Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Review: The Best Android Phone of 2026?

Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra has arrived, and it's making a strong case for being the best Android phone you can buy right now. With a raft of new AI features, a stunning display, and the controversial but clever Privacy Display, this is a flagship that demands attention — especially from Singapore's tech-savvy crowd.

Privacy Display: A Game-Changer for Commuters

One of the S26 Ultra's most talked-about features is the Privacy Display. Using a combination of hardware and software, it restricts the viewing angle so that only the person directly in front of the screen can see what's on it. For anyone who regularly rides the MRT or works in open-plan offices, this is a genuinely useful addition. Toggle it on and the screen dims for anyone sitting beside you — toggle it off and you're back to the usual vivid AMOLED experience.

AI That Actually Does Something Useful

Samsung has loaded the S26 Ultra with practical AI features. Now Nudge checks your calendar in real time when someone messages you about a meeting, while Now Brief delivers timely reminders about upcoming events. The phone can also use multiple AI chatbots simultaneously to carry out multi-step tasks in the background — like booking a cab while you're still in a call. It feels less gimmicky than previous Galaxy AI iterations.

Display, Camera & Performance

The 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED display remains class-leading — bright, sharp, and silky smooth at 120Hz. The Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset ensures everything runs without a hitch, and the camera system continues to be the benchmark for zoom photography. The 200MP main shooter paired with a 50MP periscope telephoto delivers photos that genuinely rival a dedicated camera in good lighting.

Verdict

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is the Android phone to beat in 2026. It's expensive — expect to pay upwards of SGD 1,800 at launch — but for power users who want the absolute best, it delivers on nearly every front. The Privacy Display alone might be worth the upgrade if you're coming from the S24 Ultra.