Samsung’s latest flagship phone is not losing its popularity in the Indian market. And, the features make it worth the investment. With some of the most premium features offered by the brand in this flagship phone, users get a premium experience which is way better than other competitors available in this budget. Launched in early 2026, the phone is still one of the most talked-about devices despite being launched a few months ago. From a primary camera of 200MP to a built-in S-Pen, the device has a lot to offer to take your user experience to the next level.Here is everything you need to know about this phone, including the major upgrades that came from the Galaxy S25 Ultra and why it is still one of the most popular Android phones in India in the flagship or premium category.What does the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Offer?SpecificationSamsung Galaxy S26 UltraLaunch Date25 February 2026Price in IndiaRs 139,999 (12GB+256GB)Rs 159,999 (12GB+512GB)Rs 189,999 (16GB+1TB)ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for GalaxyDisplay6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X with a refresh rate of 120Hz and privacy display featureRear Cameras200MP Main + 50MP Ultra-Wide + 50MP Periscope Telephoto (5x) + 10MP Telephoto (3x)Front Camera12MPBattery5000mAhCharging60W Wired Fast Charging and 25W Wireless ChargingStorage Options256GB, 512GB and 1TB variants availableS PenYesOSAndroid 16 with One UI 8.5What is New in the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra? How is it Better than Galaxy S25 Ultra?The S26 Ultra has shown commendable upgrades from the S25 Ultra. From an improved RAM variant to faster charging, both wired and wireless, being available, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has largely improved the overall user experience.Here is a specific comparison by feature to help you understand how the Samsung Galaxy S26 has improved from the S25 model:SpecificationSamsung Galaxy S26 UltraSamsung Galaxy S25 UltraLaunch DateFebruary 2026January 2025Starting PriceRs 139,999Rs 129,999ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for GalaxySnapdragon 8 Elite for GalaxyDisplay6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz and privacy display feature6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X with a refresh rate of 120HzRAMBoth 12GB and 16GB variants are available 12GBStorage Options256GB, 512GB, 1TB256GB, 512GB, 1TBWired Charging60W45WWireless Charging25W15WOperating SystemAndroid 16, One UI 8.5Android 15, launched with One UI 7Special FeaturePrivacy DisplayAnti-reflective display coatingWeight214g218gOverall, you can consider the S26 Ultra better than the S25 Ultra because you get an additional year of security and Android updates, along with other basic features. And, the lighter build, coupled with the privacy display, makes the user experience a lot better.What Is the Price of the Samsung S26 Ultra in India?It is very important to understand that the prices vary according to the variant you are picking. And deciding on the variant largely depends on your usage or requirements. Here is a quick price comparison for every variant to help you understand what fits your requirements and budget:VariantPrice12GB + 256GBRs 139,99912GB + 512GBRs 159,99916GB + 1TBRs 189,999Though the MRP is high, you can still enjoy bank offers, card discounts and more on different variants of Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra on different e-commerce platforms and in different offline stores. So, you can save money on the phone and spend that money on essential accessories. If you are a content creator or someone who needs a phone which is efficient in multitasking, you should go for the 512GB or 1TB variant. On the other hand, if you are someone who just needs a flagship phone for basic needs, you can go for the 256GB variant.What are the Specifications of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?DisplayThe Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has a 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with an adaptive refresh rate, which can go up to 120Hz. The phone is known for its sharp visuals, rich contrast and vibrant colours, making the streaming experience worth the money. Besides this, the display also ensures that you get an immersive gaming experience with true colours on your screen. The focus on outdoor visibility is retained with a high brightness so that you do not have to compromise with your user experience, irrespective of where you are going to use your smartphone.One of the major highlights includes Samsung's new Privacy Display technology. This feature reduces screen visibility from side angles, ensuring that your sensitive information is always protected when you are in a public place. Overall, the display is designed for a premium user experience.PerformancePowered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy and Qualcomm's flagship chipset, the Samsung phone is ready to handle your multitasking needs efficiently. Built to handle demanding workloads, the processor delivers faster CPU and GPU performance than previous generations, making using the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra smooth. Whether you are gaming at high settings, editing videos, multitasking or using Galaxy AI features, the phone has been designed to be smooth and responsive at all times.Samsung offers the Galaxy S26 Ultra with 12GB or 16GB of RAM, allowing you to pick your phone depending on your workload. The higher-end 16GB RAM model is great for power users who frequently switch between multiple apps, work with large files or regularly use AI-powered features. The phone is available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options, giving users plenty of space on their device to