THE FUSE

While the previous generation relied heavily on the novelty of artificial intelligence to drive upgrades, the Galaxy S26 Ultra represents a return to form for Samsung’s hardware engineering. The 2026 flagship successfully balances a suite of machine-learning enhancements with significant physical upgrades, including a more ergonomic chassis, faster charging, and a pioneering display technology. Despite global component shortages and a shift in material choices, Samsung has maintained a steady entry price of $1,300, making the new Ultra a more comprehensive value proposition than its predecessor.