Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Review: Is It Worth Buying?
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra specs, camera and battery tests six months later, price in Pakistan, and how it compares to the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Pixel 10 Pro XL.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Review: Is It Worth Buying?
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra specs, camera and battery tests six months later, price in Pakistan, and how it compares to the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Pixel 10 Pro XL.
Samsung launched the Galaxy S26 Ultra in March 2026 with a 6.9 inch display, a world-first "Privacy Display" mode, a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip in every region, a 200MP main camera with a wider f/1.4 aperture, and 60W charging. Six months in, reviewers still like the battery life, the thinner build, and the low-light camera gains, but the frame switched from titanium to aluminum, the screen tests dimmer than last year's in some labs, and the S Pen lost its Bluetooth remote features. Most reviewers say skip it if you already own a Galaxy S25 Ultra. Here's the full breakdown.
Six Months In, Is the Galaxy S26 Ultra Still Worth Buying?
Samsung announced the Galaxy S26 Ultra on February 25, 2026, with sales starting March 11, 2026. Half a year later, it's still one of the most talked-about Android flagships, but not always for the reasons Samsung hoped. Tom's Guide's review praises the battery life and camera improvements while also noting the phone is "pricier than last year" with a few missing creature comforts. Digital Camera World called it "a 9/10 phone with an 8/10 camera," a fair summary of how reviewers feel about it once the launch hype settled.
This guide covers the full spec sheet, how the camera and battery hold up in real use, whether it's worth upgrading from a Galaxy S25 Ultra, how it compares to the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Pixel 10 Pro XL, and what to expect on price in Pakistan.
Display: 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 1440 x 3120, 120Hz, 2600 nits peak brightness, HDR10+, plus a built-in "Privacy Display" mode that blocks side views
Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 "for Galaxy," the same chip worldwide with no Exynos version this time, according to SamMobile
RAM / Storage: 12GB RAM on the 256GB and 512GB models, 16GB RAM on the 1TB model, UFS 4.x storage
Rear cameras: 200MP main (f/1.4) + 50MP ultrawide + 50MP 5x telephoto (f/2.9) + 10MP 3x telephoto, with up to 100x digital zoom and 8K video at 30fps
Front camera: 12MP
Battery: 5000 mAh
Charging: 60W wired (about 75% in 30 minutes), 25W wireless with Qi2 magnetic alignment
S Pen: Included, no charging or Bluetooth pairing needed, 4,096 pressure levels
Written by the iSwap Team
iSwap.pk is Pakistan's marketplace for buying, selling, and swapping mobile phones. Our editorial team covers phone reviews, price guides, and buying tips to help you shop smarter. Learn more about us
Samsung launched the Galaxy S26 Ultra in March 2026 with a 6.9 inch display, a world-first "Privacy Display" mode, a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip in every region, a 200MP main camera with a wider f/1.4 aperture, and 60W charging. Six months in, reviewers still like the battery life, the thinner build, and the low-light camera gains, but the frame switched from titanium to aluminum, the screen tests dimmer than last year's in some labs, and the S Pen lost its Bluetooth remote features. Most reviewers say skip it if you already own a Galaxy S25 Ultra. Here's the full breakdown.
Six Months In, Is the Galaxy S26 Ultra Still Worth Buying?
Samsung announced the Galaxy S26 Ultra on February 25, 2026, with sales starting March 11, 2026. Half a year later, it's still one of the most talked-about Android flagships, but not always for the reasons Samsung hoped. Tom's Guide's review praises the battery life and camera improvements while also noting the phone is "pricier than last year" with a few missing creature comforts. Digital Camera World called it "a 9/10 phone with an 8/10 camera," a fair summary of how reviewers feel about it once the launch hype settled.
This guide covers the full spec sheet, how the camera and battery hold up in real use, whether it's worth upgrading from a Galaxy S25 Ultra, how it compares to the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Pixel 10 Pro XL, and what to expect on price in Pakistan.
Display: 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 1440 x 3120, 120Hz, 2600 nits peak brightness, HDR10+, plus a built-in "Privacy Display" mode that blocks side views
Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 "for Galaxy," the same chip worldwide with no Exynos version this time, according to SamMobile
RAM / Storage: 12GB RAM on the 256GB and 512GB models, 16GB RAM on the 1TB model, UFS 4.x storage
Rear cameras: 200MP main (f/1.4) + 50MP ultrawide + 50MP 5x telephoto (f/2.9) + 10MP 3x telephoto, with up to 100x digital zoom and 8K video at 30fps
Front camera: 12MP
Battery: 5000 mAh
Charging: 60W wired (about 75% in 30 minutes), 25W wireless with Qi2 magnetic alignment
S Pen: Included, no charging or Bluetooth pairing needed, 4,096 pressure levels
Written by the iSwap Team
iSwap.pk is Pakistan's marketplace for buying, selling, and swapping mobile phones. Our editorial team covers phone reviews, price guides, and buying tips to help you shop smarter. Learn more about us
The two changes that stand out most are the camera's wider apertures, which pull in noticeably more light, and the frame switching from titanium back to aluminum, a move Samsung says lets the phone run 0.3mm thinner than the S25 Ultra, per SamMobile's report.
