The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
Page 3 Showing 41-60 of 284 reviews
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
A Good Phone with a Few Kinks
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Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Ive had the phone for 2 weeks now. So far, no major gripes with the screen like people say. It does get a bit pixellated but only on privacy mode. I switched it in settings to use the maximum resolution and a keep my brightness above 40%. That said, the privacy display helps but isnt as private as expected, the angle viewable is still pretty wide. The tech and implementation especially the software level felt a bit rushed. Im positive it will improve with time. One annoyance is turning on privacy for notifications make them difficult to read fron a vertical angle if the phone is flat on a table in front of me -- id have to be bent directly over the phone to read them. And it only applies to pop up notifications the ones in the pull down notification menu are not private.
I think samsung switching to a thinner font has reduced readability overall, especially in privacy mode and it might have been purposefully done to reduce visibility at angles. But i can see this happening on older phones as well...
A gripe i do have is the phone is wider than my old 23ultra which makes one handed texting and typing cumbersome. Im constantly missing keystrokes. My hands are between glove size small to medium mens for reference. The improved aspect ratio is nice for content but i preferred the taller slimmer design and curved display edges of my old ultra.
The S pen is thinner and feels more delicate, I also have had it click out while in my pocket due to it being closer to the corner of the phone and less flush....
Vibration settings by default are less pronounced so im going to have to dig into settings to try and fix that.
I really like the new default notification sounds its much smoother than my old s23
The phone is much faster than my old s23 and battery life is about 20-30% better so thats a huge plus. It also felt much mugh lighter in my hands and i would honestly prefer it had a little more heft/presence.
Camera is a bit underwhelming so far. I think the software wasnt ready yet. For example I noticed when switching lensesthe photos dont have the same tonal ranges and colors. Focusing is slow and janky sometimes.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The phone is great as expected although the display has gotten worse from the S25 Ultra it still holds to be top quality screen despite the compromise for the privacy screen, which hopefully improves over in time. The customization that the phone offers this year is unprecedented, allowing me to customize my phone in ways I never even realized. Battery size seems to not have been improved from the last couple of years which is not surprising as costs are rising. The camera is phenomenal, offering professional grade photography that most people will probably never use but it's great that it's there, although, a major pet peeve that I do have is that focusing on objects close up is near impossible, which hopefully gets improved later. The AI features are what I expected them to be, features that most people don't use and can be considered bloat to advertise the phone, some features though are useful like the live translations and transcription and spam call assist are pretty cool. The performance of the phone is amazing, it is without a doubt, the best performing phone on the market, being able to become even a desktop with Dex. Overall, the phone is a great step towards progress that really teases what the future holds for smart phones and really showcases what smartphones are capable of by being a supercomputer in your pocket.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
11 Days with Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 512GB
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Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I upgraded from my Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (512GB) to the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (512GB) on March 8, 2026, and after 11 days of use, the experience has been very positive overall.
The performance feels faster and smoother, especially while multitasking and switching between apps, with no noticeable lag so far.
Battery life has slightly improved compared to my previous device, easily lasting a full day with regular usage like calls, WhatsApp, and YouTube.
The camera quality is excellent as expected, with better clarity and improved low-light performance, though the difference is not extremely drastic from the S23 Ultra.
The display is brighter and more comfortable to use outdoors, and the overall design still feels premium, although slightly heavy.
S Pen responsiveness remains great and useful for quick notes. I also noticed improvements in call quality and connectivity stability.
The built-in privacy screen feature is very useful, as it prevents others from seeing my screen in public, adding an extra layer of security.
However, the upgrade feels more incremental than revolutionary, especially considering the price. Overall, it’s a great device.
Seamless Best Buy Experience and a Powerful Device
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I picked this up through Best Buy and the whole process was honestly one of the easiest tech purchases I’ve made. From browsing to checkout, everything was straightforward, and I appreciated how clear the product details and reviews were—it made the decision a lot easier.
As for the phone itself, it absolutely delivers. I use it heavily for work—10+ hour days—and it keeps up without any lag or slowdowns. Multitasking is seamless, apps open instantly, and the overall performance feels fast and reliable all day long.
Battery life has been a big win for me too. I’m not constantly looking for a charger, even with streaming, calls, and regular use throughout the day. The display is sharp and vibrant, and the camera takes consistently great photos without needing to tweak settings.
