Monday, 7 July 2025

Samsung Galaxy S26 Series Review After Official Release

The Samsung Galaxy S26 series is finally here, and with its global release, users now have a clear picture of what the flagship lineup brings to the table. As the follow-up to the popular S24 series, the Galaxy S26 lineup refines what Samsung does best—premium hardware, beautiful displays, powerful cameras, and an ever-improving AI-driven software experience. With three models in the series—Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus, and Galaxy S26 Ultra—Samsung caters to a wide range of users, from casual smartphone owners to power users and content creators. Here’s a full breakdown and review of each device based on their real-world performance.

Design and Build Quality

Samsung hasn’t overhauled the design language of the S26 series, but it has made meaningful improvements in comfort, symmetry, and durability.
  • Slimmer bezels and more rounded corners for a sleeker feel
  • All models use Gorilla Glass Victus 3 with aluminum frames
  • Flush camera layout removes the camera ring bump from previous models
  • IP68 dust and water resistance remains standard
The Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus offer a lightweight and comfortable design, while the Ultra retains a premium, squared-off look with a larger footprint.

Display Quality

Samsung remains at the top of the smartphone display game, and the S26 series continues this legacy with vivid colors, sharp details, and smooth refresh rates.

Display Specs Across the Models:

  • Galaxy S26: 6.1-inch FHD+ AMOLED 2X
  • Galaxy S26 Plus: 6.6-inch FHD+ AMOLED 2X
  • Galaxy S26 Ultra: 6.9-inch QHD+ AMOLED 2X
All models feature:
  • 120Hz adaptive refresh rate
  • HDR10+ support
  • Peak brightness of up to 2600 nits (Ultra)
The result is an incredible viewing experience whether you're gaming, watching Netflix, or just scrolling through apps.

Performance and Hardware

With the release version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset, the S26 series is the fastest Samsung lineup to date. Whether it's multitasking, gaming, or heavy productivity, the performance is flawless.

Key Hardware Specs:

  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 across all models (3nm architecture)
  • Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus: 8GB RAM, 128GB/256GB storage
  • Galaxy S26 Ultra: 12GB or 16GB RAM, up to 1TB storage
  • Improved vapor chamber cooling system in the Ultra
App launch times are faster, gaming is smoother, and multitasking is more fluid. Benchmark scores also show the S26 Ultra outpacing competitors like the iPhone 16 Pro in some GPU tests.

Camera Performance

Samsung continues to refine its camera tech rather than drastically overhaul it. In real-world usage, the Galaxy S26 series delivers better low-light photos, more natural skin tones, and sharper zoomed-in shots.

Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus Camera Setup:

  • 50MP main camera with OIS
  • 12MP ultra-wide lens
  • 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom

Galaxy S26 Ultra Camera Setup:

  • 200MP primary sensor with adaptive pixel binning
  • 12MP ultra-wide lens
  • 12MP 3x telephoto
  • 10MP periscope lens with 10x optical and up to 100x digital zoom
Samsung's AI image processing has improved dramatically with the new One UI. Features like Scene Optimizer, AI Night Mode, and Smart Zoom make a noticeable difference in daily photography. Video performance is also strong across the board, with all models supporting 4K at 60fps and the Ultra capable of 8K video at 30fps.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery performance is solid across all models, thanks in part to the efficiency of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip and software optimizations.

Battery Specs:

  • Galaxy S26: 4000mAh
  • Galaxy S26 Plus: 4700mAh
  • Galaxy S26 Ultra: 5000mAh

Charging Features:

  • 25W wired charging (S26 and Plus)
  • 45W wired charging (Ultra)
  • 15W wireless charging standard
  • 50W Qi2 magnetic wireless charging on Ultra
  • Wireless PowerShare for charging accessories
In everyday use, the S26 Ultra comfortably lasts a full day with moderate to heavy use, while the S26 and Plus may need a top-up in the evening for power users.

Software and AI Features

Running One UI 7 based on Android 15, the Galaxy S26 series is focused on AI-powered productivity and user customization.

Notable AI Features:

  • AI-generated summaries in Samsung Notes
  • Live translation in phone calls and messages
  • Smart image editing with content-aware fill and background removal
  • Perplexity AI replaces Google Gemini for faster, context-aware browsing
These tools are responsive, practical, and seamlessly integrated into the user experience. AI suggestions pop up based on app usage, time of day, and even user location.

Connectivity and Other Features

Samsung has packed the Galaxy S26 series with the latest connectivity options and useful extras.
  • 5G and Wi-Fi 7 support
  • Bluetooth 5.4 and UWB (Plus and Ultra)
  • Under-display fingerprint sensor
  • Dolby Atmos stereo speakers
  • Emergency satellite connectivity (Ultra only)
One notable change is the removal of the built-in S Pen slot on the S26 Ultra. The S Pen is now optional and works wirelessly, which helps slim down the device but may disappoint fans of the Note-like experience.

Pricing and Final Verdict

Now that pricing is official, here's how the Galaxy S26 series stacks up:
  • Galaxy S26: Starting at $799 USD
  • Galaxy S26 Plus: Starting at $999 USD
  • Galaxy S26 Ultra: Starting at $1199 USD
Each model targets a specific user group, and Samsung delivers a refined experience across the board. While the upgrades are evolutionary rather than revolutionary, the focus on AI, efficiency, and camera quality makes the S26 series one of the best smartphone lineups available right now.

Final Thoughts:

  • If you’re upgrading from a Galaxy S21 or older, the S26 series is a massive improvement
  • The S26 Ultra is ideal for creators, professionals, and tech enthusiasts
  • The standard S26 is perfect for users wanting a compact flagship
With a powerful chipset, stunning displays, advanced cameras, and intelligent AI features, the Samsung Galaxy S26 series proves why Samsung remains a leader in the premium smartphone market.

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