store documents, photos and videos. It is important to note that the phone has no microSD card slot. So, choosing the right storage variant becomes immensely important at the time of purchase.SoftwareThe phone runs on Android 16 with One UI 8.5, offering Samsung's latest software experience. One UI 8.5 holds a reputation for providing a clean, feature-rich and highly customisable interface. With additional privacy, multitasking and AI-powered tools, the overall experience of using this phone feels premium. The advanced AI features can take your photography and content creation game to the next level, making it a great choice for people who are in the content industry. Besides this, the phone is also a great choice for people who are looking for a Samsung phone which offers long-term security updates. So, you will be able to use the phone for at least 7 years to come.How does the Galaxy S26 Ultra look?The phone has a visibly premium look with a sleek metal frame, a glass back and Samsung's signature floating camera layout. So, overall, the phone has a clean and minimalist appearance. The large 6.9-inch display is surrounded by slim bezels, creating an immersive look with slightly rounded corners. The slimmer profile makes the device more comfortable to hold despite its size. The built-in S Pen remains neatly positioned within the phone, giving an added efficiency when you are in high productivity mode. Overall, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is very close to the design of its predecessor with subtle refinements for a more professional feel.Is the Display Worth the Price? Is the Display Better Than the S25 Ultra?On paper, the display of the Samsung S26 Ultra is the same as that of the S25 Ultra. The major additional difference is that you get a privacy display on your screen without any extra attachments. This means that no one can view what is on your screen through the side angles, ensuring your privacy when you are in a public place.How is the phone performing currently? What do the users have to say?Most users are happy with the overall performance of the phone, and the display and the look give it a premium look and feel, making it worth the investment. The powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor makes the phone great for multitasking. So, whether you are into video editing or work on large files for your work needs, you will not experience glitches or lag while using the phone. The 200MP camera is still one of the finest compared to other competitors in the market. One of the most talked-about aspects of this phone is its AI enhancements, which perfectly combine to make the day-to-dayIs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra’s Camera Worth The Hype?The camera of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is almost the same as the S25 one, but comes with better AI enhancements. The main camera of 200MP is definitely worth the hype and is the best in the market right now. With improved night photography, portrait mode, highly efficient zoom and other lens features, your photography game is surely going to go to the next level with this phone. However, if you are already using S25, you might not see much of a difference.How Long Does the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s Battery Last?The 5000mAh battery of the Galaxy S26 Ultra is one of the best in the budget and is better than other mid-range and premium phones offered by the brand. With faster wired and wireless charging options as compared to the S25 Ultra, your overall user experience will surely get better with this phone.Typically, the battery of the Galaxy S26 Ultra can last for the entire day, but it would largely depend on your usage. In an ideal scenario, it would take approximately 30 minutes to charge the battery up to 80% of your phone.Does Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Have an S Pen?Availability of the S-Pen is one of the biggest highlights of this Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. Great for note-taking and using other AI features, the S-Pen gives a professional feel to your phone and also combines the benefits of a tablet into your smartphone to a great extent.Comparing the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra with some of the other premium phones in IndiaBuying a new phone is usually one of the trickiest decisions that you need to make. After all, there are multiple aspects to consider, and no two people have similar requirements or usage. So, we have compared the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra with some of the premium phones from other leading brands. This will help you compare your requirements and make a good buying decision.SpecificationSamsung Galaxy S26 UltraApple iPhone 17 Pro MaxGoogle Pixel 11 ProOnePlus 16Launch Year2026202520262026Display6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, QHD+, 1-120Hz6.9-inch LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz6.8-inch LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz6.82-inch AMOLED, 1-120HzProcessorSnapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for GalaxyApple A19 ProGoogle Tensor G6Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5RAM12GB / 16GB12GB16GBUp to 24GBStorage256GB / 512GB / 1TB256GB / 512GB / 1TB256GB / 512GB / 1TB256GB / 512GB / 1TBMain Camera200MP48MP50MP50MPUltra-Wide Camera50MP48MP48MP50MPTelephoto Cameras50MP (5x) + 10MP (3x)48MP Periscope50MP Periscope50MP PeriscopeFront Camera12MP24MP42MP32MPBattery5,000mAh~5,000mAh~5,100mAh~6,500mAhPen SupportYes (Built-in)NoNoNoOperating SystemAndroid 16, One UI 8.5iOS 19Android 16Android 16, OxygenOSStarting Price (India)₹1,39,999₹1,64,900*₹1,14,999*₹74,999*Pros and cons of buying a Samsung Galaxy S26 ProsPremium build and feel for a premium user