Between the quality of the device and how smooth the Best Buy experience was (including pickup and support), I’d definitely recommend both the product and buying through Best Buy if you want a hassle-free experience.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
My review about the S26 ULTRA
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Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I've been a Samsung user since many years. my honest review about the S26 ULTRA after using it for 1 WEEK
• First let's start talking about the previous S series that were doing perfect.. especially the S25 ULTRA which felt the peak of what a smartphone could be. I like companies are just trying to add those extra layers to reach "Absolute perfection" and ofc sacrificing some things (eg: Bluetooth in S PEN, Titanium frame...)
• The main marketing hook this year is the privacy screen.. and we can say that the screen technologies are a Samsung thing.. From a sales prescriptive the feature is a massive selling point and some customers are buying specifically for that feature.. But for me I don't even use it unless I customise it for PINs, Passwords...etc. .. I really prefer to have them more than the privacy feature.
I like :
Performance.
The video capturing especially if u dive into the PRO settings.
The Ai image editing (text to image) is unlimited.
The colors look more vivid.
It feels premium more than the S25 Ultra.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Coming from the S23 Ultra, the refinements on the Galaxy S26 Ultra are immediately noticeable. The hand use and overall ergonomics are significantly better—it feels much more balanced and comfortable to hold during long days. The display is absolutely stunning, making everything from editing documents to viewing AI-generated images look incredibly crisp and vibrant. Where this phone truly shines, though, is the unique video camera stabilization. Trying to film a highly energetic Border Collie mix usually results in shaky, unusable footage, but the S26 Ultra captures everything flawlessly smooth. Add in the vastly improved battery efficiency that easily powers through a full day of managing schedules for two teenagers without needing a top-off, and this is easily a five-star device, don't forget the fast charging, in 30 minutes boom.
Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Coming from a Fold 6 I was super happy to have a screen that wasn't super narrow anymore. The speed was noticable on this phone. If I were to compare the two phones I would say that the S26 Ultra was super fast. Apps would load almost instantly while the Fold 6 would lag slightly. You'll notice how zippy things are when opening and running apps like Instagram. The privacy screen is super useful and the screen is plenty bright when it's off. The cameras are top-tier. If you shoot in LOG the video quality is AMAZING! It isn't as detailed as a 1-imch sensor camera like the OSMO Pocket 3 of course, but you do get that DSLR type vibe when you add LUTs. Not only that, you get Horizontal Lock which stabilized footage for you. Samsung outdid themselves with this release. Oh and night shots are better too ^_^
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Absolutely blown away by the Galaxy S26 Ultra! This phone is an absolute powerhouse and easily the best upgrade I’ve made in years. The display is insanely sharp and vibrant everything from streaming videos to just scrolling feels next level smooth.
Battery life is a beast. I can go all day (and then some) without stressing about charging, even with heavy use. The camera system is on another level too crisp, detailed shots in any lighting, and the zoom is honestly kind of unreal.
Performance is lightning fast. Apps open instantly, multitasking is seamless, and gaming runs like a dream. Plus, the design feels super premium and comfortable in hand.
If you’re on the fence don’t be. This phone delivers on every level and then some. Worth every penny.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Seamless Samsung upgrade
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
So I finally upgraded to the new Galaxy S26 Ultra. I already had an older Galaxy S model that I loved, but it was showing its age. Best Buy had a great offer that I couldn't pass up. I got a really good trade-in credit for my old phone. They made it so easy to send my old phone back and the credit showed up on my credit card within a few days of the return.
As usual, the transfer from old to new phone is super simple and the new phone was up and running the same day I unpacked it. I'm getting myself acquainted with all the new features of S26 and I've registered for a Samsung class to learn more about how to use the camera functions.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Honestly surprised by how powerful this phone feel
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Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I didn’t expect to be this impressed, but the camera on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra genuinely surprised me. Photos come out sharp and detailed without much effort, even in tricky lighting, and the screen brightness is something I notice every single day. Using it outdoors in bright sunlight used to be frustrating with my old phone, but now everything stays clear and easy to see.
What really made me happy is how powerful and reliable it feels overall. The phone runs fast, handles multiple apps without slowing down, and the battery easily gets me through the day without stress. It just feels solid and dependable, and that kind of performance makes daily use feel smooth instead of frustrating.
