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Galaxy S26 Ultra Honest Review: Pros and Cons! Must-watch before buying
Provides an honest review of 7 advantages and 7 disadvantages of the Galaxy S26 Ultra. It helps with the purchase decision by analyzing improvements and shortcomings in various aspects such as color selection, display, camera, battery, performance, and design in detail.
The wider range of color choices compared to the previous S25 is an advantage, but the material change of the Ultra model is a disappointing aspect.
The wider range of color choices compared to the previous S25 is an advantage, but the material change of the Ultra model is a disappointing aspect.
The thinner and lighter design is an advantage, but only for the Ultra model.
The privacy display is a great advantage in that it can be customized by the user.
Display performance has been improved by applying COE technology.
Improved charging speed is an important improvement that enhances user convenience.
The change in aperture value improves low-light shooting performance, and the horizontal lock function improves video shooting stability.
Deterioration of display quality and increased rain reflection are disappointing aspects.
The price increase can be a burden for consumers.
Negative perceptions of the Exynos chipset remain, and actual performance testing is needed.
The non-application of titanium material is a disappointing aspect for users who value luxury.
Reduction of S Pen functions and lack of consideration for users with low utilization need improvement.
Increasing battery capacity is a constant requirement of users.
Camera design and speaker performance are minor but disappointing aspects.
1. 🎨 Galaxy S26 Color Diversification and Design Changes
- ✅ The S26 series has a wider range of color options, with white and black colors added to all basic/plus/ultra models
- ✅ Representative colors such as cobalt violet and sky blue are also beautifully chosen
- ⚠️ The frame material of the Ultra model has been changed from titanium to aluminum, slightly reducing the sense of luxury
The wider range of color choices compared to the previous S25 is an advantage, but the material change of the Ultra model is a disappointing aspect.
00:00 - 01:25
1. 🎨 Galaxy S26 Color Diversification and Design Changes
- ✅ The S26 series has a wider range of color options, with white and black colors added to all basic/plus/ultra models
- ✅ Representative colors such as cobalt violet and sky blue are also beautifully chosen
- ⚠️ The frame material of the Ultra model has been changed from titanium to aluminum, slightly reducing the sense of luxury
The wider range of color choices compared to the previous S25 is an advantage, but the material change of the Ultra model is a disappointing aspect.
01:26 - 02:09
2. 📏 Changes in Thickness and Weight of Ultra Model
- ✅ The S26 Ultra model is thinner and lighter
- ⚠️ The Plus model has almost the same thickness and weight as its predecessor
- ⚠️ The basic model has a slight increase in weight
The thinner and lighter design is an advantage, but only for the Ultra model.
02:10 - 05:33
3. 🔒 Introduction and Usage of Privacy Display Function
- ✅ The S26 Ultra model is equipped with a privacy display function (limited side viewing angle)
- ✅ Can be set to work only in desired apps (ex: financial apps, gallery)
- ✅ Can be automatically set through mode and routine functions when connecting to specific Bluetooth devices (ex: turn off when connecting to a car, turn off when connecting to home Wi-Fi)
- ✅ Privacy display can be applied only to desired areas (ex: push notification area)
The privacy display is a great advantage in that it can be customized by the user.
05:34 - 06:47
4. 🔆 Display Technology Improvement: COE (Color Filter) Applied
- ✅ Improved light transmittance by using a thin color filter (COE) instead of a polarizing plate
- ✅ Effect of appearing brighter outdoors at the same brightness
- ✅ Advantageous in terms of OLED durability and power consumption
Display performance has been improved by applying COE technology.
06:48 - 07:40
5. ⚡️ Improved Charging Speed: Improved Wired and Wireless Charging
- ✅ Wired charging speed: increased from 45W to 60W
- ✅ Qi 2.2 (MagSafe) wireless charging speed: increased from 15W to 25W
- ✅ Supports ultra-fast wireless charging (Qi 2.2 compatible case required)
Improved charging speed is an important improvement that enhances user convenience.
07:41 - 11:34
6. 📷 Improved Camera Performance: Aperture Value and Horizontal Lock Function
- ✅ Ultra model main lens aperture value: changed from F1.7 to F1.4 (receives 50% more light)
- ✅ Noise reduction and shutter speed secured in low-light environments
- ✅ Added camera horizontal lock function when shooting video (similar effect to action cam)
| 구분 | S25 울트라 | S26 울트라 |
|---|---|---|
| 주변부 선명도 | 낮음 | 높음 |
The change in aperture value improves low-light shooting performance, and the horizontal lock function improves video shooting stability.
11:35 - 13:10
7. 📉 Disadvantage 1: Increased Display Viewing Angle and Rain Reflection
- ⚠️ Even when the privacy display is not used, the viewing angle is narrowed and color distortion occurs
- ⚠️ Rain reflection slightly increased due to COE technology application
- ⚠️ Maximum brightness is the same as the previous model
Deterioration of display quality and increased rain reflection are disappointing aspects.
13:11 - 13:33
8. 💰 Disadvantage 2: Price Increase
- ⚠️ Based on the 256GB model, the price has increased by 99,000 won for all basic/plus/ultra models
The price increase can be a burden for consumers.
13:34 - 14:55
9. ⚙️ Disadvantage 3: Concerns about Exynos Chipset Performance
- ⚠️ Exynos chipset installed in basic/plus models (concerns about performance and battery efficiency)
- ✅ It is positive that the battery life of the Exynos-equipped model has slightly increased
Negative perceptions of the Exynos chipset remain, and actual performance testing is needed.
14:56 - 15:36
10. 🔩 Disadvantage 4: Titanium Material Not Applied
- ⚠️ The frame material of the Ultra model has been changed to aluminum (reduced sense of luxury)
The non-application of titanium material is a disappointing aspect for users who value luxury.
15:37 - 17:28
11. ✍️ Disadvantage 5: S Pen Directionality and Function Reduction
- ⚠️ Design that makes the S Pen look protruding when inserted in the opposite direction
- ⚠️ S Pen Bluetooth function not supported (remote control not possible)
- ⚠️ Lack of improvement for non-S Pen users (increased battery capacity, etc.)
Reduction of S Pen functions and lack of consideration for users with low utilization need improvement.
17:29 - 18:12
12. 🔋 Disadvantage 6: Battery Capacity Maintained
- ⚠️ Ultra/Plus model battery capacity is the same as the previous model (insufficient compared to Chinese smartphones)
Increasing battery capacity is a constant requirement of users.
18:13 - 19:34
13. 📸 Disadvantage 7: Camera Design and Speaker Performance
- ⚠️ Camera protrusion intensified (unstable when placed on the floor, accessory interference)
- ⚠️ Minimal improvement in speaker performance
Camera design and speaker performance are minor but disappointing aspects.