Samsung is once again pushing the limits of smartphone innovation with the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra. Packed with futuristic design, an upgraded camera system, and blazing-fast performance, it positions itself as the ultimate Android flagship. But with a price tag hovering around ₹1.5 lakh in India, the question remains: is it really worth it?
Design and Display
The Galaxy S26 Ultra refines its iconic Ultra design with a slimmer, lighter frame and softer curved edges for a more comfortable grip. A new polished glass back with a bold camera island gives it a premium yet powerful aesthetic. The star of the show is its 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED LTPO display with up to 165Hz refresh rate and peak brightness crossing 3000 nits. Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or working, the visuals are stunningly smooth and immersive.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 processor, paired with up to 16GB RAM. It breezes through multitasking, high-end gaming, and professional workloads like video editing. Storage options go up to 1TB, ensuring you’ll never run out of space. Advanced cooling technology keeps performance consistent even under heavy use.
Software and Ecosystem
Launching with Android 16 and One UI 8, the S26 Ultra brings enhanced personalization, AI-powered productivity features, and tighter integration with Galaxy devices. Samsung promises 7 years of updates, making it one of the most future-proof Android phones available. With the S Pen built-in, it continues to dominate as the best phone for note-taking, sketching, and productivity on the go.
Camera System
Photography is where the Galaxy S26 Ultra truly shines:
- 200MP main sensor with larger aperture for unmatched low-light photography
- 50MP ultra-wide lens for sweeping landscapes
- 12MP 3x telephoto and periscope 5x telephoto lens with laser autofocus for crystal-clear zoom
- Advanced AI-driven image processing for lifelike portraits, sharper details, and cinematic video
Whether it’s professional shoots, vlogging, or casual snapshots, the S26 Ultra is designed to be a pocket-sized DSLR alternative.
Battery and Charging
The phone packs a 5,000mAh battery, optimized with AI for longer endurance. While capacity hasn’t drastically changed, Samsung adds 65W fast charging and 45W wireless charging support, ensuring quick top-ups. Rumors also hint at a new silicon-carbon battery variant, potentially increasing efficiency and lifespan.
Price and Availability
In India, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to launch in January 2026, with pricing as follows:
- 12GB + 256GB – Around ₹1.2 lakh
- 12GB + 512GB – Around ₹1.3 lakh
- 16GB + 1TB – Around ₹1.5 lakh
This makes it one of the most expensive Android phones ever, directly competing with Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Competitors
| Feature | Galaxy S26 Ultra | iPhone 17 Pro Max | Google Pixel 10 Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.9″ AMOLED, 165Hz | 6.8″ OLED, 120Hz | 6.7″ OLED, 144Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite | A19 Bionic | Google Tensor G5 |
| Cameras | 200MP Quad Setup | 48MP Triple Camera | 108MP Triple Camera |
| Battery | 5000mAh, 65W | 4800mAh, 30W | 4900mAh, 45W |
| Price (India) | ₹1.2–1.5 lakh | ₹1.4–1.6 lakh | ₹1.0–1.2 lakh |
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is built for those who want the absolute best in design, performance, and photography—without compromise. At around ₹1.5 lakh, it’s not meant for the average buyer but for enthusiasts, creators, and professionals who demand cutting-edge technology. If you’re looking for unmatched cameras, a massive display, and years of software support, the S26 Ultra could justify its premium price tag.
FAQ’s:
Q1. What is the screen size of Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
It features a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with up to 165Hz refresh rate.
Q2. Does it come with the S Pen?
Yes, the Galaxy S26 Ultra continues to support the S Pen, built directly into the device.
Q3. How much storage does it offer?
It comes in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB variants.
Q4. What about the battery life?
The 5000mAh battery lasts a full day with heavy usage and supports 65W fast charging.
Q5. Is the ₹1.5 lakh price worth it?
For tech enthusiasts, creators, and professionals, yes. For average users, Samsung’s lower S26 models might be better value.