Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. S24 Ultra: Is the two-year-upgrade worth it?

2026-02-28 · Source: News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET · Field: Technology & Digital — Emerging Technologies & Innovation, Internet of Things (IoT) & Connected Devices · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, short

Summary

Samsung has released the Galaxy S26 Ultra, a new premium smartphone that offers several upgrades over its two-generation-old predecessor, the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Key enhancements include a 6.9-inch AMOLED Privacy Display, a lighter 214-gram design, and the more powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor. The S26 Ultra also features 60W wired charging, capable of reaching 75% battery in 30 minutes, compared to the S24 Ultra's 45W charging. While both models share similar camera megapixels (200MP wide, 50MP telephoto 5x, 10MP telephoto 3x, 50MP ultrawide, 12MP front), the S26 Ultra boasts a larger primary camera aperture for improved low-light performance and introduces a GoPro-like Horizon lock feature. Storage options remain 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.

Key takeaway

For smartphone users considering an upgrade from a Galaxy S24 Ultra, you should weigh the S26 Ultra's enhanced processor, faster charging, and new Privacy Display against its premium price. If you frequently use Bluetooth S Pen features or find your S24 Ultra sufficient, waiting for a future model with a more significant camera overhaul in 2027 might be a more cost-effective decision, especially given the S24 Ultra still receives software updates.

Key insights

The Galaxy S26 Ultra offers significant performance and display upgrades over the S24 Ultra, despite similar core camera specs.

Principles

• Newer processors enhance AI and sustained gaming performance.
• Larger camera apertures improve low-light photography.
• Privacy Display technology enhances public usability.

In practice

• Upgrade for agentic AI and Privacy Display.
• Expect better gaming with improved cooling.
• Benefit from faster 60W wired charging.

Topics

• Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
• Smartphone Comparison
• Snapdragon Processors
• Agentic AI

Best for: General Interest, Tech Journalist

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET.