Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Review (2025): Price, Features, and Camera Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is one of the most anticipated flagship smartphones of 2025. Every year, Samsung’s S-series sets benchmarks in design, performance, and innovation, and the S26 Ultra is no exception. With upgraded hardware, AI-powered features, and a groundbreaking camera system, it aims to redefine what a premium smartphone can deliver. In this detailed Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Review, we’ll dive into its price, specs, features, and how it compares with rivals in the market.

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Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Price in India

When discussing premium smartphones, pricing plays a huge role. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to debut in India with a starting price of ₹1,05,000 for the 12GB RAM + 256GB variant. Higher-end versions, including the 512GB and 1TB models, may go up to ₹1.55 lakh – ₹1.60 lakh.

This pricing positions the S26 Ultra directly against the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Google Pixel 10 Ultra. While expensive, Samsung justifies the price with unmatched performance, years of software updates, and one of the most advanced camera setups in the industry.

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Design and Display – A Refined Flagship Look

In terms of design, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra follows the DNA of its predecessors but introduces subtle refinements. The bezels are slimmer, the overall body is slightly lighter, and Samsung is rumored to adopt an under-display front camera, giving the phone a seamless all-screen appearance.

The phone sports a 6.9-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED display with QHD+ resolution, a 120–165Hz refresh rate, and an astonishing 2,600 nits peak brightness. This makes it perfect for HDR streaming, gaming, and outdoor visibility. The display is also protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Armor, ensuring durability against scratches and drops. (GSM Arena)

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Performance – Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 Power

At the heart of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Review, performance is a major highlight. The phone is powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 chipset, built on a 3nm architecture, paired with up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage (up to 1TB).

This combination ensures blazing-fast speed, lag-free gaming, and effortless multitasking. Whether you’re editing 8K videos, playing heavy games like Genshin Impact, or using AI tools, the Galaxy S26 Ultra delivers uncompromised performance.

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Read Also: iPhone 17 Launch in India 2025: Price, Specs, and Camera Review

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Camera Comparison – The Real Showstopper

One of the main reasons people wait for Samsung’s Ultra models is the camera system. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra takes things up a notch with:

• 200MP primary sensor with variable aperture for exceptional low-light photography.
• 50MP periscope telephoto lens with up to 5x optical zoom.
• 50MP ultra-wide sensor with a 120-degree field of view.
• 12MP telephoto lens with 3x zoom for versatile shots.

The front houses a 12MP under-display selfie camera, offering a distraction-free screen.

Compared to the iPhone 17 Pro Max, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra offers more megapixels and zoom flexibility. The iPhone, however, might still lead in natural color science and video quality. The Pixel 10 Ultra, on the other hand, challenges Samsung in computational photography but lacks Samsung’s zoom capabilities.

In real-world use, Samsung’s AI-powered ProVisual Engine enhances dynamic range, reduces noise, and intelligently adjusts colors, making the camera versatile for both photography enthusiasts and casual users.

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Battery and Charging

Battery performance is another strong point in the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Review. The phone comes with a 5,000mAh battery, with some leaks hinting at a 5,500mAh version. With Samsung’s power-optimized chipset and LTPO display, users can expect all-day battery life, even with heavy use.

Charging support includes:

• 45W fast wired charging (0–70% in about 25 minutes).
• 15W wireless charging.
• Wireless PowerShare for charging accessories like Galaxy Buds or smartwatches.

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Read More: Mahindra XUV700 2025: New Variants, Safety Upgrades, and Mileage Review

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Software and Galaxy AI

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra runs on Android 16 with One UI 8. What makes it stand out this year is the deeper integration of Galaxy AI. Features include:

• Real-time call translation.
• AI image editing tools like generative fill and background expansion.
• Smart multitasking with AI app suggestions.
• Sketch-to-Image, turning rough drawings into detailed visuals.

Samsung has also promised 7 years of major software updates, matching Google and Apple in long-term support.

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Connectivity and Extras

The Galaxy S26 Ultra supports the latest 5G bands, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology. The device is IP68-rated for water and dust resistance. Higher-end models also feature S Pen support, making the phone versatile for creative users.

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Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Competitors

Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra	iPhone 17 Pro Max	Google Pixel 10 Ultra
Main Camera	200MP	48MP	50MP
Zoom Capability	5x + 3x	5x	5x
Battery	5000–5500mAh	4700mAh	4900mAh
Software Support	7 years	7 years	7 years
Price (approx.)	₹1.05–1.60 lakh	₹1.30–1.70 lakh	₹1.10–1.50 lakh

From the comparison, Samsung clearly leads in camera versatility, battery size, and display brightness, while Apple excels in ecosystem integration and Google in AI photography.

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Final Thoughts

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Review shows why this flagship is one of the most talked-about phones of 2025. With its 6.9-inch AMOLED display, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 chipset, 200MP quad camera setup, and AI-driven One UI 8, the device offers a powerhouse combination of performance, design, and innovation.

While it comes at a premium price, it provides value for enthusiasts who want the best camera phone, long-term software support, and future-ready features. If you’re torn between Apple and Samsung, the Galaxy S26 Ultra might just tip the scales with its unmatched hardware and AI capabilities.

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FAQs of Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Review (2025)