Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs S25 Ultra: Is the Privacy Screen Worth It?
The smartphone arena is once again dominated by Samsung, as the company continues to push technical boundaries. Following the maturity demonstrated by the Galaxy S25 Ultra in 2025, its successor, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, arrives with a unique promise: the finish of unwanted glances. But does the duel between last year’s icon and the recent champion with its “Privacy Display” truly represent a significant shift, or is it more nuanced?
Material Shifts: Aluminum Returns
The initial difference lies in the materials, though it’s not immediately visible. In 2025, the S25 Ultra opted for a titanium chassis, adding 16g to reach 218g. A year later, Samsung has reversed course: the S26 Ultra returns to aluminum (Armor 2). While the “Titanium” designation is lost, this change offers improved thermal dissipation and reduced weight, bringing the new model down to 214g. This mirrors a similar strategy adopted by Apple, prioritizing thermal management and weight reduction.
Visually, the S26 Ultra moves away from the sharp angles of the S25, adopting more rounded corners for a more harmonious design. However, the camera integration has changed. Where the S25 Ultra integrated its lenses directly into the chassis, the S26 groups them within a prominent glass island, increasing the overall thickness to 12.5mm. This results in a less stable resting position on flat surfaces, a trade-off made to refine the rest of the body.
The “Invisible” Innovation: Privacy Display
The most significant innovation lies in the display. Both models feature nearly identical 6.9-inch LTPO 1-120Hz panels with a brightness of 2600 cd/m². However, the S26 Ultra introduces a hardware and software-combined Privacy Display filter. While the S25 Ultra offers excellent visibility for everyone, including those nearby, the S26 Ultra allows users to mask sensitive data without compromising color accuracy. This is a key differentiator, offering a new level of privacy for users in public spaces.
Display quality remains top-tier on both devices, with minimal reflectance thanks to Gorilla Armor 2 glass. The Privacy Display doesn’t diminish the overall viewing experience, maintaining vibrant colors and sharp details.
Performance and Autonomy: A Step Forward
Under the hood, the competition continues. The Snapdragon 8 Elite in the S25 Ultra was already a powerhouse. The Gen 5 chip in the S26 Ultra further enhances performance, particularly in multitasking. However, the most notable improvement is in energy efficiency. Despite an identical 5000 mAh battery, the S26 Ultra offers 2 hours of additional battery life (26h 14m vs. 24h 21m in lab tests). This demonstrates a significant optimization of both hardware and software.
Charging has also been significantly improved. The S26 Ultra finally abandons Samsung’s 45W charging, adopting 60W. A full charge now takes 48 minutes, compared to nearly an hour for the S25 Ultra.
The Codec Aimed at Apple
In photography, the evolution is subtle. Both models share a 200 Mpx main sensor, but the S26 Ultra features a wider aperture (f/1.4 vs. F/1.7). Low-light performance is improved on the new model, but the difference is minimal for casual users. The real leap forward is in video recording. The S26 Ultra introduces the APV (Advanced Professional Video) codec, a direct response to Apple’s ProRes. With horizontal stabilization locked up to QHD, the S26 Ultra transforms into a professional-grade camera, while the S25 Ultra remains a versatile but more conventional smartphone.
Should You Upgrade to the S26 Ultra?
The Galaxy S25 Ultra remains a solid smartphone, even a year later, and its now-reduced price makes it an excellent value for those seeking raw power and AI capabilities. However, the Galaxy S26 Ultra wins this duel thanks to three key advantages: faster charging, increased battery life, and the unique Privacy Display. If you spend a lot of time in public transport or prioritize quick charging, the S26 Ultra justifies its premium price.
Looking ahead, Samsung’s focus on privacy and efficiency signals a broader trend in smartphone development. The integration of features like the Privacy Display and the APV codec demonstrates a commitment to addressing user concerns and pushing the boundaries of mobile technology. Further refinements in these areas, along with continued improvements in battery life and charging speeds, will likely define the next generation of flagship smartphones.