The ET GenAI Hackathon 2026 has announced the results of its Idea Submission phase, with the shortlist finalised after evaluating entries from more than 54,000 builders across India. Shortlisted teams now advance to the Prototype Development Phase
The fast-expanding war between the United States, Israel, and Iran has captured global attention largely because it is disrupting oil and gas supplies from the Persian Gulf. Yet another resource is now emerging as far more critical to the survival of the region’s societies. Water
Indian technology stocks have seen an unprecedented rout over the past few weeks over fears of artificial intelligence upending the traditional outsourcing model that powers the country's $300bn (£223bn) back-office industry. The sell-off - part of a global correction in traditional software and
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Monday managed an easy victory in the biennial polls to five Rajya Sabha seats in Bihar, with its candidates including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and BJP national president Nitin Nabin
Star Brazilian forward Neymar didn’t receive a call-up to the national team squad for the upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia, although striker Endrick found a spot. With this snub, Neymar’s hopes of playing at the upcoming FIFA World Cup have received a massive blow
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review: Screen and real innovation, for your eyes only
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review: Screen and real innovation, for your eyes only
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review: Screen and real innovation, for your eyes only
Samsung’s S26 Ultra is a story of subtle yet on-point upgrades, with a key innovation defining who doesn’t get to see your screen.
Published on: Mar 06, 2026 10:25 AM IST By Vishal Mathur Share via Copy link If you contextualise the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra as just another flagship generation based on new specs compared with the previous generation, it’d be fallaciously simplistic. There are of course generational steps forward in terms of the hardware and specs, and nothing less is to be expected. However, Samsung’s focus is steadfast on capabilities and finesse that defines experience. Case in point, the Privacy Display. Another case in the same point, Horizontal Lock for video recordings, to keep videos level even if your angles aren’t. One more? The APV video codec, or Advanced Professional Video. To some these may seem a generational given, but switch to another Android flagship and you’ll realise that isn’t the case. This is the world’s first phone with a Privacy Display built at a hardware level. (Vishal Mathur/ HT Photo) As has often been the case with recent Galaxy flagship iterations, including the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Samsung is bumping up the base spec combination from 12GB memory and 256GB storage to 12GB memory and 512GB storage for the entry spec price point of ₹1,39,999 — which they say is for a limited time; good value for early adopters, who have their credit cards dusted off and ready. The top-tier 12GB memory and 1TB storage is priced at ₹1,89,999 at this time. Once the initial base spec bump offer is done with, expect the 256GB storage variants to surface, while the 512GB storage option slots in-between. Chances are, pure spec upgrades may not excite you as much now, and that’s precisely why I shall talk about a feature that does give us a reason. The Privacy Display. It is a hardware innovation with software playing its part. This is the world’s first phone with something built at the hardware level. The magic really resides in the pixel architecture — when this mode is enabled, the pixels mode into something that can be classified as a narrow mode of illumination, straight forward and little escaping on the sides making it difficult to view contents from lateral angles. OLED display technology is meant to disperse light in a broader manner to each pixel, for better angled viewing otherwise. On the face of it, privacy tech may not be cool enough for some, but this is simply an illustration of this era of smartphones, where innovation has largely been spec driven with little else to go with that. The accessory market is full of screen protectors that claim similar privacy from side viewing, but unlike those (which variable results as well), Samsung’s deployment isn’t a forced solution. It can be turned on and off as a user’s will, and even configured for specific apps. Banking apps and two-factor authentication apps, one would assume, immediate beneficiaries. In our experience, this works brilliantly, in default setting as well as the more powerful “maximum privacy protection” setting. There is very little someone sitting beside you can make out about the contents on the screen in the former, and it’s absolutely akin to hitting a wall on the latter. That said, when this is enabled, there is a definite tint that overlays the screen even when looked at straight on, which isn’t great if your search is