Does the Galaxy S26 Ultra Have a Good Camera?
Yes, the Galaxy S26 Ultra has one of the most capable camera systems on any phone, mainly because of its wider apertures. The main sensor jumped from f/1.7 to f/1.4 and the 5x telephoto lens from f/3.4 to f/2.9, letting in 47% more light on the main camera and 37% more on the telephoto lens compared to the Galaxy S25 Ultra, according to Samsung's own figures reported by TechRadar.
That said, not every reviewer is impressed by how much this translates to everyday photos. Some outlets describe the actual camera output as "relatively unchanged" despite the hardware upgrades, based on side-by-side testing against the S25 Ultra. Where it clearly does well is low light, which is exactly what a wider aperture is meant to help with.
Against rivals, the story is mixed. PhoneArena's spec comparison shows the Galaxy shoots 8K video at 30fps versus the iPhone's 4K cap, but the iPhone still leads on video codec support and has a sharper 18MP front camera compared to the Galaxy's 12MP.
How Long Does the Galaxy S26 Ultra Battery Last?
The Galaxy S26 Ultra's 5000 mAh battery delivers strong all-day battery life, with some reviewers reporting around 8 hours and 10 minutes of screen-on time in daily use, and Android Authority's review specifically calling it some of the best battery life the reviewer has seen in a flagship phone. Charging is faster too: 60W wired charging gets you to about 75% in 30 minutes, and a full charge takes roughly 48 minutes, down from about 69 minutes on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, per SammyGuru's charging tests.
There's one long-term concern worth knowing about. A battery energy label filed under EU Regulation 2023/1669 reportedly rates the Galaxy S26 Ultra's battery for only 1,200 charge cycles before it drops to 80% health, down from 2,000 cycles on the Galaxy S25, according to PhoneArena. That's a single-source figure from a regulatory label rather than independent lab testing, but it's worth factoring in if you plan to keep the phone for several years. Some users have also reported faster-than-expected battery drain after software updates on Samsung's community forums, though these are self-reported and not confirmed by independent testing.
Should You Upgrade From the Galaxy S25 Ultra?
For most Galaxy S25 Ultra owners, upgrading to the S26 Ultra isn't worth it. PhoneArena's analysis found that in one survey, 76% of respondents saw insufficient reason to upgrade, and multiple reviewers recommend S25 Ultra owners sit this generation out unless they specifically want the new Privacy Display or the faster 60W charging.
The camera's aperture upgrades are real, but the megapixel counts and zoom ranges are unchanged from last year, according to SamMobile's generation comparison. One thing worth clearing up: both phones get the same 7 years of OS and security updates, since Samsung's update policy applies across the generation rather than improving with each new model. Don't assume the newer phone gets longer support, because it doesn't.
How Does It Compare to the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Pixel 10 Pro XL?
The Galaxy S26 Ultra beats both rivals on raw performance and charging speed, but it costs more than either one and loses ground on display quality against the Pixel.
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max costs $100 less at launch, has a sharper front camera and better video codec support, and holds performance better under sustained load, though the Galaxy pulls ahead on peak benchmark scores and charges noticeably faster. We covered the iPhone in full in our iPhone 17 Pro Max review.
The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL also costs less, and its display measures brighter and more color accurate in independent testing despite being slightly smaller. The Galaxy counters with a thinner body, louder speakers, and a more versatile dual-telephoto camera setup.
Both rivals are worth comparing directly if display quality or price matters more to you than raw specs. You can also check out Samsung's other big 2026 releases in our Galaxy Z Fold 8 vs Z Fold 8 Ultra comparison if a foldable is on your radar instead.
What Are the Pros and Cons of the Galaxy S26 Ultra?
Pros:
World-first Privacy Display built right into the screen
Thinner and lighter than the Galaxy S25 Ultra
Fastest charging yet in a Galaxy Ultra, at 60W wired and 25W wireless
Wider camera apertures give a real low-light boost
S Pen still included, with no separate charging required
7 years of guaranteed OS and security updates
Cons:
Frame downgraded from titanium to aluminum
Some independent tests measure the screen as dimmer than the S25 Ultra
Privacy Display can reduce visibility at high brightness or steep angles
S Pen lost its Bluetooth Air Actions, like the remote shutter
Battery reportedly rated for fewer charge cycles than last year's model
Large camera bump
Little reason to upgrade if you already own a Galaxy S25 Ultra
Galaxy S26 Ultra Price in Pakistan
Pricing for the Galaxy S26 Ultra varies quite a bit between retailers right now. WhatMobile lists it starting from roughly Rs 424,999 for the base model, while other retailers quote figures both above and below that, so treat any single number as a starting point rather than a fixed price.
