Samsung is rumored to introduce some promising new features, such as screen-level privacy controls no other smartphone has offered. Still, the overall sentiment remains that the S26 Ultra is playing it safe - perhaps too safe.

The same old 5,000mAh battery again?

The most vocal criticism centers on the battery. Once again, Samsung is expected to equip the S26 Ultra with a 5,000mAh battery - the same capacity seen in five consecutive Ultra models.

This is especially disappointing in light of Android competitors pushing boundaries with 7,000mAh batteries and beyond. In a world of 4K video, AI processing, and power-hungry displays, users expect more endurance - not another year of déjà vu.

No 3D face unlock in sight

Samsung’s reluctance to add a secure 3D face unlock system is baffling to many users. Apple introduced Face ID in 2017, and Chinese brands like Honor have offered similar technology in recent years.

These systems are now fast, compact, and secure - no longer the bulky modules of the past. Yet Samsung continues to stick solely with its excellent ultrasonic fingerprint reader. While reliable, it begs the question: why not both?

The lost microSD slot, still gone

With 4K 60fps recording, LOG video, motion photos, and ever-larger apps, smartphone storage fills up faster than ever. And with cloud storage still a compromise for many, physical expandability remains a user-friendly option.

Unfortunately, Samsung appears unwilling to resurrect the microSD slot. This once-beloved feature was not only practical for data transfer and cost savings, but also a symbol of flexibility - now a thing of the past.

Give us an Ultra without the S Pen

The S Pen is a signature Samsung feature, and it certainly has its fans. But most Galaxy Ultra users rarely use it, if ever.

Yet the S Pen takes up valuable space inside the device - space that could be used for a larger battery or better cooling. Many users would welcome the choice: one Ultra model with S Pen, another without it but offering real performance advantages. Sadly, Samsung seems uninterested in offering that option.

Telephoto camera stuck in the past

Samsung once led the industry in smartphone zoom, equipping its Ultra line with dual telephoto lenses. But the 3X telephoto camera - meant for everyday portraits and mid-range zoom - hasn’t changed much in years.

Users report small sensors, noisy images, and underwhelming detail. While rumors once suggested a major upgrade for the S26 Ultra, those have mostly gone quiet. The result? Likely another year with outdated optics.

Charging speed: Better, but still not bold

Rumors hint that Samsung may finally move from 45W to 60W fast charging on the S26 Ultra. It’s a step forward - but still conservative.

Flagships from Chinese brands routinely offer 80W, even 100W charging speeds, delivering up to 90% battery in just 30 minutes. For users who charge on-the-go or skip overnight charging altogether, that kind of speed is game-changing.

Cautious by design

The truth is, Samsung - much like Apple - is moving with calculated caution. Outside of Asia, where Chinese brands dominate with aggressive specs and pricing, Samsung has little pressure to innovate radically.

In Western markets, its main rivals - Apple and Google - are also reserved in hardware changes. The result: a comfortable status quo.

There’s little doubt that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will be a very good smartphone. But for users who remember the boldness of early Galaxy Note models - the ones that felt like “everything phones” - there’s a lingering sense of restraint.

Powerful, yes. But always holding back - just enough to leave us wondering what could have been.

Hai Phong