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Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Width: 78.1mm (3.07in) Released: Mar 4, 2026
Rank: #3
15 + 8 + 15 + 12 + 15 + 5 + 4 + 0 + 5 + 5 = 84
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra scores 84 out of 100 across ten objectively measured categories, ranking #3 of 241 in the One Hand Phones index. At 78.1mm (3.07in) wide, it’s really a two-handed phone.
* TOP Screen* TOP Camera* TOP Selfie* TOP Performance* TOP Software* TOP Desktop ReplacementSUPERIOR
Score breakdown
Verdict
Samsung is sticking to same choices they did last year: top processor, top screen and a tried and true camera setup. Battery remains the same – a disappointing 5000mAh Lithium unit that provides for (barely) a full day of heavy use. Like Apple, Samsung believes that it is better to fully deplete and fully charge the battery every single day (excellent sales numbers confirm that their customers feel the same). The S26U is still a great phone: top performance and screen (albeit with gimmicky "first phone with a privacy screen" tagline), great main and selfie cameras, industry leading OS update policy, extensive AI integration, DeX and a powerful stylus.
PROs
flagship build, excellent SD 8 Elite Gen 5 with UFS 4.1 performance, outstanding >1300nits >490ppi LTPO AMOLED screen with HDR10+ and DX antireflective coating, great 200MP 24mm main + 10MP 67mm tele + 50MP 111mm periscope telephoto + 50MP ~13mm ultrawide (all with PDAF, only ultrawide lacks OIS), (Feb 2023 old) 12MP 26mm dual-Pixel PDAF selfie that still delivers great pics, above average video recording, stable and feature packed OS with 7 years of updates, rich AI offerings, industry best desktop replacement functionality, fast USB-C 3.2 with DisplayPort and OTG and powerful integration of build in stylus
CONs
disappointing lack of innovation Samsung used to be known for, wider then last year, same 5000mAh battery with 24hr endurance (but slightly faster) sub-60min 60W (25W wireless) charging, no expandable storage and Apple-like effort to limit access to best (wearables, peripherals) features to users fully committed to Samsung ecosystem
Scored across ten categories by One Hand Phones, an independent ranking with no ads, sponsorships, or manufacturer relationships. Rankings updated Jun 17, 2026. See the full ranking of 241 phones →