Samsung galaxy s26 ultra: a disappointing upgrade?

A month after its unveiling, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is generating a buzz – yet early polls reveal a surprising wave of disappointment. While Samsung touts strong sales, particularly for the Ultra variant in the US, many users feel the latest flagship doesn't justify the hefty price tag.

The titanium question: a step back?

Samsung's decision to switch from a titanium frame to aluminum in the S26 Ultra is a significant point of contention. While aluminum offers weight reduction and improved heat dissipation, the move feels like a cost-cutting measure, especially given the $1,300 price point. It's a tacit admission that the premium feel consumers expect at this price is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve.

The return of Bluetooth support for the S Pen, a feature sorely missed after its removal last year, failed to materialize. Samsung’s rationale? Simply, not enough users utilized the feature. A questionable decision, given the S Pen's unique capabilities and the growing ecosystem of compatible accessories.

The display, while bright, suffers a noticeable resolution hit when the privacy display feature is activated, effectively dimming half the pixels. The camera improvements, though present, are incremental. A slightly improved telephoto lens and a brighter main sensor aren’t enough to justify an upgrade for existing S25 Ultra owners. The absence of a 3x telephoto lens upgrade is a particular letdown.

Perhaps the most glaring omission is the battery. Despite competitors like OnePlus and Xiaomi offering significantly larger batteries in their flagship devices, Samsung has stuck with the same 5,000 mAh cell as previous Ultra models. And, notably, there’s no longer MagSafe support. These choices leave many wondering if Samsung prioritized cost savings over delivering a truly premium experience.

However, not all is lost. The new privacy display, which limits screen visibility from off-angles, is a welcome addition. The charging speed has bumped up to 60W, and the new APV codec promises improved video recording. AI-powered features like the image merging tool and audio eraser are intriguing. The