for colour accuracy or realism while viewing media. Logically, you can’t just turn this on and leave it that way all the time. Unless of course Samsung can optimise this with software updates in the coming months. I fully expect this technology to be available in more Samsung products, particularly the larger screen tablets, soon. It’ll be interesting to see if the Privacy Display also makes it to the company’s foldable phones, which continue to set the benchmark in that category. There are certain improvements across the battery and performance spectrum, as well as some new feature additions to the camera. But design differences, compared with the Galaxy S25 Ultra are minimal, albeit the newer phone is very slightly thinner and lighter (both metrics, not entirely perceptible most of the time). The reason for the additional slimness is also the switch from titanium to aluminium. You’ll have no complaints about performance, with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chip (the “for Galaxy” part is important, marking continued Samsung-specific customisations at chip level) now flanked by an elaborate new Vapor Chamber cooling system. It seems to be working, because the only time the Galaxy S26 Ultra felt somewhat lukewarm was during the initial setup stage, with lots of apps and updates in progress. That’s certainly proving to be a positive for battery stamina as well, with close to 8 hours of screen time and still 30% charge left for the remainder of the day. This is, for most use cases, a very comfortable usage aspect. Mind you, Samsung is still exploring silicon-carbon for smartphone batteries, expected sometime in the future. The moment is right to point out what I’d call Samsung’s obsession with Microsoft apps being pre-installed on the Galaxy S26 Ultra — Outlook, Copilot, OneDrive and a few more that I really cannot bother to remember. Basically, upon setup, made it a point to uninstall all Microsoft apps, since they essentially are forcing their way in on my experience with the phone. Yet, a few hours later, all apps were back — force downloaded in the background without any consent or approval from the user. They were nevertheless uninstalled again, but it is difficult to pinpoint if this is a Galaxy Store behaviour, or these uncalled for updates are being pushed through the Google Play Store. It is understandable that Microsoft may have a watertight deal in place with Samsung, but this needs fixing. Cameras on the Galaxy S26 Ultra represent what we often call, two sides of the same coin. Top notch in terms of the hardware, that is with a 200-megapixel main camera, a 50-megapixel telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom, a 50-megapixel ultra wide camera, and a 10-megapixel telephoto with 3x optical zoom. The main and telephoto cameras specifically have wider apertures, for better light input, since this needs more physical depth, the camera island and the modules have somewhat more pronounced height. In an era where camera makers and phone brands partner more often than not, Samsung’s reliant on in-house expertise with a dose of AI, for their image processing algorithms. A different approach, which continues to find traction with consumers. This is building from the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which over time with refinements, became a very competent flagship-level camera (the initial stumbles can’t be forgotten, but course-correction even more appreciated). In that sense, don’t expect a leap in photography or video recording terms. Optimisations and improvements include more realistic colours in daytime shots and being less prone to lens flare in low light scenarios. There are still moments when focus isn’t quick enough to automatically lock in, and in certain photos, zooming in reveals imperfections because image processing simply couldn’t replicate the details the camera should have otherwise seen (this is particularly true in 12-megapixel and 200-megapixel settings). Again, I expect this to involve a series of updates in the coming months, to iron out the creases. For video recordings, the Horizontal Lock will be rather useful. This uses the gyro and accelerometer on the device to keep the video recording level even if the phone is rotated 360 degrees. This is proving to be very relevant for on the move videos, and you can worry less about framing and keeping the phone levelled. The second big element is the APV, or Advanced Professional Video codec that’s been developed by Samsung in-house. If this is enabled, video recordings on the Galaxy S26 Ultra will be much larger than typical HDR videos, because every frame is encoded as a high-resolution image. For consumers, this may be an overkill, but for professional workflows, the result will be a much smoother and data intensive file to load into the editing software. The display aspect must be addressed. Samsung’s initial communication suggested this panel is a 10-bit display, but confirmation since pegs it as an 8-bit display. As it stands, the colours are simulated to 10-bit, which in other words means the display natively handles 