Tag: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

  • Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Security Patches Falling Behind

    Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Security Patches Falling Behind

    Key Takeaway

    1. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is a refined, premium device with advanced features like Wi-Fi 7, UWB, and a 5,000 mAh battery.
    2. Its Privacy Display effectively restricts side viewing angles, enhancing privacy in public but reducing brightness and color accuracy.
    3. The device runs on Android 16 with One UI 8.5, promising seven years of updates, security, and feature longevity, with some delays in Google Play system updates.

    Impressive Specifications of the Galaxy S26 Ultra

    The Galaxy S26 Ultra is a highly refined device, with Samsung putting a lot of effort into perfecting every detail. It boasts an impressive set of specs, featuring cutting-edge Wi-Fi 7, Ultra Wideband (UWB), a swift USB 3.2 port, latest cellular connectivity options, and a robust 5,000 mAh battery. Such specifications ensure that the device is well-equipped for future-proof usage, and its hardware performance is quite remarkable for a flagship model.

    Practical Features for Daily Life

    One of the standout features in real-world use is the new Privacy Display. This technology significantly limits side viewing angles, which is particularly handy when you’re in public spaces. However, this privacy comes with some trade-offs—namely, reduced brightness and slight imperfections in color fidelity. Nonetheless, the display, performance, and camera are all top-tier, showing that Samsung prioritized optimizing existing features rather than reinventing them, especially regarding battery life and camera functions.

    Android and Software Support

    Perhaps most appealing is the software experience. The Galaxy S26 Ultra ships with Android 16 and Samsung’s One UI 8.5 interface. The device is promised seven years of updates—meaning support until at least February 28, 2033. This extensive update window positions the Galaxy S26 Ultra as a smart choice for users looking for long-term security and functionality. Plus, several AI-powered features are available, many of which process data directly on the device itself, enhancing privacy.

    Update Reliability and Concerns

    Since its release, Android updates have been consistently punctual, with security patches current as of April 5, 2026. However, the Google Play system updates are still lagging, stuck on the November 1, 2025 version. The previous Ultra model, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, also experienced delays initially but then saw reliable updates. It’s hopeful that Samsung will improve this aspect for the Galaxy S26 Ultra soon, ensuring complete and timely software support for users.

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  • Trump T1 Phone Gets New Design and Specs Again

    Trump T1 Phone Gets New Design and Specs Again

    Key Takeaway

    1. The Trump T1 Phone was launched in June 2025 with pre-orders beginning earlier, but buyers have yet to receive the promised device.
    2. The actual product differs significantly from initial advertising, including manufacturing outside the USA, design changes, and altered specifications.
    3. The phone appears to be a modified HTC U24 Pro with a similar feature set and a controversial US flag branding, raising questions about the final specifications and delivery.

    Introduction of the Trump T1 Phone

    In June 2025, the Trump T1 Phone hit the market, and folks were able to start pre-ordering it. The price tag was set at $499, with customers having to put down a $100 deposit to secure their place in line. Despite the big buzz and pre-order success, many were disappointed when the actual device fell short of what was initially promised.

    Manufacturing & Design Changes

    The initial claim was that the Trump T1 Phone would be made in the USA, but that turned out to be incorrect. Instead, the design shifted to resemble a gold version of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra worth around $1,299, or the iPhone 16 Pro, but no clear delivery date has been shared almost a year later. Specifications have been changing multiple times, causing confusion among the early buyers. In February, Tesla Mobile finally presented what they called the final design, but even then, it was not the original idea, as a customized version appeared on their official page with further specification updates.

    Design & Technical Specs

    The latest look of the Trump T1 Phone resembles a typical mid-tier smartphone with a metal frame. The distinctive features include a color scheme and the US flag on the back that gives it a patriotic vibe. It visually and technically resembles the HTC U24 Pro from 2024 quite a lot. Trump Mobile claims it has a somewhat bigger 5,000 mAh battery, but it charges at a slow 30 watts. The rest of the features are quite similar to the HTC U24, like a 50 MP selfie camera, 50 MP main camera, 8 MP ultra-wide camera, and a 50 MP telephoto lens with 2x zoom. The phone boasts a 6.78-inch AMOLED display that runs at 120 Hz, promising a smooth viewing experience. They mention a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 series chipset, but details are still vague. Whether this will be the final specs or if the device will ever be shipped remains uncertain.

