent AI) and an improved "Circle to Search," enhancing user interaction and productivity.

reviewer_claimstrong

The S26 Ultra's quad-camera system (200MP main, 50MP 5x telephoto, 10MP 3x telephoto, 50MP ultrawide) consistently produces high-quality photos with accurate colors, skin tones, dynamic range, and bokeh, up to 30x zoom.

reviewer_claimstrong

New video features like 4K Auto Framing and Horizontal Lock improve the video recording experience by automatically tracking subjects and maintaining stable, level footage even during movement.

reviewer_claimmoderate

The S Pen included with the S26 Ultra does not feature Bluetooth connectivity, limiting its functionality compared to older models like the S24 Ultra.

reviewer_claimmoderate

The S26 Ultra comes with One UI 8.5 and is promised 7 years of major OS updates and 7 years of security updates, ensuring long-term usability.

specification_claimstrong

Evidence items

Unboxing Contents

hands_on_demoneutral

The reviewer unboxes the S26 Ultra, showing documentation, a USB Type-C to Type-C charging cable, and a SIM card tool. They note that a charger adapter and case are not included.

Phone Thickness

specification_claimpositive

The reviewer states the phone is 7.9mm thin, noting it feels thinner and lighter than its predecessor.

Weight Comparison with S25 Ultra

comparisonpositive

The reviewer measures the S26 Ultra at 213.9 grams and compares it to the S25 Ultra which is 219.2 grams, indicating the new model is 6-7 grams lighter.

Design Comparison (S25 Ultra vs S26 Ultra)

visual_inspectionneutral

The S25 Ultra has sharp, squarish corners and sides, while the S26 Ultra is more rounded and has slightly curved sides, making it feel more manageable.

Frame Material Change

specification_claimneutral

The S26 Ultra uses an Armor Aluminum frame, a change from the Titanium frame of the S25 Ultra, which contributes to its lighter weight.

Drop Test (Gorilla Armor 2)

hands_on_demopositive

The reviewer performs a drop test on the S26 Ultra, which has Gorilla Armor 2 protection on the front and back glass, and it shows no damage.

S Pen Lacks Bluetooth

reviewer_claimnegative

The S Pen is still present but lacks Bluetooth connectivity, limiting its functionality to writing, similar to the S25 Ultra and a regression from S24 Ultra.

Display Specifications

specification_claimneutral

The S26 Ultra features a 6.9-inch 120Hz LTPO AMOLED display with 1 billion colors (up from 16 million) and a peak brightness of 2600 nits.

Privacy Display Feature

hands_on_demopositive

The S26 Ultra introduces a pixel-level privacy display that can be applied to the entire screen or specific apps/notifications, preventing side-viewing. While full-screen mode dims brightness, app-specific mode works well.

AnTuTu Benchmark Score

measurement_testpositive

The S26 Ultra, powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, achieves an AnTuTu score of 3.8-3.9 million, indicating excellent performance.

Gaming Performance & Thermals

hands_on_demopositive

The phone handles heavy games like BGMI at 90fps, COD Mobile at 120fps, and Genshin Impact at 57-58fps consistently. Samsung's improved vapor cooling chamber keeps thermals under 40 degrees Celsius.

Galaxy AI Features (Now Nudge, Circle to Search)

hands_on_demopositive

The reviewer highlights "Now Nudge" as a proactive agent AI that suggests actions contextually, and an improved "Circle to Search" for finding products, music, summarizing text from images, and translation.

Native Call Screening and Assistant

hands_on_demopositive

The S26 Ultra has native call screening with a call assistant that can answer calls contextually, eliminating the need for third-party apps.

Main Camera System Dependability

expert_opinionpositive

The S26 Ultra features a 200MP primary sensor, 50MP (5x) and 10MP (3x) telephoto lenses, and a 50MP ultrawide. The reviewer consistently finds the camera system dependable for consistent colors, skin tones, dynamic range, and bokeh, even up to 30x zoom.

New Camera Video Features (4K Auto Framing, Horizontal Lock)

hands_on_demopositive

New video features include 4K Auto Framing, which automatically zooms and crops to a highlighted subject, and Horizontal Lock, which keeps the video stable and horizontal even if the phone is rotated, enhancing stability for action shots.