16.7 million colours instead of 1 billion colours, but tries to work around that. The problem isn’t that, because for most users, they’ll manage. However, the miscommunication was unexpected, and uncalled for. Step back, and you’ll realise Samsung has made structured the Galaxy S26 Ultra to incrementally improve in some aspects, and take significant steps forward in others where the differences would matter the most. The Privacy Display is one that defines a new level of functionality which other phone makers will now scramble to try and integrate by the time their next flagship launches come around. Horizontal Lock and APV codec are significant for video recordings, while photography is more a case of refinement. Performance, battery stamina and all-round polish are definitively flagship-grade. Samsung’s philosophy seems clear — stay ahead with relevant progression, not spec sheer drama. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has more than delivered on that. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Vishal Mathur Vishal Mathur is Technology Editor for Hindustan Times. When not making sense of technology, he often searches for an elusive analog space in a digital world. Flagship Smartphone Stay updated with the latest Business News on Petrol Price, Gold Rate, Income Tax Calculator along with Silver Rates, Diesel Prices, Budget 2026 LIVE on Hindustan Times. News / Business / Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Review: Screen And Real Innovation, For Your Eyes Only See LessIf you contextualise the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra as just another flagship generation based on new specs compared with the previous generation, it’d be fallaciously simplistic. There are of course generational steps forward in terms of the hardware and specs, and nothing less is to be expected. However, Samsung’s focus is steadfast on capabilities and finesse that defines experience. Case in point, the Privacy Display. Another case in the same point, Horizontal Lock for video recordings, to keep videos level even if your angles aren’t. One more? The APV video codec, or Advanced Professional Video. To some these may seem a generational given, but switch to another Android flagship and you’ll realise that isn’t the case.
As has often been the case with recent Galaxy flagship iterations, including the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Samsung is bumping up the base spec combination from 12GB memory and 256GB storage to 12GB memory and 512GB storage for the entry spec price point of ₹1,39,999 — which they say is for a limited time; good value for early adopters, who have their credit cards dusted off and ready. The top-tier 12GB memory and 1TB storage is priced at ₹1,89,999 at this time. Once the initial base spec bump offer is done with, expect the 256GB storage variants to surface, while the 512GB storage option slots in-between.
Chances are, pure spec upgrades may not excite you as much now, and that’s precisely why I shall talk about a feature that does give us a reason. The Privacy Display. It is a hardware innovation with software playing its part. This is the world’s first phone with something built at the hardware level. The magic really resides in the pixel architecture — when this mode is enabled, the pixels mode into something that can be classified as a narrow mode of illumination, straight forward and little escaping on the sides making it difficult to view contents from lateral angles. OLED display technology is meant to disperse light in a broader manner to each pixel, for better angled viewing otherwise.
On the face of it, privacy tech may not be cool enough for some, but this is simply an illustration of this era of smartphones, where innovation has largely been spec driven with little else to go with that. The accessory market is full of screen protectors that claim similar privacy from side viewing, but unlike those (which variable results as well), Samsung’s deployment isn’t a forced solution. It can be turned on and off as a user’s will, and even configured for specific apps. Banking apps and two-factor authentication apps, one would assume, immediate beneficiaries.
In our experience, this works brilliantly, in default setting as well as the more powerful “maximum privacy protection” setting. There is very little someone sitting beside you can make out about the contents on the screen in the former, and it’s absolutely akin to hitting a wall on the latter. That said, when this is enabled, there is a definite tint that overlays the screen even when looked at straight on, which isn’t great if your search is for colour accuracy or realism while viewing media. Logically, you can’t just turn this on and leave it that way all the time. Unless of course Samsung can optimise this with software updates in the coming months.
I fully expect this technology to be available in more Samsung products, particularly the larger screen tablets, soon. It’ll be interesting to see if the Privacy Display also makes it to the company’s foldable phones, which continue to set the benchmark in that category.