    Final Thoughts

    It’s clear that the Trump T1 Phone has faced numerous delays and modifications, leaving potential buyers unsure if they’ll ever actually get the device they were promised. The whole rollout seems quite chaotic, and only time will tell if Trump Mobile will stick to their latest claims or continue to change the game plan without delivering the final product.


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  • Samsung Launches One UI 9 Beta and Android 17 for Galaxy S26 Ultra

    Samsung Launches One UI 9 Beta and Android 17 for Galaxy S26 Ultra

    Key Takeaways

    1. An internal beta version of One UI 9 based on Android 17 has been found for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.
    2. The beta is for the global model (SM-S948B) and has a file size of approximately 2.6 GB.
    3. Initial beta releases typically include limited new features, but Android 17 is expected to improve performance and battery life.
    4. App developers will need to adapt their apps for larger displays, especially for foldable smartphones.
    5. Google is introducing a feature similar to Apple’s “Handoff,” allowing seamless viewing of open files across devices.

    After the release of the first beta version of Android 17 for Google Pixel smartphones in mid-February, Tarun Vats, an editor at Sammobile, discovered an internal beta version of One UI 9 based on Android 17 for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra ($1,299 on Amazon) on Samsung’s servers.

    Beta Version Details

    This beta is meant for the global model of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, which carries the model number SM-S948B, and the file size is approximately 2.6 GB. Sammobile has successfully installed this beta on a Galaxy S26 Ultra, but as is common with initial beta releases, it brings only a handful of new features. Android 17 is expected to offer significant enhancements internally, which should lead to better performance and improved battery life, among other benefits. Additionally, app developers will need to adapt their apps for larger displays, particularly for foldable smartphones, when these apps are available in the Google Play Store.

    Exciting New Features

    Another noteworthy development is that Google is set to unveil an alternative to Apple’s “Handoff” feature. For instance, if the same application is present on both a smartphone and a tablet, users will be able to view the currently open file on the other device with just one click to keep working seamlessly. This functionality is also anticipated to extend to browser tabs and system apps, allowing users to view an email opened on their smartphone directly on a tablet or even an Android laptop.

    Tarun Vats (X) | Sammobile

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  • Samsung Tests 18,000 mAh Silicon Smartphone Batteries, Leaks Show

    Samsung Tests 18,000 mAh Silicon Smartphone Batteries, Leaks Show

    Key Takeaways

    1. Samsung is testing new silicon-carbon batteries for future smartphones, including a massive 20,000 mAh battery.
    2. An 18,000 mAh battery design involves three stacked components, making it suitable for thicker outdoor smartphones.
    3. A 12,000 mAh battery option is being considered for regular smartphones, with a thickness of 9.3 mm.
    4. Samsung expects the new batteries to last for 1,500 charge cycles before capacity drops to 80%.
    5. The 12,000 mAh battery could provide 20 to 25 hours of active use, though these figures are not yet confirmed.

    The next model after the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, which starts at $1,300 on Amazon, might come with a much bigger battery. A leaker known as @phonefuturist has shared documents that say Samsung is testing several silicon-carbon batteries. The biggest one in testing is said to be a huge 20,000 mAh battery, but it encountered a problem after just 960 charging cycles.

    Testing New Designs

    Samsung is also looking into an 18,000 mAh battery that has three stacked components. This battery includes a 6,699 mAh cell (4.2 mm), a 6,000 mAh cell (3.9 mm), and a 5,527 mAh cell (3.28 mm), adding up to a total thickness of 12.8 mm. This design makes it better suited for thicker outdoor smartphones. Meanwhile, a 12,000 mAh battery made of two cells is 9.3 mm thick and may be a more practical choice for regular smartphones.

    Future Expectations

    Samsung anticipates that this battery will last for 1,500 charge cycles before its capacity decreases to 80%. The 12,000 mAh capacity is expected to allow for 20 to 25 hours of active use on a smartphone. However, as the battery runtime and life-cycle tests are still in progress, these numbers are not confirmed yet. Even though these batteries may be too thick for most of the Samsung Galaxy lineup, the leaked information indicates that Samsung is working on silicon-carbon batteries, hinting that they might provide devices with battery capabilities similar to competing brands from China in the future.