Quick answers

  • How does the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra's design compare to its predecessor? The reviewer notes the S26 Ultra feels thinner and lighter, measuring 7.9mm thin and 213.9 grams, making it 6-7 grams lighter than the S25 Ultra (219.2 grams).
  • What are the display specifications of the S26 Ultra, and does it have a privacy feature? The phone has a 6.9-inch 120Hz LTPO AMOLED display supporting 1 billion colors and reaching 2600 nits peak brightness.
  • How well does the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra perform, especially with gaming and thermals? Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, the S26 Ultra scores 3.8-3.9 million on AnTuTu.
  • What new AI features does the Galaxy S26 Ultra offer? The S26 Ultra includes "Now Nudge," which acts as a proactive agent AI that provides contextual help based on user activity, like suggesting photo sharing after an event.

Buyer questions answered

How does the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra's design compare to its predecessor?

The reviewer notes the S26 Ultra feels thinner and lighter, measuring 7.9mm thin and 213.9 grams, making it 6-7 grams lighter than the S25 Ultra (219.2 grams). Its design features rounded corners and curved sides, contrasting with the S25 Ultra's sharper, squarer aesthetic, which improves handling.

What are the display specifications of the S26 Ultra, and does it have a privacy feature?

The phone has a 6.9-inch 120Hz LTPO AMOLED display supporting 1 billion colors and reaching 2600 nits peak brightness. A new privacy display feature prevents side-viewing, either across the entire screen (with slight brightness drop) or for specific apps and notifications, which the reviewer found particularly effective.

How well does the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra perform, especially with gaming and thermals?

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, the S26 Ultra scores 3.8-3.9 million on AnTuTu. It delivers smooth gaming experiences, supporting BGMI at 90fps, COD Mobile at 120fps, and Genshin Impact at a consistent 57-58fps. The improved vapor cooling chamber effectively manages thermals, keeping the device under 40 degrees Celsius even during extended gaming sessions.

What new AI features does the Galaxy S26 Ultra offer?

The S26 Ultra includes "Now Nudge," which acts as a proactive agent AI that provides contextual help based on user activity, like suggesting photo sharing after an event. The "Circle to Search" feature is improved for finding products, music, and summarizing/translating text within images. Additionally, it offers native call screening with an AI assistant that can manage calls.

How good is the S26 Ultra's camera system, and what are its key features?

The camera system, featuring a 200MP primary sensor, 50MP (5x) and 10MP (3x) telephoto lenses, and a 50MP ultrawide, is highly dependable. It consistently delivers accurate colors, skin tones, dynamic range, and bokeh, with good results up to 30x zoom. New video features include 4K Auto Framing, which intelligently tracks subjects, and Horizontal Lock for stable, level footage during movement.

Does the S26 Ultra's S Pen have Bluetooth connectivity?

The reviewer explicitly states that the S Pen for the S26 Ultra lacks Bluetooth connectivity, a feature that was present in the S24 Ultra but removed in subsequent models. This means its functionality is primarily for writing and basic interaction, without remote control capabilities.

Specs mentioned in this review

Phone Thickness
The reviewer states the phone is 7
Frame Material Change
The S26 Ultra uses an Armor Aluminum frame, a change from the Titanium frame of the S25 Ultra, which contributes to its lighter weight
Display Specifications
The S26 Ultra features a 6
AnTuTu Benchmark Score
The S26 Ultra, powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, achieves an AnTuTu score of 3

Not covered in depth by this source

  • Not covered: Fit & Sizing
  • Not covered: Ride Feel
  • Not covered: Traction
  • Not covered: Value
  • Not covered: Breathability

Why this source is included

75/100 source quality

  • • Independent of the brand
  • ✓ Hands-on demonstration
  • ✓ Specific testing or measurements
  • ✓ Clear sponsorship / relationship disclosure

Transcript summary

The video provides an unboxing and quick review of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. It details the unboxed contents, new design elements like rounded corners and a lighter build (213.9 grams vs. S25 Ultra's 219.2 grams), and the shift from a titanium to an aluminum frame. Key features discussed include the 6.9-inch 120Hz AMOLED display with 2600 nits peak brightness and a new pixel-level privacy display, a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor with high AnTuTu scores, and a 5000 mAh battery with 60W fast charging. The review also extensively covers the One UI 8.5 software, Galaxy AI features like "Now Nudge" and "Circle to Search," and the dependable 200MP quad-camera system with new auto-framing and horizontal lock features.

Full transcript is not redistributed here to respect the original creator’s rights.

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About this page

This page converts Trakin Tech's review of the Samsung Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra into structured evidence — timestamped claims, pros & cons, and buyer questions. It is not the original review and does not replace watching or reading the full source.

Sponsorship & disclosure

Sponsored: this source is sponsored by the brand.

Brand relationship disclosed as: sponsored

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