Galaxy S26 Ultra by Samsung has reached first place in Consumer Reports’s latest smartphone ranking. The model obtained an overall score of 88 points. The iPhone 17 Pro Max scored 86 points and appeared in fourth position.
Essa difference of two points consolidates the leadership of the Ultra line for the third year in a row. The Galaxy S25 Ultra and S24 Ultra tied for second place with 87 points each. The test considers performance, reliability and user satisfaction.
Bateria with record performance
The autonomy of use was the highlight that opened up the advantage. The Galaxy S26 Ultra logged 51 hours and 30 minutes of continuous use in lab testing. Esse was the only result to receive maximum marks among the 30 best evaluated devices.
The battery has a capacity of 5,000 mAh. Mesmo with a large 6.9-inch screen, the device maintained high efficiency in real-use scenarios such as internet browsing, video playback and calls. Power management balanced consumption without sacrificing advanced features.
Outros premium smartphones often reduce battery capacity to prioritize thinner designs. In the case of the S26 Ultra, the Samsung delivered high durability along with a high-resolution screen and intense brightness.
The Consumer Reports test simulates varied daily conditions. The device surpassed direct competitors in charge duration, which directly influenced the final score.
Categorias with maximum score
The Galaxy S26 Ultra received maximum marks in seven of the ten categories evaluated. Analysts highlighted the quality of the rear camera, material durability and screen performance.
The main camera uses a 200 MP sensor with optical stabilization and f/1.9 aperture. The set includes a 50 MP ultrawide lens and two telephoto lenses for 3x and 5x optical zoom. Tests praised image capture in low-light environments and daytime conditions.
The Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen has a QHD+ resolution of 3120 by 1440 pixels. The refresh rate reaches 120 Hz and the maximum brightness reaches 2,600 nits. The LTPO panel automatically adjusts frequency to save energy depending on the content displayed.
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor ensures fluid performance. Opções RAM memory includes 12GB or 16GB, with internal storage of 256GB, 512GB or 1TB.
- Sensor main rear: 200 MP with OIS and f/1.9
- Lente ultrawide: 50 MP with f/1.9
- Telefoto 1: 50 MP with 5x optical zoom and OIS
- Telefoto 2: 10 MP with 3x optical zoom and OIS
- Câmera front: 12 MP with f/2.2
- Processador: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy
- Available RAM: 12GB or 16GB
- Armazenamento: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB
- Bateria: 5,000 mAh with 60 W fast charging
- Conectividade: 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0 and NFC
- Proteção: Certificação IP68 against water and dust
Reconhecimento international
The leadership in the Estados Unidos is repeated in evaluations by consumer organizations in seven European countries, including Reino Unido and França. Nesses markets, the screen privacy feature has gained special attention.
The technology reduces the screen’s lateral visibility at wide angles. Esse details serves users who consult the device in public places and are concerned about data exposure. Pesquisas indicate that 56% of European consumers cite this concern.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra runs Android 16 with the One UI 8.5 interface. Samsung offers extended system and security update support. Connectivity includes support for advanced 5G networks and Wi-Fi 7.
Construção and design
The device measures 78.1 by 163.6 by 7.9 millimeters and weighs 214 grams. The chassis uses high-strength aluminum and the set has Gorilla Glass protection at the front and back. The controlled thickness makes it easy to hold despite the screen size.
The rear camera module is prominent and retains support for the Pen S Pen. Esse accessory allows accurate annotation and editing of images or documents directly on the screen.
The construction received high marks in durability tests. The device withstood simulated drops and exposure to dust and water well in accordance with the IP68 standard.
Posição from Apple in the ranking
The iPhone 17 Pro Max scored 86 points and shared fourth place with another Apple model. Performance was solid in several areas, but it lagged behind the leader in battery life and some camera functions.
The Samsung has maintained constant evolution in the Ultra line. Previous Modelos series continue to be well positioned in the ranking, which demonstrates the longevity of both hardware and software updates.
The result reinforces Samsung’s strategy in the premium smartphone segment. The brand combines powerful processing with high autonomy and versatility in cameras.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is available in different storage configurations. Preços varies by retailer and region. Consumidores that prioritize long-lasting battery and productivity features find the model a complete option.
