Early Galaxy S26 Ultra reviews are desperately trying to tell us something

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By Anam Hamid

Published: Feb 24, 2026, 6:51 PM

This article may contain personal views and opinion from the author.

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Galaxy S26 Ultra | Image by SamZone

Yet another Galaxy S26 Ultra unboxing video has surfaced ahead of tomorrow's official reveal, making us wonder why Samsung is so lax about the launch of its marquee product getting spoiled. While the South Korean giant's phones always leak, the situation has intensified this year, with stores in Bangladesh and the UAE already selling the device. Come to think of it, maybe Samsung doesn't really care.

A chaotic wrap-up to a chaotic start

Some stores are already selling the Galaxy S26 Ultra. | Image by SamZone

While the Galaxy S26 Ultra was pretty much guaranteed to be part of the lineup, Samsung's reported indecisiveness regarding the other two models appears to have hampered the launch. Heck, the Galaxy S26 Ultra seemed certain to feature built-in magnets at one point, suggesting Samsung changed its mind one too many times. The lack of preparation is now spilling over, as the company struggles to keep retail partners in check.

Divided attention

Between the Galaxy Z TriFold and the rumored wide Galaxy Z Fold 8, Samsung is juggling too many flagships. With the TriFold poised to be a hit and the wide foldable stirring up interest, Samsung appears to have grown complacent, letting the Galaxy S26 Ultra fall by the wayside.

It's as if the Ultra is now a second-tier flagship and not worth fussing over.

How have recent videos impacted your opinion of the Galaxy S26 Ultra?

Better luck next year

Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Galaxy S26 Ultra | Image by SamZone

Reports suggest the Galaxy S26 Ultra will be an underwhelming upgrade, with rounded corners, a camera island, and a privacy display feature as its only real highlights. Processor speed could have been a draw, but the latest unboxing video suggests that the phone tends to overheat, so performance might be throttled.

This might explain why Samsung has given up on controlling leaks. The company may have realized this generation won't be a blockbuster, and decided the damage control isn't worth the effort.

Alternatively, leakers may have one-upped it, and instead of fighting a losing battle, Samsung is looking toward next year.

Samsung may still surprise us with aggressive pricing or innovative AI features, though I wouldn't hold my breath.

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Anam Hamid is a computer scientist turned tech journalist who has a keen interest in the tech world, with a particular focus on smartphones and tablets. She has previously written for Android Headlines and has also been a ghostwriter for several tech and car publications. Anam is not a tech hoarder and believes in using her gadgets for as long as possible. She is concerned about smartphone addiction and its impact on future generations, but she also appreciates the convenience that phones have brought into our lives. Anam is excited about technological advancements like folding screens and under-display sensors, and she often wonders about the future of technology. She values the overall experience of a device more than its individual specs and admires companies that deliver durable, high-quality products. In her free time, Anam enjoys reading, scrolling through Reddit and Instagram, and occasionally refreshing her programming skills through tutorials.

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