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  • Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Excels in Console and PC Game Emulation

    Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Excels in Console and PC Game Emulation

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra showcases strong gaming performance, particularly with PC gaming and console emulation using the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset.
    2. Games like Hollow Knight: Silksong and The Witcher 3 run smoothly, with frame rates exceeding 60 FPS and 50 FPS respectively at lower settings.
    3. Cyberpunk 2077 performs around 28 to 30 FPS at 720p with low visual settings, indicating some limitations in high-demand titles.
    4. The device successfully emulates Wii and GameCube games using the Dolphin emulator, running titles like Tatsunoko vs Capcom at 4x resolution without issues.
    5. PS2 games also perform well, with Gran Turismo 3 maintaining a steady 60 FPS, highlighting the phone’s versatility in gaming emulation.

    The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has been evaluated in a new video by ETA Prime, focusing on the phone’s desktop mode. The main part of the video highlights what Samsung DeX provides, but it also explores gaming capabilities. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 flagship device managed to perform well with PC gaming and console emulation.

    Gaming Performance

    In the video, ETA Prime employed GameHub to showcase PC games on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The first game they emulated was Hollow Knight: Silksong, which, being a relatively simple game, ran at over 60 FPS on the phone. Then, the YouTuber tested The Witcher 3 at a Medium visual setting and a resolution of 720p, maintaining a frame rate above 50 FPS throughout the gameplay.

    More Game Testing

    The next title tested was Cyberpunk 2077, also at 720p but with low visual settings. The performance fluctuated, staying around 28 to 30 FPS during the test. ETA Prime didn’t stop there; they also emulated several titles using the Dolphin emulator, which supports Wii and Nintendo GameCube games. With the resolution set to 4x, games like Tatsunoko vs Capcom, Auto Modelista, and Super Smash Bros ran seamlessly on the device.

    PS2 Emulation

    In addition, the video demonstrated the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s capability to run PS2 games using NetherSX2. Gran Turismo 3 was capable of maintaining a steady 60 FPS during gameplay. Other games, such as Metal Gear Solid 2, Sly Cooper, and Tekken 5, also performed well on the device.

    It’s interesting to mention that ETA Prime has conducted a similar evaluation with the RedMagic 11 Pro, which also features the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. However, due to its active cooling system, the RedMagic 11 Pro could provide slightly improved performance compared to the Galaxy S26 Ultra (512GB now at $1,299.99 on Amazon) in certain situations.

     

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  • Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Faces Criticism Over Excessive Bloatware

    Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Faces Criticism Over Excessive Bloatware

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is priced at $1,299 and includes pre-installed bloatware from companies like Meta and Microsoft.
    2. Pre-installed apps vary by region, and users cannot choose which third-party apps to install during setup.
    3. The device includes redundant applications, such as both Samsung and Google browsers or email clients.
    4. Pre-installed apps take up 17 GB of space, adding to the 24 GB used by the operating system.
    5. Concerns exist about background services that may send data to external servers, prompting users to consider disabling them for privacy.

    The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, priced at $1,299 on Amazon, stands out as one of the pricier flagship smartphones available today. However, it seems that Samsung is making extra profit by pre-installing bloatware from companies like Meta and Microsoft. Android Authority has successfully acquired a Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra from various retailers and discovered at least eight applications from three external providers that come already loaded on the device.

    Regional Variations

    The specific apps that come pre-installed can vary based on the region where the smartphone is bought. Samsung does not allow users to select which third-party applications they want during the setup process, effectively imposing these apps on customers without any option to opt out. Moreover, there are some Samsung and Google applications that are redundant, such as having both the Samsung browser and Google Chrome, the Samsung Galaxy Store alongside the Google Play Store, or even both Outlook and Gmail.

    Memory Usage Concerns

    The pre-installed apps alone occupy 17 GB of space on a brand new Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, in addition to the roughly 24 GB taken by the operating system. Users on Reddit have also voiced concerns that Samsung activates multiple background services by default, some of which are necessary for AI functions but may also send data to external servers. Given that Samsung has previously released smartphones with spyware, it is wise to disable these background services in the system settings, especially if personal data is stored on the device.