On top of the retail price, expect PTA registration costs if you're importing a unit yourself rather than buying one through an authorized local channel, since unregistered phones can't be used on Pakistani networks long term. The safest way to get an accurate number is to check Samsung phone listings in Pakistan for current prices before you commit to buying.
Conclusion
Six months after launch, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is a genuinely strong flagship, especially if battery life, fast charging, and a brighter, more private display matter to you. The camera's wider apertures help in low light, and the thinner, lighter body is a welcome change. What holds it back is the frame material downgrade, a screen that tests dimmer than last year's in some labs, and an S Pen with fewer tricks than before.
If you already own a Galaxy S25 Ultra, most reviewers agree it's fine to skip this generation. If you're coming from an older phone or a different brand, it's still one of the better flagships you can buy right now, alongside the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the Pixel 10 Pro XL.
Yes, for most buyers coming from an older phone or a different brand. It has strong battery life, fast charging, and a genuinely useful Privacy Display, though the frame is now aluminum instead of titanium.
Should I upgrade from the Galaxy S25 Ultra?
Probably not. The camera aperture upgrades and faster charging are real, but reviewers widely agree the differences are too small to justify upgrading unless you specifically want the new Privacy Display.
Does the Galaxy S26 Ultra use Snapdragon or Exynos?
It uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 "for Galaxy" worldwide. Unlike the standard Galaxy S26 and S26+, there's no regional Exynos version of the Ultra this generation.
How is the Galaxy S26 Ultra's battery life and charging speed?
Battery life is strong, with some reviewers reporting over 8 hours of screen-on time. Charging is faster than last year too, reaching a full charge in about 48 minutes on a 60W charger, down from about 69 minutes on the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
What happened to the S Pen's Bluetooth features?
Samsung removed Bluetooth Air Actions from the S26 Ultra's S Pen, so features like the remote shutter button no longer work. The pen still works for writing, drawing, and Air Command without needing to be charged.
How much does the Galaxy S26 Ultra cost in Pakistan?
Retail prices vary by source, with some listings starting around Rs 424,999 for the base model. Prices differ between retailers, so check a current listing before buying, and confirm PTA registration status if you're importing one yourself.
Build: Armor Aluminum 2 frame with Gorilla Armor 2 front glass and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back, IP68 rated
OS: One UI on Android, with 7 years of guaranteed OS and security updates
The two changes that stand out most are the camera's wider apertures, which pull in noticeably more light, and the frame switching from titanium back to aluminum, a move Samsung says lets the phone run 0.3mm thinner than the S25 Ultra, per SamMobile's report.
Does the Galaxy S26 Ultra Have a Good Camera?
Yes, the Galaxy S26 Ultra has one of the most capable camera systems on any phone, mainly because of its wider apertures. The main sensor jumped from f/1.7 to f/1.4 and the 5x telephoto lens from f/3.4 to f/2.9, letting in 47% more light on the main camera and 37% more on the telephoto lens compared to the Galaxy S25 Ultra, according to Samsung's own figures reported by TechRadar.
That said, not every reviewer is impressed by how much this translates to everyday photos. Some outlets describe the actual camera output as "relatively unchanged" despite the hardware upgrades, based on side-by-side testing against the S25 Ultra. Where it clearly does well is low light, which is exactly what a wider aperture is meant to help with.
Against rivals, the story is mixed. PhoneArena's spec comparison shows the Galaxy shoots 8K video at 30fps versus the iPhone's 4K cap, but the iPhone still leads on video codec support and has a sharper 18MP front camera compared to the Galaxy's 12MP.
How Long Does the Galaxy S26 Ultra Battery Last?
The Galaxy S26 Ultra's 5000 mAh battery delivers strong all-day battery life, with some reviewers reporting around 8 hours and 10 minutes of screen-on time in daily use, and Android Authority's review specifically calling it some of the best battery life the reviewer has seen in a flagship phone. Charging is faster too: 60W wired charging gets you to about 75% in 30 minutes, and a full charge takes roughly 48 minutes, down from about 69 minutes on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, per SammyGuru's charging tests.
There's one long-term concern worth knowing about. A battery energy label filed under EU Regulation 2023/1669 reportedly rates the Galaxy S26 Ultra's battery for only 1,200 charge cycles before it drops to 80% health, down from 2,000 cycles on the Galaxy S25, according to PhoneArena. That's a single-source figure from a regulatory label rather than independent lab testing, but it's worth factoring in if you plan to keep the phone for several years. Some users have also reported faster-than-expected battery drain after software updates on Samsung's community forums, though these are self-reported and not confirmed by independent testing.
