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The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is an experiential upgrade over its predecessor. I wouldn't say "incremental" because some features like Privacy Display and improved agentic AI are very significant, but if you already have the Galaxy S25 Ultra , you're probably wondering if these features make it worth buying. 

Also: Samsung Unpacked 2026 live updates: Galaxy S26 Ultra specs, Buds 4 Pro, Bixby, more

I recently went hands-on with Samsung's latest flagship phone, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, to find out. Here's how the two devices compare. 

You should buy the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra if...

Preorder the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

View now at Samsung

1. You need Privacy Display

First, note that the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the same display size, resolution, and refresh rate as its predecessor. Both phones have a 6.9-inch QDH+ 120Hz AMOLED display with a less reflective screen. When the Galaxy S25 Ultra first came out, I said it had the best display on a 2025 smartphone. 

Now, Samsung has topped that with the introduction of the Privacy Display feature. When turned on, it works like a stick-on screen protector. It limits the viewing angles, so no one can eavesdrop on your screen in public. You can have it turned on for the whole screen at all times, when entering PINs and passwords, or only for specific apps.

Also: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. S25 Ultra: My concerns as a longtime Galaxy user

If you have specified apps and you receive a pop-up notification from them, the screen will automatically activate Privacy Display for that portion of the screen. It is built on a pixel level, so it's only available on the Galaxy S26, which could be worth the upgrade for many users. 

2. You want a better in-hand feel

Last year, Samsung redesigned the Galaxy S25 Ultra, cutting down its weight to 218 grams -- a big feat for a mainstream flagship phone. None of the $1,000-plus phones from Apple or Google weighs less than 230 grams. However, it was harder to use than the heavier Galaxy S24 Ultra due to its sharp rear edges. 

The new Samsung phone has a similar design, but it is easier to use. It's Samsung's slimmest Ultra phone yet, measuring 7.9mm thick and weighing 214 grams, making it slimmer and lighter than the predecessor and its Apple and Google rivals. 

If you don't use a case on your phone and are tired of Galaxy S25 Ultra's sides digging into your palm, the Galaxy S26 Ultra should be an ergonomic improvement. 

3. You want working agentic AI

As I wrote in my hands-on, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is the first phone I can see myself using with my voice. It can find and trigger contextual actions without me having to fiddle with Settings or hunt down the app. 

Also: If these Samsung Galaxy S26 features are true, I might finally put away my Google Pixel

For instance, if I want to find the hotel booking saved on my phone, I can just ask for "New York hotel booking," and it'll show me the address, or I can ask it to "Turn on Privacy Display," and it'll do that without needing me to find it in the Settings.

Some of these features should be included in the last-gen Galaxy S25 Ultra, but Samsung hasn't confirmed anything yet. And given the battery capacity is still the same (5,000mAh), Galaxy S26 Ultra's 60W fast charging should make your life, if all-day AI use eats up more battery than usual. 

You should buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra if...

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

$719.49 at Amazon

1. The Galaxy S26 Ultra has minimal hardware changes

If you use a case on your phone, you won't feel the ergonomic differences. Separately, Samsung hasn't upgraded as many internal components as I'd hoped. Barring the Privacy Display, you get the same screen, same battery capacity, same ultrawide and 3x telephoto cameras, and the same S Pen. There are minimal hardware changes on the 200MP camera and 5x telephoto sensor.

Also: I changed 7 settings on my Samsung phone to significantly improve the battery life

If your Galaxy S25 Ultra is working fine, there's no big reason to upgrade. In fact, if you can find this phone for under $800 right now, it is a better deal than the new-gen phone.

2. AI doesn't excite you

The Galaxy S26 Ultra's upgrades include improved AI features. From Bixby getting a conversational and agentic upgrade to photo editing features getting smarter, there's a lot of AI talk. If they don't excite you, it is better to wait and see if Samsung rolls out these features to the Galaxy S25 Ultra rather than buying a new phone for its hype. Many, if not all, should be released for the last-gen model.

Writer's choice

Personally, if I could find a good trade-in offer, I'd upgrade to the Galaxy S26 Ultra in a heartbeat. As a frequent traveler, I love the Privacy Display as a practical feature. I'm in public spaces often, and don't want bystanders to see my screen. I love its implementation, and the easier-to-hold design just adds to a better experience.

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