Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra – first‑impression after a week of use
Android Police’s reviewer, a long‑time Samsung enthusiast, spent seven days living with the Galaxy S26 Ultra to see whether the newest flag‑ship lives up to the hype. The verdict is mixed: the phone excels in almost every technical category, but the decision to drop the micro‑SD card slot feels like a step backwards for users who rely on expandable storage – a feature that still matters to many UK contract‑deal shoppers.
What’s inside the S26 Ultra?
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.8‑inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120 Hz adaptive refresh, 1750 nits peak brightness |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (global) / Exynos 2400 (EU) |
| RAM / Storage | 12 GB or 16 GB RAM; 256 GB, 512 GB or 1 TB internal storage |
| Camera | 200 MP main sensor, 12 MP ultra‑wide, 10 MP periscope telephoto (10× optical) |
| Battery | 5 000 mAh, 45 W wired fast‑charge, 15 W wireless, 4.5 W reverse wireless |
| OS | Android 15 with One UI 7 |
| Connectivity | 5G Sub‑6 / mmWave, Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC |
| Dimensions / Weight | 163.5 × 77.5 × 8.9 mm, 228 g |
| Price (UK launch) | £1 199 for 256 GB, £1 399 for 512 GB, £1 599 for 1 TB |
The hardware is undeniably top‑tier. The 200 MP sensor, paired with Samsung’s new AI‑enhanced image pipeline, delivers detail that rivals dedicated mirrorless cameras in good light. The 120 Hz adaptive display remains buttery smooth, and the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (or Exynos 2400) provides a noticeable uplift in gaming and multitasking performance compared with the S25 series.
The missing micro‑SD slot – why it matters for UK buyers
Samsung has been phasing out expandable storage for a few generations now, but the S26 Ultra is the first flagship in the series to completely remove the micro‑SD tray. Android Police notes that the decision feels “outdated” because it forces users to either pay a premium for the 1 TB model or constantly manage cloud storage.
For UK consumers, this has practical implications:
- Contract bundles – many carriers still offer data‑heavy plans that include a free phone upgrade. Without a micro‑SD slot, the only way to increase storage is to upgrade to a higher‑priced variant, which can push the total cost of a 24‑month contract well above £800.
- Travel and media consumption – families that share a single device for movies, podcasts and offline maps rely on expandable storage to keep costs down. The S26 Ultra’s 5 000 mAh battery can comfortably power a week of media playback, but the lack of a slot means you’ll need a larger internal capacity or an external SSD, adding to the expense.
- Resale value – historically, Samsung phones with micro‑SD support retain a higher resale price because they appeal to a broader second‑hand market. The S26 Ultra may see a steeper depreciation curve.
The reviewer argues that while Samsung’s ecosystem (Samsung Cloud, OneDrive integration) mitigates the issue for some, it doesn’t replace the convenience of a physical card that can be swapped instantly.
Real‑world performance – does the hardware live up to the hype?
Display and media
During the week‑long trial, the reviewer streamed 4K HDR content on Netflix and YouTube without any stutter. The adaptive 120 Hz refresh rate automatically throttles down to 60 Hz for static UI elements, preserving battery life while still delivering a crisp, colour‑accurate picture. The new “Vision Booster” mode, which Samsung markets as a competitor to Apple’s ProMotion, adds a subtle boost to contrast that makes outdoor viewing easier.
Camera tests
- Daylight – The 200 MP sensor captures fine textures on a brick wall and reproduces skin tones naturally. The reviewer’s sample images show a dynamic range comparable to the Pixel 8 Pro.
- Low‑light – Night mode now uses a combination of longer exposure and AI‑guided noise reduction. Results are impressive, though the periscope telephoto still struggles a bit at 10× zoom in dim environments.
- Video – 8K video at 30 fps is smooth, but the file sizes are massive (≈ 200 GB for a 10‑minute clip). Without a micro‑SD slot, users will need to rely on high‑capacity internal storage or external SSDs for heavy video work.
Battery and charging
The 5 000 mAh cell comfortably lasted a full day of mixed usage (social media, streaming, gaming). A 45 W charger topped the battery from 0‑100 % in just 45 minutes. The reviewer appreciated the addition of 15 W wireless charging, which is a modest improvement over the S25 Ultra’s 12 W.
Software experience
One UI 7 brings a cleaner aesthetic and better integration with Android 15’s privacy controls. The reviewer highlighted the new “Focus Mode” that automatically silences notifications based on location and time, a handy feature for commuters on the UK rail network.
How does the S26 Ultra compare with rivals?
| Device | Price (UK) | Main Camera | Display | Battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S26 Ultra | £1 199‑£1 599 | 200 MP | 6.8" QHD+ 120 Hz | 5 000 mAh |
| Pixel 8 Pro | £999‑£1 299 | 50 MP + 48 MP ultra‑wide | 6.7" LTPO 120 Hz | 5 000 mAh |
| OnePlus 12 Pro | £899‑£1 199 | 50 MP | 6.7" QHD+ 120 Hz | 5 000 mAh |
| Xiaomi 14 Ultra | £1 099‑£1 399 | 50 MP (large sensor) | 6.73" AMOLED 120 Hz | 5 000 mAh |
While the S26 Ultra’s raw megapixel count dwarfs the competition, the overall image quality is comparable because sensor size and processing matter more than resolution alone. The display remains best‑in‑class, especially with the new Vision Booster. Battery life is on par with the Pixel 8 Pro, but the lack of a micro‑SD slot gives the Pixel an edge for users who value flexibility.
Verdict for UK contract‑deal seekers
If you’re after the absolute best Samsung camera and a premium display, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is still the flagship to beat. However, the decision to eliminate expandable storage means you’ll need to decide early whether to splurge on the 1 TB model or accept a higher monthly cost on a carrier plan that includes extra cloud storage.
For most UK shoppers who lock phones into 24‑month contracts, the extra £200‑£400 for the 1 TB variant may not be justified, especially when carriers such as EE, Vodafone and Three now bundle generous data allowances that can be used for cloud backups. In that context, the S26 Ultra feels a little out of step with the market’s move toward flexible, cloud‑first storage solutions.
Bottom line: The Galaxy S26 Ultra delivers flagship performance, a stunning screen and a camera that can compete with the best on the planet. Yet the missing micro‑SD slot is a noticeable regression for power users and could push contract‑deal hunters toward alternatives that retain expandable storage or offer more affordable high‑capacity models.
Quick takeaways for the UK audience
- Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3/Exynos 2400 + up to 16 GB RAM – flawless multitasking.
- Camera: 200 MP main sensor shines in daylight; night mode is solid.
- Display: 6.8‑inch QHD+ 120 Hz, best‑in‑class colour accuracy.
- Battery: 5 000 mAh, 45 W fast charge, 15 W wireless.
- Deal‑breaker: No micro‑SD slot – you’ll need the 1 TB model or rely on cloud storage.
For readers of android‑mobiles.co.uk, the S26 Ultra is a premium choice if you can afford the top‑tier storage or don’t mind using Samsung’s cloud services. Otherwise, consider the Pixel 8 Pro or OnePlus 12 Pro for comparable performance with more flexible storage options.