There are certain improvements across the battery and performance spectrum, as well as some new feature additions to the camera. But design differences, compared with the Galaxy S25 Ultra are minimal, albeit the newer phone is very slightly thinner and lighter (both metrics, not entirely perceptible most of the time). The reason for the additional slimness is also the switch from titanium to aluminium. You’ll have no complaints about performance, with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chip (the “for Galaxy” part is important, marking continued Samsung-specific customisations at chip level) now flanked by an elaborate new Vapor Chamber cooling system.
It seems to be working, because the only time the Galaxy S26 Ultra felt somewhat lukewarm was during the initial setup stage, with lots of apps and updates in progress. That’s certainly proving to be a positive for battery stamina as well, with close to 8 hours of screen time and still 30% charge left for the remainder of the day. This is, for most use cases, a very comfortable usage aspect. Mind you, Samsung is still exploring silicon-carbon for smartphone batteries, expected sometime in the future.
The moment is right to point out what I’d call Samsung’s obsession with Microsoft apps being pre-installed on the Galaxy S26 Ultra — Outlook, Copilot, OneDrive and a few more that I really cannot bother to remember. Basically, upon setup, made it a point to uninstall all Microsoft apps, since they essentially are forcing their way in on my experience with the phone. Yet, a few hours later, all apps were back — force downloaded in the background without any consent or approval from the user. They were nevertheless uninstalled again, but it is difficult to pinpoint if this is a Galaxy Store behaviour, or these uncalled for updates are being pushed through the Google Play Store. It is understandable that Microsoft may have a watertight deal in place with Samsung, but this needs fixing.
Cameras on the Galaxy S26 Ultra represent what we often call, two sides of the same coin. Top notch in terms of the hardware, that is with a 200-megapixel main camera, a 50-megapixel telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom, a 50-megapixel ultra wide camera, and a 10-megapixel telephoto with 3x optical zoom. The main and telephoto cameras specifically have wider apertures, for better light input, since this needs more physical depth, the camera island and the modules have somewhat more pronounced height. In an era where camera makers and phone brands partner more often than not, Samsung’s reliant on in-house expertise with a dose of AI, for their image processing algorithms. A different approach, which continues to find traction with consumers.
This is building from the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which over time with refinements, became a very competent flagship-level camera (the initial stumbles can’t be forgotten, but course-correction even more appreciated). In that sense, don’t expect a leap in photography or video recording terms. Optimisations and improvements include more realistic colours in daytime shots and being less prone to lens flare in low light scenarios. There are still moments when focus isn’t quick enough to automatically lock in, and in certain photos, zooming in reveals imperfections because image processing simply couldn’t replicate the details the camera should have otherwise seen (this is particularly true in 12-megapixel and 200-megapixel settings). Again, I expect this to involve a series of updates in the coming months, to iron out the creases.
For video recordings, the Horizontal Lock will be rather useful. This uses the gyro and accelerometer on the device to keep the video recording level even if the phone is rotated 360 degrees. This is proving to be very relevant for on the move videos, and you can worry less about framing and keeping the phone levelled. The second big element is the APV, or Advanced Professional Video codec that’s been developed by Samsung in-house. If this is enabled, video recordings on the Galaxy S26 Ultra will be much larger than typical HDR videos, because every frame is encoded as a high-resolution image. For consumers, this may be an overkill, but for professional workflows, the result will be a much smoother and data intensive file to load into the editing software.
The display aspect must be addressed. Samsung’s initial communication suggested this panel is a 10-bit display, but confirmation since pegs it as an 8-bit display. As it stands, the colours are simulated to 10-bit, which in other words means the display natively handles 16.7 million colours instead of 1 billion colours, but tries to work around that. The problem isn’t that, because for most users, they’ll manage. However, the miscommunication was unexpected, and uncalled for.
Step back, and you’ll realise Samsung has made structured the Galaxy S26 Ultra to incrementally improve in some aspects, and take significant steps forward in others where the differences would matter the most. The Privacy Display is one that defines a new level of functionality which other phone makers will now scramble to try and integrate by the time their next flagship launches come around. Horizontal Lock and APV codec are significant for video recordings, while photography is more a case of refinement. Performance, battery stamina and all-round polish are definitively flagship-grade.