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  • Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Falls Short of iPhone 16 Pro Max on DxOMark

    Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Falls Short of iPhone 16 Pro Max on DxOMark

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra’s camera score improved from 151 to 157, but it ranks 18th overall, behind competitors like the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Google Pixel 10 Pro XL.
    2. Key camera specifications include a 200 MP main camera with improved aperture, a 50 MP ultra-wide camera, and a 50 MP periscope telephoto camera, with some features carried over from the S25 Ultra.
    3. The camera has a limited focus distance of 52 centimeters, which is double that of its predecessor, impacting close-up shots.
    4. The Galaxy S26 Ultra excels in white balance accuracy, dynamic range, and video stabilization, with good detail in macro photography.
    5. Despite improvements, low-light performance still shows noticeable noise, inconsistent auto-exposure, and issues with detail and autofocus in portrait mode.

    The in-depth camera evaluation from DxOMark for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra ($1,299 on Amazon) has arrived, revealing that Samsung has indeed made enhancements to the camera system when compared to the Galaxy S25 Ultra, with the score increasing from 151 to 157. Nevertheless, this improvement only secures the 18th position on the chart, trailing behind the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max (161 points), the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL (163 points), and the Huawei Pura 80 Ultra (175 points).

    Camera Specifications

    The slight upgrade isn’t unexpected, considering Samsung has maintained the 50 MP f/1.9 ultra-wide-angle camera featuring a 1/2.5-inch sensor and the 10 MP f/2.4 telephoto camera with triple zoom and a 1/3.52-inch sensor from the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The main camera boasts a 200 MP resolution with a 1/1.3-inch sensor, which benefits from a quicker lens with an aperture shift from f/1.7 to f/1.4, while the 50 MP periscope telephoto camera with a 1/2.52-inch sensor sees an enhancement from f/3.4 to f/2.9.

    Focusing Limitations

    On the downside, the camera’s focus distance is limited to objects that are at least 52 centimeters away, roughly doubling the minimum focus distance. Despite this, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra shines in several areas during the camera evaluation, thanks to its largely accurate white balance, expansive dynamic range, and effective video stabilization. Furthermore, macro photographs are captured with impressive detail.

    Performance Issues

    While the main camera and periscope telephoto camera exhibit reduced image noise due to the higher-quality lenses, noticeable noise persists in low-light situations. The auto-exposure feature does not perform consistently under various conditions. In portrait mode, DxOMark points out that faces tend to lack fine detail, and the autofocus struggles to consistently target a person’s eyes accurately.

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  • Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Camera Upgrades vs iPhone 17 Pro

    Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Camera Upgrades vs iPhone 17 Pro

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra retains the same camera setup as the Galaxy S25 Ultra, with four rear cameras including a 50 MP ultra-wide and a 10 MP telephoto lens.
    2. The main camera has been upgraded to 200 MP with a faster f/1.4 lens that allows 47% more light, improving low-light performance.
    3. The 50 MP periscope telephoto camera features a quicker f/2.9 lens, enhancing background highlights.
    4. Camera performance shows improvements in detail and low-light noise, with better skin tone accuracy compared to the S25 Ultra, but still lags behind the iPhone 17 Pro.
    5. Areas needing improvement include the autofocus system’s face detection and the quality of bokeh simulation, which can produce artifacts.

    The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, priced at $1,299 on Amazon, mirrors its predecessor, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, with four rear cameras. It features a 50 MP f/1.9 ultra-wide camera with a 1/2.5 inch sensor and a 10 MP f/2.4 telephoto camera equipped with a 3x optical zoom and a small 1/3.94 inch sensor. These specifications remain unchanged from the earlier version.

    Enhanced Main Camera

    The standout feature is the 200 MP main camera, now sporting a faster f/1.4 lens, which, according to Samsung, allows 47% more light to hit the sensor compared to the last model. The 50 MP periscope telephoto camera also benefits from a quicker f/2.9 lens and incorporates a smaller ALoP module. This upgrade modifies the appearance of highlights in the background, making them round instead of square. However, it’s worth noting that the minimum focus distance has increased to 52 centimeters.

    Camera Performance Insights

    DxOMark tested the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s camera and observed notable enhancements in two specific areas. First, the 200 MP main camera captures more detailed images with reduced noise in low light, confirming that the faster lens indeed makes a difference. Second, the device records skin tones more accurately in dim conditions compared to the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Nevertheless, DxOMark points out that the Apple iPhone 17 Pro’s main camera outshines the Galaxy S26 Ultra by capturing even more detail and exhibiting less noise.

