Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Worth the $1300 Price Tag?

Summary

After two months with the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, it's hailed as the best Android phone yet, excelling in its complete package of hardware and software. Starting at $1,300, the real question is if it's the right phone for you. Its One UI 8.5 on Android 16 offers extensive customization and features, including impressive Gemini AI automation for tasks like booking rides, and improved Quick Share for file transfers. Galaxy AI features like the universal Finder search and system-wide audio eraser are particularly useful, though the Now Nudge feature needs refinement. While camera hardware saw minor upgrades, performance remains solid for everyday shooting and exceptional for video, especially with horizon lock stabilization. The phone's design is lighter and thinner, but the camera bump is significant and the lack of G2 magnets is a drawback. The privacy display is a standout, offering excellent screen protection, and the 6.9-inch screen is vibrant. Performance is top-tier thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, offering smooth multitasking and gaming with excellent thermal management. Battery life, however, is only adequate, lasting a full day but falling short of competitors. Charging speeds are improved to 60 watts wired and 25 watts wireless, but could be faster. Overall, the S26 Ultra is a polished, complete flagship, especially for those upgrading from older devices, but owners of recent models like the S25 Ultra may not find the upgrade compelling unless specific new features are desired.