Samsung · Reviewed by JerryRigEverything · Published 2026-03-12
Based on a review by JerryRigEverything (accessed 2026-03-12).
Based on this review alone: buy it if you care about effective privacy screen, reducing viewing angle to 45 degrees — just accept privacy mode dims the screen considerably.
The reviewer concludes that the S26 Ultra is a "rock-solid beast of a smartphone" with zero flex, noting that Samsung addressed the camera lens flaw by making them easily removable for cheap repairs. While praising the screen's improved scratch resistance, he finds the privacy screen feature dims the display considerably and regrets the S Pen's loss of wireless charging and Bluetooth.
This review provides a comprehensive durability test of the Samsung S26 Ultra, examining its privacy screen functionality, S Pen features, scratch resistance, camera lens design, and structural integrity. The reviewer subjects the phone to various physical challenges, including scratch, bend, and heat tests.
The Samsung S26 Ultra offers a novel privacy screen and a notably improved camera lens design, addressing previous durability concerns. Its privacy mode effectively halves the viewing angle to 45 degrees, though this significantly dims the display. Samsung ingeniously made the individual camera lenses easily removable and replaceable, potentially turning a prior flaw into an inexpensive $10 repair. If screen privacy is a top priority and you appreciate user-friendly repairability for camera lenses, this smartphone warrants consideration. However, if you require consistent maximum screen brightness, the privacy mode's dimming effect could be a notable disadvantage.
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reviewer_claimneutralt=00:30–00:34
The reviewer notes that the privacy screen on the S26 Ultra dims the screen considerably, which is a drawback for daily use, although it is still a cool feature.
measurement_testpositivet=01:21–01:31
Using an angle finder, the reviewer demonstrates that with max privacy mode, the screen is visible only within a 45-degree window from the side. Without privacy mode, visibility extends to an 80-degree radius, meaning privacy mode cuts the viewing angle in half.
expert_opinionneutralt=01:48–02:03
The reviewer explains that the privacy screen works by turning off wide-angle pixels, leaving only narrow pixels active, which reduces overall screen brightness but offers privacy.
visual_inspectionneutralt=00:37–00:46
The reviewer observed that Samsung used a milky clear glass under the camera circles instead of similarly colored glass, and the plateau glows when illuminated by a flashlight.
visual_inspectionneutralt=00:49–00:54
A tiny gap observed between the lens and the translucent portion of the camera plateau suggests that the circular lenses might be removable.
hands_on_demopositivet=04:14–04:59
The reviewer demonstrates that the camera lenses still come off, but now they are designed to do so with the glass intact. This means a cracked lens could be a $10 fix while maintaining the IP rating.
comparisonneutralt=02:11–02:16
The S Pen is noted to be about the same length as last year's but significantly thinner.
hands_on_demopositivet=02:20–02:26
The reviewer praises the S Pen for not getting stuck when inserted backwards, a problem that existed in older Samsung Note models.
expert_opinionpositivet=02:30–02:38
The S Pen features copper coils in its tip, which aid the digitizer in the phone screen to triangulate its position more precisely, enhancing stylus accuracy.
comparisonnegativet=02:39–02:54
The S Pen no longer includes a capacitor for wireless charging or Bluetooth functionalities, features that were present in models like the S24 Ultra.
measurement_testpositivet=02:56–03:17
The S26 Ultra, featuring Corning Gorilla Armor 2, shows improved scratch resistance. Level six scratches are extremely difficult to find, indicating a possible tweak in the glass recipe compared to previous versions.
hands_on_demopositivet=05:27–05:30
The under-display ultrasonic fingerprint scanner continues to function correctly even after the screen sustains deep level seven scratches.
specification_claimneutralt=03:39–03:59
Samsung has transitioned from titanium back to armor aluminum for the S26 Ultra's frame. The reviewer approves of this change, citing aluminum's ease of workability and recyclability.
specification_claimneutralt=05:01–05:12
The screen specifications remain consistent with the previous year, offering 1440p resolution, 2600 nits brightness, and a 120Hz refresh rate when privacy mode is not engaged.
hands_on_demopositivet=05:33–05:50
The S26 Ultra demonstrates exceptional structural integrity in the bend test, showing zero flex from both the front and back, earning the description "a rock-solid beast of a smartphone."
The S26 Ultra's privacy screen works by reducing the viewing angle to a 45-degree window from the side. However, enabling this feature dims the screen considerably, which the reviewer finds to be a significant drawback.
The S26 Ultra features Corning Gorilla Armor 2, which demonstrated improved scratch resistance, making level six scratches barely visible. In bend tests, the phone proved to be rock-solid with zero flex from either the front or back, indicating high structural durability.
Unlike previous models where lenses popping off was a flaw, Samsung has redesigned the S26 Ultra's camera lenses to come off with the glass intact. This design allows for a potentially inexpensive, $10 repair that also helps maintain the phone's IP water resistance rating, effectively turning a flaw into a feature.
The S Pen for the S26 Ultra is noticeably thinner and still utilizes copper coils for precise digitizer triangulation. However, it no longer features a capacitor for wireless charging or Bluetooth functionalities, which were present in models like the S24 Ultra.
Samsung has reverted from using titanium to armor aluminum for the entire frame of the S26 Ultra. The reviewer is content with this change, noting that aluminum is easier to work with and recycle, and the phone still maintains excellent structural integrity.
The under-display ultrasonic fingerprint scanner on the S26 Ultra was tested after the screen sustained deep level seven scratches. The reviewer confirmed that despite these significant scratches, the scanner still functioned properly.
The S26 Ultra's screen largely retains the specifications from the previous year, offering 1440p resolution, 2600 nits peak brightness, and a 120Hz refresh rate. These specifications apply when the privacy mode is not engaged, as privacy mode dims the screen.
75/100 source quality
JerryRigEverything performs a rigorous durability test on the Samsung S26 Ultra. The review highlights the S26 Ultra's privacy screen, which effectively halves the viewing angle but significantly dims the display. It also praises Samsung for fixing the camera lens issue, making them easily removable and repairable. The S Pen is noted to be thinner but loses wireless charging and Bluetooth. The phone's screen shows impressive scratch resistance with Corning Gorilla Armor 2, and the device passes the bend test with no flex, despite a switch from titanium to armor aluminum.
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