    Areas for Improvement

    Despite these advancements, DxOMark criticizes the autofocus system for not consistently detecting faces precisely, and notes that the bokeh simulation is not always perfect, leading to noticeable artifacts in some images.

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  • T-Mobile and Nvidia Promote Open-Source AI for 6G Technology

    T-Mobile and Nvidia Promote Open-Source AI for 6G Technology

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nvidia is forming partnerships with T-Mobile, Nokia, and SoftBank to influence 6G standards towards AI and open-source solutions.
    2. The company emphasizes that 6G networks must be more efficient and capable of supporting AI applications, unlike 5G, which focused primarily on voice and data.
    3. Future 6G modems should be software-controlled and easily updatable, allowing AI software to manage data traffic effectively.
    4. Nvidia aims to support AI startups with its open-source hardware and software as part of the 6G mobile standard.
    5. The success of Nvidia’s efforts is uncertain, given the mixed results of previous consortia and potential compatibility issues with existing hardware.

    Nvidia is making moves to enter the telecommunications hardware space by promoting open-source solutions for the upcoming 6G mobile connectivity standard.

    Consortium Formation

    The company is forming a partnership with T-Mobile, Nokia, and SoftBank, aiming to ensure that future 6G networks can handle advanced AI applications. As it gears up for the next generation of 6G networks, Nvidia seeks to shape the standards to favor its interests, emphasizing AI and pushing for open-source hardware and software.

    AI Integration and Efficiency

    Nvidia’s success is closely tied to the spread of AI across various sectors, from self-driving vehicles to robotics, and anything else that could require extensive AI data centers. As per Ronnie Vasishta, who leads Nvidia’s telecom strategy, the 6G networks must be significantly more efficient due to the limited radio spectrum available for new uses. He mentions, “Networks will provide intelligence, not just for people on their devices, but for machines too,” contrasting this with the current 5G networks which were designed primarily for voice and data, without consideration for AI applications.

    Future of 6G Modems

    The 6G modems should operate on general-purpose computers and be controlled by software, making them easy to update. Nvidia insists that AI software needs to manage data traffic, enabling rapid adaptation to changes in AI capabilities and usage scenarios. The company believes that the 6G mobile standard could revolutionize connectivity applications, and it wants to be equipped with open-source hardware and software to support AI startups that might emerge in the future.

    However, modern phones like the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, currently available at 25% off on Amazon, utilize modems from well-established manufacturers like Qualcomm, which already showcase their AI capabilities.

    Uncertain Future

    It’s uncertain whether Nvidia’s self-interested efforts will succeed. Previous consortia have yielded varied results, sometimes delaying the rollout of next-gen telecom technologies and resulting in hardware that lacks compatibility. Nvidia has a mixed history with open-source projects, indicating it may be trying to carve a niche in a new market while navigating potential challenges.

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  • Xiaomi 18 Series to Feature Galaxy S26 Ultra’s Privacy Display

    Xiaomi 18 Series to Feature Galaxy S26 Ultra’s Privacy Display

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces a new Privacy Display feature, which may not have many other new features compared to its predecessor.
    2. The Privacy Display is currently being tested by various Chinese manufacturers and may debut in flagship devices later this year.
    3. The Xiaomi 18 series is expected to be one of the first to implement the Privacy Display technology in September.
    4. Other Chinese brands, like Oppo and Vivo, are likely to follow suit by introducing the feature in their upcoming models.
    5. The Privacy Display enhances user privacy and reduces the need for physical privacy screen protectors.

    The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra might not come with a lot of new features compared to the previous model, but early reviews highlight the introduction of a fresh Privacy Display option. This feature is expected to be quickly adopted by other manufacturers.

    New Feature in Testing

    According to information from Digital Chat Station, the Privacy Display feature is currently being evaluated by various Chinese manufacturers and is anticipated to be included in upcoming flagship devices later this year. Although the leaker hasn’t specified which brands will implement this hardware-based option, they suggest that new models featuring it could launch in September. This strongly points to the Xiaomi 18 series being among the first to use this new technology.

    Follow-Up by Other Brands

    It’s likely that other Chinese companies, like Oppo and Vivo, will introduce the feature in the months following Xiaomi’s release. While the Privacy Display may not be seen as a groundbreaking innovation by everyone, it serves as a useful quality-of-life improvement, making privacy screen protectors less necessary. It also gives users control over when they want their phone’s display to be hidden from onlookers.

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