Stealing the spotlight is the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, the top-of-the-line phone from the South Korean company. Its standout feature is the Privacy Display, designed for moments in public when you do not want others peering at your screen. Alongside it sit two more accessible flagships — the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+. They miss out on that headline feature, but they remain premium devices at relatively lower price points.
Design, display and performance
In terms of positioning, the Galaxy S26 caters to those who prefer a compact form factor. Despite growing slightly from 6.2 inches to 6.3 inches, it remains one of the smaller flagship phones available. The Galaxy S26+, on the other hand, occupies the middle ground — larger, slightly wider, and taller, aimed at users who want more screen without stepping up to the Ultra.
The biggest differentiator, however, lies in the chipset. While the Ultra runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, the S26 and S26+ in India use Samsung’s Exynos 2600. On paper, the shift might raise eyebrows. In practice, it should not.
This is easily the most complete Exynos chip in years. Built on a 2nm process, it delivers performance that not only holds up in benchmarks but, more importantly, sustains itself under real-world usage. Titles like Genshin Impact run smoothly at 60 frames per second, and thermal behaviour no longer feels like a compromise.
For the first time in a while, choosing the non-Ultra models does not feel like settling. CPU multi-core performance goes toe-to-toe with Snapdragon, and GPU throughput comes close enough that the difference is largely academic. In everyday use, the gap is effectively invisible.
That parity also enables a pricing advantage. With economic uncertainty still shaping buying decisions in 2026, the ability to save a few thousand rupees without sacrificing performance becomes meaningful. Samsung appears to have leaned into that reality.
Beyond performance, the design language remains consistent across the lineup. The familiar triple-ring camera layout now sits within an ambient island, echoing what we saw on the Galaxy Z Fold7. Edges are more rounded, and the colour options are identical across all three models, reinforcing a unified identity.
Materials follow the same approach. Armour Aluminium frames are now standard across the range, striking a balance between durability and weight. The result is a build that feels premium without becoming cumbersome over time.
Display quality remains a strong point. Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels are used throughout, with the S26 offering full FHD+ resolution, while the S26+ and Ultra move up to QHD+ for sharper visuals.
Imaging, intelligence and the real-world experience
Camera hardware on the S26 and S26+ is familiar, but still capable. Both models feature a 50-megapixel primary sensor, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 10-megapixel telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. While they lack the Ultra’s more advanced zoom capabilities, performance remains reliable across most scenarios.
Selfie duties are handled by a 12-megapixel front camera shared across the lineup. Hardware changes are minimal, but Samsung’s updated AI ISP, paired with an Object Aware Engine, improves output in subtle but noticeable ways.
A standout addition is the Horizontal Lock feature for video. It acts as an aggressive form of stabilisation, keeping footage aligned even when the phone is rotated or shaken. The effect can feel almost unnatural at times, but the results are undeniably impressive.
Software continues to be a major differentiator. Running Android 16 with One UI 8.5, the devices come with a promise of seven generations of software and security updates — still among the best commitments in the industry.
Galaxy AI, however, is where Samsung is clearly investing its efforts. More importantly, these features feel increasingly practical.
Photo Assist allows users to rework images using prompts — adding elements, blending scenes, or restyling shots with a surprising degree of realism. This is no longer a novelty; it is a tool that can meaningfully alter how photos are edited on a phone.
Audio Eraser has also evolved into something genuinely useful. Its ability to function within apps makes it relevant beyond captured videos, whether that means cleaning up dialogue or reducing intrusive background noise while streaming content.
Then there are features like Now Nudge and call screening. They may not grab headlines, but they highlight a move towards contextual intelligence — understanding what is on screen, anticipating intent, and assisting in subtle ways. Over time, these are the features that shape everyday experience.
Battery capacities have seen modest improvements. The S26 now packs a 4,300mAh unit, while the S26+ steps up to 4,900mAh. Charging speeds remain unchanged for the most part — 25W wired charging on the S26 and 45W on the S26+, with wireless charging at 15W and 20W respectively. Qi2 support is present, though magnets still require a compatible case.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra remains the most complete device in the lineup, particularly if budget is not a constraint. The Privacy Display alone sets it apart in a meaningful way.
That said, hardware no longer tells the full story of a smartphone. Build quality is solid, materials feel premium, and the design is refined — but it is software that defines the experience. On that front, the S26 and S26+ hold their ground comfortably against competing Android devices.
Most buyers are not upgrading from Ultra models. Instead, many are stepping up from mid-range phones offered by brands like Xiaomi and OnePlus. That is where these devices make the most sense.
There is always the iPhone 17 in the conversation, but that comparison inevitably comes down to iOS versus Android. For those unwilling to switch ecosystems, Samsung’s latest flagships present a compelling alternative.
Image processing continues to favour vibrant, colourful output, with particularly strong results in low-light conditions — a style that will appeal to a wide audience.
Buying behaviour also plays a role. Many consumers walk into a store, place their current phone on the counter, and simply ask for the latest version. With some brands, that approach can lead to underwhelming upgrades. Here, Samsung seems to have ensured that even those buyers walk away with a meaningful improvement.
The Exynos 2600, in particular, underlines that shift. It feels mature, consistent, and capable of sustained performance — no longer a compromise, but a legitimate strength.
Samsung has finally removed the biggest reason to skip its non-Ultra phones — compromise, even if it means not getting the S Pen. If the Galaxy S26 Ultra is Samsung’s Maximus, the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+ are its finely tuned lieutenants — leaner, faster, and built for the everyday battle.
Mathures Paul
At a glance
Device: Samsung Galaxy S26 and S26+
Price: Upwards of ₹87,999 for Galaxy S26 (256GB+12GB) and upwards of ₹119,999 for Galaxy S26+ (256GB+12GB)
High notes
Strong, sustained performance from Exynos 2600
Unified premium design across lineup
Reliable camera performance
Useful and practical Galaxy AI features
Seven years of software and security updates
Improved thermal management
Muffled notes
Lacks Ultra’s advanced zoom capabilities
Design not very different from previous generation