Samsung’s philosophy seems clear — stay ahead with relevant progression, not spec sheer drama. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has more than delivered on that.
Source: HindustanTimes
Related Posts: Samsung Galaxy S26 And S26 Ultra Price In India Vs US Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra To Come With Bigger Battery Than Galaxy S25 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Gets BIS Battery Certification Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra key details leak before official launch Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G mobile launch soon Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra colours leak ahead of expected February launch Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G mobile design render leaked Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Likely To Debut In India Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs Vivo X300 Pro 5G Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Display Confusion Has Been Finally Cleared
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has said Sunrisers Leeds' signing of Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed "indirectly contributes to the deaths of Indian soldiers and civilians". Gavaskar's comments are the most high-profile criticism of Sunrisers' deal for Abrar at last week's Hundred auction
5 hours ago
The US artificial intelligence (AI) firm Anthropic is looking to hire a chemical weapons and high-yield explosives expert to try to prevent "catastrophic misuse" of its software. In other words, it fears that its AI tools might tell someone how to make chemical or radioactive weapons
5 hours ago
If one wants to explore the many debates and controversies surrounding the Congress and its role in shaping India’s political trajectory, there may soon be a new address in the capital to turn to. At 3, Safdarjung Lane, the official residence of Nishikant Dubey — the Bharatiya Janata Party MP
5 hours ago
Chelsea have been handed a Premier League record fine of £10.75m and a suspended transfer ban. It was a result of the club making secret payments to unregistered agents and third-parties over transfers between 2011 and 2018. But it could have been a lot worse
5 hours ago
Kerala Congress (M), BDJS announce names of 12 candidates eachKerala Congress (M) and BDJS announced candidates for the upcoming assembly polls, including KC(M) chairman Jose K Mani from Pala and 12 others from BDJS. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 7:36 AM IST By Vishnu Varma
5 hours ago
Iran’s National Security Chief Ali Larijani on Monday penned a note to Muslim countries, questioning their lack of support for Tehran as the US-Israeli war is now entering its third week with no clear end in sight, disrupting global energy supplies and raising fears of a spike in global inflation
5 hours ago
Nagaon MP Pradyut Bordoloi expressed strong displeasure over Dr. Asif Nazar being considered for the Lahorighat Assembly ticket, citing Nazar's alleged association with an individual charged in an attack on Bordoloi. Bordoloi wrote to AICC General Secretary Jitendra Singh
5 hours ago
A sessions court in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district on Monday convicted five persons and acquitted 35 others in connection with a 2016 case in which seven Dalits were assaulted in the town of Una, The Indian Express reported. Additional Sessions Judge Jignesh Pandya of the court in Veraval
5 hours ago
It's Hollywood's biggest night. The 98th Academy Awards featured emotional speeches, comical relief and a bevy of backstage fun. But it was perhaps a night to forget for Timothée Chalamet. As well as losing out to Michael B Jordan for best actor and One Battle After Another for best picture
5 hours ago
US President Donald Trump on Monday said more than 30 mine laying ships of Iran have been destroyed which has affected Tehran’s capacity to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. “We are hammering their capacity to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz with more
5 hours ago
Love Horoscope Today for March 17, 2026: A spontaneous moment could lead to a meaningful connectionLove Horoscope Today, March 17, 2026: Find daily astrological predictions for all sun signs. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 7:28 AM IST By Neeraj Dhankher Share via Copy link Aries: Mars is pushing you to
5 hours ago
Dubai arrests Iranian drone strike survivors after they sent explosion photos to loved ones3 foreigner nationals who survived drone strike in Dubai have been arrested after sending photos of the explosions to family members. Updated on: Mar 16
5 hours ago
