Bold claim up front: the Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus are basically the same as last year’s models, but priced higher with only modest improvements. And here’s the twist you should know early: Samsung shelves a cool new hardware feature for the Ultra, while the base models mainly ride on software updates that come with a steeper bill.
Let’s break it down clearly. Yes, the Ultra gains a Privacy Display, a hardware-focused enhancement that isn’t carried by the S26 or S26 Plus. That means if you want that privacy-centric screen idea, you’ll need the top model, not the two more affordable options. For the S26 and S26 Plus, Samsung leans on software tweaks rather than a dramatic hardware overhaul. Some of these updates are genuinely useful: an Audio Eraser to clarify voices in third-party apps and reduce background noise, and Gemini AI from Google starting to handle more proactive tasks—like booking rides—moving toward the long-promised smart-assistant experience.
You’ll also notice features that resemble a cross-pertilization from Google’s Pixel lineup, such as call scam detection and contextual keyboard enhancements. The catch is that many of these features may trickle down to older Galaxy models over time, meaning today’s S26 pair might not feel dramatically futureproof for very long.
Hardware-wise, there is a chip upgrade, but the impact varies by region. In the United States, both the S26 and S26 Plus adopt the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, matching the Ultra. In other regions, the Ultra remains the sole model with the Qualcomm chipset. The S26 Plus edges ahead on charging speed, delivering up to 20W wireless charging (versus 15W), while the S26 itself gains a modest bump in battery capacity—from 4,000mAh to 4,300mAh. It’s progress, but not a game changer.
Design and feel also follow familiar ground. The S26 looks and feels a lot like its predecessor. After months with folding devices, the S26’s 6.3-inch display still reads as compact and comfortable. Both S26 and S26 Plus continue to ship with 12GB of RAM, but storage options have shifted a bit.
Storage and price shifts are notable. The S26 now starts at 256GB of storage, and its price sits at $899. That’s roughly $40 more than the S25’s 256GB option. The S26 Plus keeps a 256GB base but climbs to $1,099, up from $999 for the S25 Plus. If you were wondering whether RAM shortages or supply chain pressures would push phone prices higher in 2026, this might be your answer in practical terms.
Photography by Allison Johnson / The Verge
Bottom line: if you want real hardware differentiation, you’ll find it mostly in the Ultra. For the S26 and S26 Plus, expect incremental software-driven enhancements, a few efficiency gains, and a price bump that doesn’t always feel matched by the upgrades. Does that trade-off work for you, or would you rather wait for a model that meaningfully shifts the core experience?