Great phone with amazing screen, but takes time to
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Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I recently switched from iPhone 16 Pro to the S26 Ultra, and overall I’m really liking it. The display is beautiful, much bigger, and great for watching videos, browsing, and even work. The phone feels premium and powerful.
The only adjustment for me has been the size. It’s definitely bigger and a bit harder to manage with one hand compared to my iPhone. Earlier I could easily text or use my phone anywhere with one hand, but now I have to be a bit more careful and often use both hands.
That said, the bigger screen is also a big advantage once you get used to it. If you’re okay with a larger phone, this is a great upgrade.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I recently had the opportunity to use the Samsung Galaxy 26 Ultra, and I must say that I am thoroughly impressed with its camera capabilities. The camera delivers stunning clarity and vibrant colors, making it ideal for capturing both everyday moments and special occasions. I also appreciate the privacy screen feature, which provides an added layer of security and peace of mind. The device offers a seamless user experience with its intuitive interface and powerful performance. Overall, I find the Samsung Galaxy 26 Ultra to be a reliable and enjoyable choice for those seeking a high-quality smartphone.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Don't listen to YouTubers
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Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
What can I say. I know the reviews online talk about the screen not being as good. But I think that is YouTubers trying to get clicks. I cannot tell a difference with the screen and I have one eye and bothered by poor screens. The privacy screen is wonderful. I use it only on certain apps like banking apps and message notifi ations. That way I have the full screen on videos and other. It's battery life is great. The faster charging is nice. It is lighter than the s25 ultra. And it is much lighter than the Google pixel 10 Pro XL. I took advantage of Best Buy's promotion and got the phone for $400. No brainer
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great phone. Several small updates make big differ
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Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This phone fixes what i didnt like about my s24u. Despite being taller its easier to hold. Lighter, thinner, narrower and the rounded corners give them all pleasing form to hold. Charging is faster and battery is over 8hrs screen on time. Pictures are better in low light and processing power for everything including AI is top tier even surpassing apple. Privacy display has no rival, unique no more privacy added screen protector that adds weight to the phone. Very pleased with my purchase.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I have bought the last 5 ultras phones. I know, I have problem. However, this is a huge step up over the last few year over year improvements. They made the phone a lot more polished while slimming it down and making it way more comfortable to hold. The privacy screen is a real innovation and the AI features are low key amazing now.
My only thing from proclaiming this at the best phone ever is that it lacks the Qi 2 charging magnet in the phone. I'm sure they have to figure out the sPen interaction to get the magnet and pen working together. If they can they will have an all timers on the next one.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I’ve been using the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, and one thing that really stands out is the Galaxy AI—it actually feels useful, not gimmicky.
It helps with a lot of everyday stuff. For example, it can summarize notifications and prioritize what’s important, which makes a big difference when my phone is blowing up. It also gives smart suggestions based on what I’m doing, so I don’t have to dig through apps as much.
The AI photo features are also really cool. I can just type what I want to change in a picture, and it edits it for me, or even creates things like stickers from photos.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The Samsung S26 Ultra is an amazing device. The screen is stunning and the camera takes professional-grade photos. It is very fast and the battery life is excellent for a full day of work.
However, there is one small detail: the S Pen does not sit completely flush with the frame. It sticks out slightly, which is a bit disappointing for such a premium design. It is secure and won't fall out, but it doesn't feel perfectly smooth at the bottom. Overall, it's a fantastic phone, but I hope they fix this in the next version
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Phone and purchase process were great
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The phone is great but more importantly the purchasing process has been amazing. I've purchased directly through Samsung and had a hard time with the trade process and credit. Best buy process was amazing, I was worried about paying upfront and waiting on a credit for my trade. I was pleasantly surprised at how quick the process was and how quickly they inspected it and refunded. 10/10 recommend buying from best buy and I will be doing that for all my future purchases
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
S26 Ultra
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is an outstanding flagship smartphone that delivers top-tier performance, a stunning display, and an exceptional camera system. Its powerful processor and advanced AI features make everyday tasks smooth and efficient, while the long-lasting battery keeps up with heavy use. The sleek design and premium build add to its appeal, making it a great choice for anyone seeking a high-end, reliable smartphone experience.