Samsung today released its flagship smartphones at the 2026 Galaxy Unpacked event to a lot of fanfare and anticipation among tech enthusiasts globally, but the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra stands out from the pack.
From a world-first hardware privacy display to deeply integrated, on-device AI, the S26 Ultra is not just the best Galaxy phone of 2026 but one of the most forward-looking smartphones on the market today.
Galaxy AI Grows Up: Less Noise, More Intelligence
Instead of flashy AI demos, the S26 Ultra introduces agentic AI that quietly assists in the background, understanding intent, context, and habits.
Tasks like drafting replies, summarising messages, organising photos, or suggesting actions now happen naturally, without constant user prompts. More importantly, much of this intelligence runs on-device, reducing latency while keeping personal data private.
This marks a turning point where AI becomes infrastructure, not a gimmick.
Camera: Built for Light, Powered by Intelligence
Samsung has refined what already worked. The Galaxy S26 Ultra’s main camera now features a wider f/1.4 aperture, allowing more light to hit the sensor which dramatically improves low-light photography, night shots, and indoor images.
Beyond hardware, AI processing now plays a larger role in:
- Cleaner night photos with reduced noise
- More accurate skin tones in portraits
- Smarter depth mapping even on the selfie camera
While the S26 and S26+ are capable shooters, the Ultra clearly leads in consistency and image intelligence.
A World-First Hardware Privacy Display
The most distinctive feature of the Galaxy S26 Ultra is its hardware-based privacy display, a first in the mainstream smartphone industry. Similar feature has been in some phone protectors.
Unlike software privacy filters, this technology physically limits viewing angles at the display level. In public spaces like matatus, airports, or coffee shops, sensitive content stays visible only to you.
This feature is exclusive to the Ultra and reflects Samsung’s growing focus on everyday digital privacy.
Performance Designed for the Long Run
Samsung equips the S26 Ultra with its most advanced processing and neural hardware yet, delivering:
- Faster multitasking
- Smoother gaming and graphics
- Accelerated AI workloads
- Improved thermal management
Combined with faster charging and better heat control, the Ultra is designed to remain powerful not just this year.
Galaxy S26 Series Comparison
| Feature | Galaxy S26 | Galaxy S26+ | Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.2″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X | 6.7″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X | 6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Main Camera | 50 MP | 50 MP | 200 MP (f/1.4) |
| Telephoto Zoom | 3× Optical | 3× Optical | 5× Optical |
| Ultra‑Wide | 12 MP | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Selfie Camera | 10 MP | 10 MP | 12 MP |
| AI Image Processing | Standard | Enhanced | Most Advanced |
| Privacy Display | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ Hardware Privacy Display |
| On‑Device AI Features | Basic | Expanded | Full Agentic AI Suite |
| Chipset | Latest Flagship | Latest Flagship | Enhanced Neural Engine |
| Battery | ~4,000 mAh | ~4,700 mAh | ~5,000 mAh |
| Charging | Fast Charging | Fast Charging | Fast + Advanced Thermal Tech |
| Build Materials | Armor Aluminium | Armor Aluminium | Armor Aluminium + Premium Finish |
| Notable Upside | Compact flagship | Balanced size/power | Top performance + privacy + camera |
Feature Focus Comparison
| Category | Galaxy S26 | Galaxy S26+ | Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI Features | ✔ Helpful | ✔ Expanded | ✔ Most Context‑Aware |
| Camera System | ✔ Great | ✔ Very Good | ✔ Best Overall |
| Low‑Light Photography | Moderate | Improved | Best in Series |
| Zoom Capability | 3× | 3× | 5× + Enhanced Detail |
| Privacy & Security | Standard | Standard | Hardware Privacy Screen |
| Power User Ready | Everyday Use | Everyday + Power Use | Multitasking + Future‑proof |
| Value Proposition | Sweet spot | Mid‑tier choice | Flagship Experience |
Kenya Price Comparison
| Model | Starting Price RRP (KES) |
|---|---|
| Galaxy S26 | KES 120,000 |
| Galaxy S26+ | KES 144,400 |
| Galaxy S26 Ultra | KES 171,400 |
(Prices may vary by retailer and configuration.)
Verdict: The Galaxy Phone to Buy in 2026
The Galaxy S26 Ultra isn’t for everyone and that’s the point. It’s for users who want:
- AI that actually helps
- Cameras that perform in real-world conditions
- Privacy built into the hardware
- Performance that won’t age quickly
Among the S26 lineup, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra clearly stands alone. If you’re upgrading this year and want the most complete Android flagship Samsung has ever made, this is the one to beat.