‘Firms need to move to adaptive, energy-efficient AI models’Sarah Hooker is convinced that the future lies in AI systems that use less computing power, cost less to run and can adapt to the needs of users. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 6:58 AM IST By Shweta Taneja Share via Copy link In the last
5 hours ago
Baghdad witnessed a significant drone and rocket attack on the U.S. embassy early Tuesday. This incident marks the most intense assault since the commencement of the U.S.-Israel war with Iran. Iraqi security forces have heightened their presence across the capital. The Green Zone
5 hours ago
Russell Wilson trade update: Chiefs hand a shock to Giants QB with Justin Fields move Published on: Mar 17, 2026 5:03 AM IST By Khushi Arora Share via Copy link New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) waves to fans after the game against the Dallas Cowboys (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5 hours ago
![London [UK], March 17 (ANI): The Premier League has completed a disciplinary process with Chelsea FC in respect of historical breaches relating to Financial](http://newsorbit360.com/files/news/en/imgs/chelsea-fined-and-faces-supended-transfer-ban-by-premier-league.webp?height=520)
London [UK], March 17 (ANI): The Premier League has completed a disciplinary process with Chelsea FC in respect of historical breaches relating to Financial Reporting and Third Party Investment.In 2022, Chelsea FC’s current owners voluntarily reported to the League that they had evidence of
5 hours ago
A Bengaluru-based cafe has drawn attention on social media after adding a 5 per cent “Gas Crisis Charge" to a customer’s lemonade order, sparking debate on social media platform X. The unusual fee, applied on a bill for two mint lemonades, has left many users amused and some questioning its
5 hours ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Still using an older laptop? These Intel 13th Gen laptops show what modern performance feels likeIntel 13th Gen laptops bring improved performance
5 hours ago
US President Donald Trump said on Monday that he is planning to delay a high stakes visit to China later in March by about a month because of the Iran war. "We've requested that we delay it a month or so," he told reporters at the White House
5 hours ago
LDF ally ISJD, UDF ally RSP name candidates for four seats eachThe ISJD and RSP announced their candidates for Kerala Assembly polls, with ISJD's K Krishnankutty retiring from politics and RSP seeking assembly representation. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 7:30 AM IST By Vishnu Varma
5 hours ago
Horoscope Today, March 17, 2026: Operational strategies at work need refinementHoroscope Today: Read the astrological predictions for each zodiac sign based on an expert's guidance on March 17, 2026. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 7:19 AM IST By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma
5 hours ago
The report from Elara Capital said retail gasoline and diesel prices “could be fully protected through excise cuts until roughly $110/bbl, beyond which price hikes on diesel and gasoline would become inevitable”. Also Read :Fino Payments Bank Shares Fall To 52-Week Low Amid Probe Reports;
5 hours ago
Punjab Assembly session: House passes motion against LoP Bajwa over ‘band player’ remarkThe Punjab assembly condemned opposition leader Partap Singh Bajwa for alleged derogatory remarks about a minister, leading to chaos and a walkout by Congress. Published on: Mar 17
5 hours ago
More than a thousand citizens in Ladakh's Leh and Kargil regions rallied on Monday, echoing calls for statehood and adherence to the Sixth Schedule. Leaders from the Apex Body Leh alongside the Kargil Democratic Alliance expressed their discontent regarding the central government's stance
5 hours ago
Menstrual pain is often dismissed as an inevitable part of being a woman. But when cramps become debilitating, interfere with daily life or are accompanied by chronic pelvic discomfort, they may signal something more serious. One such condition is endometriosis – a long-term disorder affecting
5 hours ago
Khushbu Sundar comes out in support of Trisha amid her viral pics with Vijay: ‘She is one of the most dignified women’Khushbu Sundar has addressed the online chatter surrounding the public appearance of Vijay and Trisha Krishnan, after the divorce petition filed by Sangeeta. Mar 17, 2026
5 hours ago
Rex Culpepper's fiancee pays sweet tribute after tragic bike accident death: ‘I don’t regret' Published on: Mar 17, 2026 4:55 AM IST By Yash Nitish Bajaj Share via Copy link Former Syracuse quarterback Rex Culpepper died after an accident on Saturday (Instagram/Rex Culpepper) Rex Culpepper
5 hours ago
