Samsung is now selling three models in the "Galaxy S26" series as spring models for 2026 in Japan. In the past few years, only two models have been available, but this year's lineup includes three models: the Galaxy S26 Ultra, the Galaxy S26+, and the Galaxy S26. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is equipped with a high-performance camera and the world's first privacy display. This model is also useful for game users.
Three high-spec, high-performance models on sale
The three Galaxy S26 series models are all high-spec products that use Qualcomm's Snapdaragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset.
The display sizes are 6.9 inches for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, 6.7 inches for the Galaxy S26+, and 6.3 inches for the Galaxy S26. The shape of the body is almost the same for all three models, with rounded corners, and there are three choices based on "screen size," "camera performance," "battery capacity," and "price.
Only the top-of-the-line Galaxy S26 Ultra has a high camera performance, with 200 million pixels for wide-angle, 50 megapixels for ultra-wide-angle, 10 megapixels for 3x telephoto, and 50 megapixels for 5x telephoto. We'll come back to camera performance later, but a feature that only the Galaxy S26 Ultra has, the world's first privacy display, is very useful.
Privacy Display Prevents Peering
Privacy Display is a feature that makes the display invisible when viewed from the side. The same effect can be toggled on the display. From the settings screen, you can switch between "entire display," "specific apps," and "notifications only. If you set it to "Entire display," you will see nothing when viewed from the side, as shown here.
If you choose to make only notifications invisible, people around you will not be able to see any OTA notifications such as message notifications or passwords. This is not only visible from the left and right, but also when looking into the screen from above.
No one can peek at your game play.
This is useful when you are immersed in a game. While playing a game on the train, you may be concerned about the eyes of those around you. In particular, you may find that the person sitting next to you is staring at you without your knowledge.
With the privacy display turned on, the screen will not be visible even if the person next to you peeks in. This is a useful feature when you want to concentrate on your game.
Of course, the same effect can be achieved by applying an anti-peeking film, but this time the film must be removed when you want to view the game screen with other people around you. Also, when paying with a QR code, the reader may not be able to recognize the QR code displayed on the screen if the anti-peeking film is attached. With the privacy display, the screen display can be turned on and off with a single touch.
Built-in large vapor chamber for heat generation
The chipset Snapdaragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy is superior in performance to the Snapdaragon 8 Elite Gen 5 used by other smartphones, according to Samsung. Not only does it have superior AI processing performance in the device, but it can also play advanced games without stress. The problem, though, is the heat generated inside during prolonged gameplay.
For this reason, the Galaxy S26 Ultra has a large vapor chamber inside. The area of the chamber is not disclosed, but it is 21% more effective in dissipating heat than the previous model, the Galaxy S25 Ultra. In fact, after playing games and recording videos in 4K for a long time, we felt that overheating was reduced compared to the previous model.
Qi2 support and updated genuine cases
All Galaxy S26 series models are now Qi2 compatible on the back. All of the genuine cases, including the silicone type and carbon type, have a built-in magnetic ring. Some of the past products did not have a ring, but from the Galaxy S26 series, you can surely attach a magnetic accessory if you buy a genuine case.
Unfortunately, the position of the magnet is slightly higher than that of the iPhone, and some MagSafe accessories for the iPhone interfere with the Galaxy S26 Ultra's rear camera. Genuine wireless chargers and wallets sold for the Galaxy S26 series do not interfere with the camera, so we recommend that you try the actual device before buying it if possible.
The 200-megapixel camera is very powerful.
As mentioned above, the Galaxy S26 Ultra's camera has a high resolution of 200 million pixels in the wide-angle mode and captures fine details. Also, the 5x telephoto has 50 megapixels, so even a 10x or 30x digital telephoto can take quite beautiful pictures.
I used the Galaxy S26 Ultra's 200-megapixel, wide-angle camera in Barcelona, Spain. It captures fine details even in the somewhat dark areas of the market.
When walking around the city and taking pictures, I was concerned about the rather large size of the device. I felt that it would be easier to use if an anti-drop ring was attached to the back of the camera. The body measures 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm and weighs 214 g. I appreciate the fact that it is thinner and lighter than the previous model.
The camera also takes bright pictures of meals in a dark room. The AI processing works well in this area.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is a "must-have" device.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is Samsung's flagship model. Although not introduced here, the agent AI functions have been enhanced. For example, the camera can be turned on in video mode by simply saying, "Start the camera in video mode. If you are in doubt about which high-end smartphone to choose, this is the one to choose.
Photo & Written by Yasuhiro Yamane Blog: http://www.hkyamane.com/ X: https://x.com/hkyamane/ Note: https://note.com/hkyamane/