Should You Upgrade From the Galaxy S25 Ultra?
For most Galaxy S25 Ultra owners, upgrading to the S26 Ultra isn't worth it. PhoneArena's analysis found that in one survey, 76% of respondents saw insufficient reason to upgrade, and multiple reviewers recommend S25 Ultra owners sit this generation out unless they specifically want the new Privacy Display or the faster 60W charging.
The camera's aperture upgrades are real, but the megapixel counts and zoom ranges are unchanged from last year, according to SamMobile's generation comparison. One thing worth clearing up: both phones get the same 7 years of OS and security updates, since Samsung's update policy applies across the generation rather than improving with each new model. Don't assume the newer phone gets longer support, because it doesn't.
How Does It Compare to the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Pixel 10 Pro XL?
The Galaxy S26 Ultra beats both rivals on raw performance and charging speed, but it costs more than either one and loses ground on display quality against the Pixel.
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max costs $100 less at launch, has a sharper front camera and better video codec support, and holds performance better under sustained load, though the Galaxy pulls ahead on peak benchmark scores and charges noticeably faster. We covered the iPhone in full in our iPhone 17 Pro Max review.
The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL also costs less, and its display measures brighter and more color accurate in independent testing despite being slightly smaller. The Galaxy counters with a thinner body, louder speakers, and a more versatile dual-telephoto camera setup.
Both rivals are worth comparing directly if display quality or price matters more to you than raw specs. You can also check out Samsung's other big 2026 releases in our Galaxy Z Fold 8 vs Z Fold 8 Ultra comparison if a foldable is on your radar instead.
What Are the Pros and Cons of the Galaxy S26 Ultra?
Pros:
World-first Privacy Display built right into the screen
Thinner and lighter than the Galaxy S25 Ultra
Fastest charging yet in a Galaxy Ultra, at 60W wired and 25W wireless
Wider camera apertures give a real low-light boost
S Pen still included, with no separate charging required
7 years of guaranteed OS and security updates
Cons:
Frame downgraded from titanium to aluminum
Some independent tests measure the screen as dimmer than the S25 Ultra
Privacy Display can reduce visibility at high brightness or steep angles
S Pen lost its Bluetooth Air Actions, like the remote shutter
Battery reportedly rated for fewer charge cycles than last year's model
Large camera bump
Little reason to upgrade if you already own a Galaxy S25 Ultra
Galaxy S26 Ultra Price in Pakistan
Pricing for the Galaxy S26 Ultra varies quite a bit between retailers right now. WhatMobile lists it starting from roughly Rs 424,999 for the base model, while other retailers quote figures both above and below that, so treat any single number as a starting point rather than a fixed price.
On top of the retail price, expect PTA registration costs if you're importing a unit yourself rather than buying one through an authorized local channel, since unregistered phones can't be used on Pakistani networks long term. The safest way to get an accurate number is to check Samsung phone listings in Pakistan for current prices before you commit to buying.
Conclusion
Six months after launch, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is a genuinely strong flagship, especially if battery life, fast charging, and a brighter, more private display matter to you. The camera's wider apertures help in low light, and the thinner, lighter body is a welcome change. What holds it back is the frame material downgrade, a screen that tests dimmer than last year's in some labs, and an S Pen with fewer tricks than before.
If you already own a Galaxy S25 Ultra, most reviewers agree it's fine to skip this generation. If you're coming from an older phone or a different brand, it's still one of the better flagships you can buy right now, alongside the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the Pixel 10 Pro XL.
Yes, for most buyers coming from an older phone or a different brand. It has strong battery life, fast charging, and a genuinely useful Privacy Display, though the frame is now aluminum instead of titanium.
Should I upgrade from the Galaxy S25 Ultra?
Probably not. The camera aperture upgrades and faster charging are real, but reviewers widely agree the differences are too small to justify upgrading unless you specifically want the new Privacy Display.
Does the Galaxy S26 Ultra use Snapdragon or Exynos?
It uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 "for Galaxy" worldwide. Unlike the standard Galaxy S26 and S26+, there's no regional Exynos version of the Ultra this generation.
How is the Galaxy S26 Ultra's battery life and charging speed?
Battery life is strong, with some reviewers reporting over 8 hours of screen-on time. Charging is faster than last year too, reaching a full charge in about 48 minutes on a 60W charger, down from about 69 minutes on the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
What happened to the S Pen's Bluetooth features?
Samsung removed Bluetooth Air Actions from the S26 Ultra's S Pen, so features like the remote shutter button no longer work. The pen still works for writing, drawing, and Air Command without needing to be charged.
How much does the Galaxy S26 Ultra cost in Pakistan?
Retail prices vary by source, with some listings starting around Rs 424,999 for the base model. Prices differ between retailers, so check a current listing before buying, and confirm PTA registration status if you're importing one yourself.
