Samsung's S26 Ultra: AI Woes, Hardware Wins

Summary

Samsung's latest flagship, the S26 Ultra, showcases impressive hardware innovation like a dynamic privacy display, but stumbles on its AI features. While the AI task automation is promising, it won't be exclusive to Samsung phones. The 'Now Suite' of AI widgets is criticized for being unhelpful and a waste of space. Despite these software shortcomings, the S26 Ultra is lauded as a great smartphone with a highly performant, customized Qualcomm chip and improved thermal management. The privacy display, which can be toggled on for specific apps or set to auto-trigger, is a standout feature, adapting to user needs without compromising viewing angles. Audio Eraser, a feature that enhances vocals by suppressing background noise in videos, is another highlight. Camera improvements include larger apertures on the main and telephoto lenses, offering better low-light performance, though side-by-side comparisons suggest Apple's iPhone still leads in color accuracy and detail. Battery capacity remains unchanged, but fast charging has finally arrived, reaching 80% in 30 minutes. The S26 Ultra is positioned for power users and gamers, with its higher price point compared to competitors like the Google Pixel, which offers a more refined user experience in its smaller details.