{"id":642427,"date":"2026-04-21T16:26:29","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T14:26:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/?p=642427"},"modified":"2026-04-21T16:26:32","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T14:26:32","slug":"hands-on-with-the-samsung-galaxy-s26-ultra-a-smarter-more-secure-flagship-for-everyday-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/reviews\/642427-hands-on-with-the-samsung-galaxy-s26-ultra-a-smarter-more-secure-flagship-for-everyday-life.html","title":{"rendered":"Hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra \u2013 A smarter, more secure flagship for everyday life"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>After spending a few days using the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, it\u2019s clear that Samsung\u2019s latest flagship is built for business professionals and casual users alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are a few things that stand out to me, including its performance, AI features, camera, and that new Privacy Display that everyone is raving about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These features make the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra feel less like a traditional smartphone and more like a tool built for how people actually work and move through their day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you are working in a busy caf\u00e9, capturing content on the go, or simply trying to stay organised without constantly switching between apps, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra does it all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Watch our review of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review \u2013 Pro-level camera, AI power, and built-in privacy\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/quKI9AjadA4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A privacy feature that actually changes behaviour<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most practical features on the Galaxy S26 Ultra is something you don\u2019t realise you need until you use it: the built-in Privacy Display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With a quick tap, the screen becomes invisible to anyone viewing it from an angle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is great if you\u2019re sitting at a coffee shop trying to get some work done, but you need to check sensitive emails or access confidential company information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-4-1200x675.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-642446\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-4-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-4-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-4-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-4-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-4.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>From your perspective, when viewing straight on, the display remains bright and clear, but from the side, it simply disappears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What makes it even more useful is the ability to automate it. I set it to activate when opening certain apps like my banking app and my Gmail, and after a while, it became second nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Built for business<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Galaxy AI is a big part of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, with tools like Now Brief and Now Nudge providing helpful hints and reminders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the morning, I could check a quick overview of my schedule, reminders, and key updates without digging through multiple apps, thanks to Now Brief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-8-1200x675.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-642447\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-8-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-8-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-8-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-8-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-8.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Throughout the day, the phone produced useful shortcuts. For example, while messaging a colleague, it would suggest pulling in relevant photos or summarising details from earlier conversations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Features like this make it feel less like using apps individually and more like everything is working together in the background \u2013 a seamless experience that makes it easy to stay focused, especially when juggling multiple tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A camera that feels like a creative tool<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The camera system is next-level. I\u2019ve never felt more like a professional photographer. It comprises the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>200MP main sensor \u2013 F1.4 aperture<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>50MP ultrawide lens \u2013 F1.9 aperture<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>50MP telephoto lens \u2013 F2.9 aperture<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>10MP sensor \u2013 F2.4 aperture<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-1-2-1200x675.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-642450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-1-2-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-1-2-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-1-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-1-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-1-2.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The wide aperture makes the Galaxy camera excellent at capturing low light and night scenes. In a dim restaurant or evening street scene, it effortlessly captures detailed footage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then there\u2019s the Space Zoom, which offers a powerful 100x AI-powered zoom to let you shoot something far in the distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-3-1200x675.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-642453\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-3-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-3-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-3-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-3-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-3.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The standout for me was Horizontal Lock. While walking through a busy street and filming handheld, the footage stayed perfectly level, even when I tilted or rotated the phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It removes that constant worry about keeping your shot steady, which makes a huge difference when you\u2019re capturing moments quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-2-1200x675.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-642454\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-2-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-2-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-2.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Overall, the camera is dependable at capturing professional-grade photos. You don\u2019t second-guess whether you\u2019ll get the shot \u2013 you just take it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Display, performance, and charging<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The 6.9-inch display is one of those features you notice immediately in daily use. It\u2019s bright, sharp, and incredibly vibrant, making everything from emails to video content feel more immersive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What really adds to the experience is the AI ProScaler, which subtly enhances lower-resolution content as it plays, so even older videos look cleaner and more detailed than expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-5-1200x675.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-642456\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-5-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-5-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-5-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-5-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-5.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Under the hood, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is built for serious multitasking thanks to its custom Snapdragon processor and up to 16GB of RAM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This keeps everything smooth and responsive, ensuring apps open instantly, switching between tasks is instant, and even heavier workloads like editing or content creation don\u2019t slow things down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Battery life also keeps pace with this power. The phone comfortably lasts a full day of heavy use, and when it does need charging, Super- Fast Charging 3.0 gets it to 75% in around 30 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That quick top-up makes a noticeable difference when you\u2019re moving between meetings or out on the go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Galaxy S26 Ultra feels like a device designed around real-world use rather than just specs on paper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Between the privacy display, intelligent Galaxy AI features, powerful camera system, and strong performance, it consistently removes friction from everyday tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s the kind of smartphone that quietly adapts to how you work, create, and stay connected, without ever feeling complicated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.samsung.com\/za\/smartphones\/galaxy-s26-ultra\/buy\/?utm_source=MyBroadband&amp;utm_medium=Article&amp;utm_term=April+2026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Click here to learn more about the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>See the specifications in the table below.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"bt_table\">\n<div class=\"table-responsive\"><table class=\"table\" style=\"width: 100%;\" border=\"0\" width=\"76%\" cellpadding=\"7\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #003366; font-weight: bold; color: #fff;\">\n<th style=\"text-align: center;\" colspan=\"2\"><strong>&nbsp;Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"25%\"><strong>OS<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"25%\">Android 16, One UI 8.5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Display<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>6.9-inch Quad HD+ (3,120 x 1,440), Dynamic AMOLED 2X<br \/>120Hz refresh rate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>CPU<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, octa-core<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>RAM<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>12GB | 16GB<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Storage<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>256GB | 512GB | 1TB<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Rear camera<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>200MP + 50MP + 50MP + 10MP<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Front camera<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>12MP<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Cellular<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>5G, Dual SIM<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Connectivity<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, NFC<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Ports<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>USB-C<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Battery<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>5,000mAh<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Biometrics<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Under-display fingerprint sensor<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Durability<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>IP68<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Dimensions and weight<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>163.6mm x 78.1mm x 7.9mm (214g)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Colour<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Cobal Violet, Sky Blue, Black, White<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-9-1200x675.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-642457\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-9-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-9-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-9-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-9-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-9.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-6-1200x675.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-642460\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-6-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-6-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-6-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-6-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-6.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-7-1200x675.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-642459\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-7-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-7-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-7-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-7-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MBB-7.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>After spending a few days using the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, it\u2019s clear that Samsung\u2019s latest flagship is built for business professionals and casual users alike.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":341030,"featured_media":642445,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[28937,23],"tags":[645,103483,104728],"class_list":["post-642427","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-industrynews","category-reviews","tag-samsung","tag-samsung-galaxy-s26-ultra","tag-samsung-galaxy-s26-ultra-review"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/642427"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/341030"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=642427"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/642427\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":642465,"href":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/642427\/revisions\/642465"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/642445"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=642427"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=642427"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=642427"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}