Is the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra still worthy of its name? Discover why the Ultra feels stagnant in 2025 and what Samsung must change with the S27 Ultra.
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Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Why the “Ultra” Feels Anything but Ultra
As Britain heads into colder weather, Samsung is warming up for its next big launch. Every year, the Korean giant kicks off January with a new flagship range, and this time, all eyes are on the Samsung Galaxy S26 series. Rumors suggest big changes: the basic S26 and S26 Plus could be retired, replaced by Pro and Edge models. But one constant remains — the Galaxy Ultra.
Once the crown jewel of Samsung’s lineup, the Ultra was designed to be the ultimate smartphone. But after years of minimal changes, many fans are asking: is the Galaxy Ultra still worthy of its name?
The Ultra Has Stopped Evolving
The Ultra debuted in 2020 with the Galaxy S20 Ultra, a beast of a phone with a 6.9-inch display, a massive battery, and a 108MP camera system. It was bold, experimental, and expensive. But fast forward to 2025, and the Ultra formula feels stale.
Samsung hasn’t meaningfully updated the design since the Galaxy S22 Ultra in 2022. Rounded corners and metal camera rings are the biggest cosmetic changes in years. Under the hood, the story is similar.
- RAM: Still 12GB standard, just like in 2020.
- Storage: Tops out at 1TB since 2022.
- Battery: The same 5,000mAh cell for five years running.
- Charging: 45W wired and 15W wireless — speeds that were good in 2020 but underwhelming in 2025.
And the cameras? The 200MP main sensor hasn’t changed since 2023. Worse, Samsung dropped the once-iconic 10x optical zoom lens, replacing it with a more modest 5x zoom. For a phone marketed as “Ultra,” the innovation has flatlined.
Competitors Are Surpassing the Ultra
While Samsung plays it safe, rivals are pushing boundaries. The OnePlus 13, priced at $900, costs $400 less than the Galaxy Ultra but beats it in several areas:
- Snapdragon 8 Elite processor (same as Samsung).
- Up to 24GB RAM.
- 6,000mAh battery with 100W wired charging.
- 50W wireless charging — faster than Samsung’s wired speed.
Yes, Samsung may still hold an edge in photography and the S Pen, but are those perks worth $400 more? The comparison highlights just how far the Galaxy Ultra has fallen behind.
Has Samsung Chosen AI Over Hardware?
Some believe Samsung’s focus has shifted. Instead of pushing hardware innovation, it has doubled down on Galaxy AI. Smarter recommendations, new productivity features, and tighter ecosystem integration are now Samsung’s big selling points.
AI may be the “safer” bet, especially given Samsung’s past hardware missteps — think of the Galaxy Note 7’s infamous battery failures. But software alone cannot justify the “Ultra” branding. A true Ultra phone should lead in both hardware and intelligence.
Should Samsung Retire the Ultra?
The uncomfortable truth is that the Ultra has lost its meaning. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 arguably fits the “Ultra” title better than the current S-series flagship. Foldables represent cutting-edge design, risk-taking, and true innovation — everything the Ultra was supposed to be.
Still, the Ultra continues to sell in high numbers, which may explain why Samsung hasn’t changed its formula. But with the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra looking nearly identical to its predecessors, the pressure is mounting. Four years of near-identical devices is too much.
All Eyes on the Galaxy S27 Ultra
It’s likely too late for the S26 Ultra to impress. But the Galaxy S27 Ultra represents Samsung’s chance at redemption. To reclaim the “Ultra” name, Samsung must deliver:
- Faster charging and bigger batteries.
- Bold new camera hardware.
- Fresh design language.
- Seamless integration of AI and hardware innovation.
If Samsung fails to evolve, it may be time to retire the Ultra branding altogether. After all, a phone can’t be called “Ultra” if it no longer feels like the best of the best.
FAQs
Q1: Is the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra worth buying in 2025?
A1: The Galaxy S26 Ultra is still a powerful flagship, but many users feel it lacks true innovation compared to earlier Ultra models.
Q2: What makes the Galaxy S26 Ultra different from the S25 Ultra?
A2: The S26 Ultra mainly offers minor hardware refinements and software updates, but no groundbreaking features that set it apart.
Q3: Why do people say the Galaxy S26 Ultra is no longer “Ultra”?
A3: Critics argue that Samsung has focused on small upgrades instead of bold innovations, making the S26 Ultra feel less groundbreaking.
Q4: Should I wait for the Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra instead?
A4: If you want bigger upgrades, waiting for the S27 Ultra may be smarter, as Samsung is expected to introduce stronger performance and design changes.
Q5: What features are missing in the Galaxy S26 Ultra?
A5: While powerful, the S26 Ultra lacks major leaps in battery life, camera innovation, and design that users expect from an “Ultra” device.
