The Galaxy S26 Ultra: Rumors Rated and Reviewed
I've been in the smartphone game for over two decades, and Samsung has been a constant companion on this journey. From the early days of Palm OS to the Windows Mobile era, I've witnessed Samsung's evolution. And now, as we eagerly anticipate the launch of the Galaxy S26 Ultra, it's time to dive into the rumors and separate fact from fiction.
But here's where it gets controversial... I'm not just going to list these rumors; I'm going to rate them based on my extensive experience with phone reviews. We'll explore the potential upgrades and how they stack up against the Galaxy S25 Ultra. So, let's get started and see if you agree with my assessments!
Samsung Privacy Display: 8/10
Samsung is hyping this feature big time, and for good reason. The new Privacy Display gives users an unprecedented level of control over their privacy. Whether it's hiding specific apps or securing sensitive data entry, this feature is a game-changer. By combining hardware and AI, Samsung aims to shield your information without compromising the overall display brightness. If they pull this off, dedicated privacy screens might become a thing of the past.
Better Low-Light Camera: 7/10
The Galaxy S25 Ultra was a powerhouse, but it fell short in low-light conditions compared to Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Max. However, rumors suggest that the S26 Ultra will address this issue with a wider aperture for the main camera. This should result in brighter images and improved low-light performance, both for photos and videos. Samsung has already teased us with some impressive footage, showcasing how the S26 Ultra will 'light up your night.'
Faster 60W Charging: 6/10
Samsung's Ultra line has been stuck on 45W charging, so an upgrade to 60W is certainly welcome. According to tipster Ice Universe, the S26 Ultra could reach 75% charge in just 30 minutes. While this is an improvement, our tests with the S25 Ultra showed it reaching 71% in the same time over 45W. We're hoping for even faster charging with the rumored 60W capability.
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Power: 5/10
We've already tested the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip in the OnePlus 15, so this upgrade might not seem as exciting. Based on leaked benchmarks, the S26 Ultra is expected to offer faster multi-core performance than the iPhone 17 Pro Max. However, it seems to score lower in single-core performance. On the graphics front, the S26 Ultra could outperform the iPhone 17 Pro Max, based on OnePlus 15's results in 3DMark Wild Life.
Slightly Updated Design: 4/10
The Galaxy S25 Ultra had an excellent design, so it's not a huge disappointment that the S26 Ultra won't look drastically different. However, Ice Universe hints at some notable changes. The S26 Ultra will have slightly more rounded corners, which could make it more comfortable to hold. Additionally, the front camera cutout will be slightly different, and the device will be slightly thinner and lighter. However, it will also be taller and wider, with a slightly larger display. Overall, the design updates are subtle.
No Battery Upgrade: 2/10
Several Chinese manufacturers have adopted silicon carbon batteries, which offer increased capacity without a larger size. However, the S26 Ultra is rumored to stick with a 5,000 mAh battery. This is disappointing, especially when compared to the OnePlus 15's 7,300 mAh battery, which lasted over 25 hours in our tests. We're not expecting a significant improvement in battery life for the S26 Ultra, unless the new Snapdragon chip is incredibly efficient.
No Magnetic Charging (Again): 1/10
We were disappointed when the S25 Ultra launched with Qi2 support, requiring a separate case for magnetic charging. The S26 Ultra is rumored to have the same weakness, allegedly due to potential interference with the S Pen functionality. Personally, I'd rather have magnetic charging than an S Pen at this point.
So, there you have it! My ratings and thoughts on the Galaxy S26 Ultra rumors. Do you agree with my assessments? Let's discuss in the comments and share your thoughts on these potential upgrades!
