92
Timothy Beck Werth
Mashable
“Still, for dedicated Android users — or anyone who loves big phones and hates Liquid Glass — the S26 Ultra is worth the investment.”
Critical Assessment
What Critics Praise
- Privacy display
- Slimmer and lighter design
- Excellent camera performance
- Versatile lens set
- AI tools
- Class‑leading connectivity
Points of Contention
- Lack of Qi2 magnet
- High price tag
- Case required for stability
- 5,000 mAh battery limits screen‑on time
Professional Reviews
7 reviews from 7 critics90
Nadeem Sarwar
Digital Trends
“After four months of using it as my only phone, I don’t think anything else in the Android segment comes close to its breadth.”
90
Lance Ulanoff
TechRadar
“It would be a big leap from, say, the S23 Ultra or anything earlier, and will undoubtedly end up atop our Best Android Phones buying guide.”
85
Ryan Whitwam
Ars Technica
“The Galaxy S26 Ultra is big, powerful, and overflowing with features.”
80
Raymond Wong
Gizmodo
“For a phone that starts at $1,300 and has it all—including a built-in stylus—I felt pretty indifferent while reviewing it.”
80
Eric Zeman
PCMag
“The S26 Ultra is an excellent phone for creatives who want an S Pen stylus and the absolute best cameras, and is our Editors' Choice for flagship Android phones.”
30
Abrar Al-Heeti
CNET
“Any chance I get, I enthusiastically pull the phone out of my pocket, slowly tilt the screen away from my captive audience, and watch their jaws drop as all or portions of the screen disappear from view — no blackout screen protector needed.”