experiencePowerful cameras, not just the primary one of 200MP, but also the secondary onesExcellent display with high brightness to use the phone comfortably, irrespective of the lighting conditions around youLong software support of up to 7 yearsConsExpensive and might not fit in everyone's budgetLarger and heavier than other rivalsBattery life is not the best in the budgetIs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra a Hit or Flop?Considering the current buzz months after the launch, the specifications and the reviews, Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is definitely a hit in the premium segment of smartphones. If you do not have a budget constraint and you are looking for a flagship phone or a phone with an amazing camera, you should definitely go for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.What are the Good Alternatives for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?PhoneBest ForiPhone 17 Pro MaxiOS usersPixel 11 ProComputational photographyOnePlus 16Fast charging and long battery lifeFinal Verdict: Should You Buy Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?CategoryScoreDesign9/10Display9/10Performance9/10Cameras9.5/10Battery8.5/10Software9/10Value9/10Considering a high value for money in all the above-mentioned key aspects, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a good option to consider.Should buyers upgrade their old Galaxy Ultra?If you are already a Samsung Galaxy Ultra user and you are confused whether you should upgrade your old one with the S26 Ultra, here is a solution for you. After all, each variant has a life, and your old phone might still not be fully functional. So, here are our suggestions:Current PhoneUpgrade?S25 UltraNoS24 UltraYesS23 UltraYesS22 UltraStrong YesWhat are the necessary extra costs that come along with the Galaxy S26 Ultra?Your premium phones come with extra costs. So, before you buy one, you should know about these costs so that you can be well-prepared for the recurring, necessary and occasional expenses related to your phone.Here are some of themThe charger is sold separately, so you will have to buy one while you buy your new phoneSamsung Care+Screen protector replacement costs frequently, if you are a clumsy userThe repair costs are usually higher for premium phones because of the advanced technology being used in manufacturingCases and accessories, necessary expenses according to your preferences and usageHow Long Will Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Last?Most Indians who are buying a phone costing more than Rs 1 lakh expect to use it for years to come. They are not looking for a phone that they will replace in 6-12 months. With 7 years of promised updates, you can comfortably use your phone for at least 4 years, depending on your usage and expectations. Post that, the performance might start deteriorating a bit, but the phone will still be usable for around 7 years.So, when you are investing a good sum of money, you are getting a good value for your investment with the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.Buying recommendation by user type: Know if the phone is for you or notBuy S26 Ultra If You Are:A content creatorA mobile photographerA business professionalA Samsung ecosystem userConsider Alternatives If You Are:A casual userA budget-conscious buyerSomeone who upgrades every yearOther Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that you should knowWhich Samsung series is better: Galaxy M, F, or S?Each of Samsung’s mobile series is meant for different segments of users. The Samsung Galaxy S series is generally the best because it is meant for premium users who need top-end processors, advanced camera and new-age features on their device. The Galaxy F offers a balanced mix of performance, cameras and value at affordable prices, while the Galaxy M series is known for offering large batteries and budget-friendly specifications.Is the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra waterproof?The phone comes with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. This means the phone is fully protected against dust ingress and can withstand immersion in fresh water up to 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes under controlled conditions. So, users can be relaxed while making their purchase.How many years of software updates will the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra receive?This is one of the best things about the Samsung ecosystem that users can be assured of their purchase. With up to 7 years of Android and security updates available on your device, you can smoothly carry out all your essential tasks without any lag or glitches while multitasking.Does Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra support wireless charging and reverse wireless charging?Yes, both wireless and reverse wireless charging are supported by S26 Ultra. So, you can easily charge your Samsung devices even when you are travelling.Does the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra come with a charger in the box?No, there is no charger available in the box. You will have to buy it separately.Is the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra good for content creators?Considering the camera and the ability to handle multitasking requirements, the S26 Ultra is a good option for content creators. And with the 1TB variant also available, you will be able to store and edit high-quality videos on your phone without any difficulties.Is the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra good for gaming?While the processor is advanced, the battery life is not the best in the budget. So, S26 Ultra is a good option for regular and intermediate gaming needs, but might not be perfect for professional gamers.end of article