A significant leak concerning the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has emerged just days before the company’s highly anticipated Unpacked event. YouTuber Sahil Karoul claimed to have acquired the device early in Dubai and shared comprehensive hands-on videos and images online. These materials provide an intriguing glimpse into Samsung’s next flagship, which features a new setting called ‘Privacy Display.’
The leaked content includes detailed clips showing the Galaxy S26 Ultra being unboxed and examined, alongside side-by-side comparisons with Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max. Karoul reportedly paid $3,300 for early access to the retail unit, although he noted that this price “likely will not reflect the final retail price.”
New Privacy Features and Design Comparisons
One of the standout features revealed in Karoul’s videos is the ‘Privacy Display.’ This setting appears to diminish viewing angles, causing the screen to darken when viewed from the side, similar to third-party privacy screen protectors. Android Central reported Karoul’s observation that the display noticeably darkens from side angles, with a settings option labeled ‘Maximum privacy protection’ clearly visible.
Samsung has previously hinted at this feature, showcasing it as a built-in solution to mitigate the risk of onlookers seeing content in public settings. Despite this revelation, it remains uncertain whether the effect can be selectively applied to specific parts of the display or if it universally applies across the entire screen.
Photos shared by Karoul provide an interesting contrast between the Galaxy S26 Ultra and the iPhone 17 Pro Max, highlighting their differing design philosophies. The rounded edges and titanium frame of the iPhone stand in contrast to Samsung’s squarer design, while the S26 Ultra’s curved display appears slightly flatter than its predecessor’s.
Performance Insights and Missing Features
The ongoing comparison between these two flagship devices has reignited discussions on their competition within the high-end smartphone market. The iPhone continues to focus on performance and camera consistency, while Samsung seems to prioritize display innovation and productivity features. These elements often differentiate the Android and iOS ecosystems.
At this stage, performance benchmarks or camera samples from the Galaxy S26 Ultra have not been verified. Although Karoul shared several images reportedly captured with the device, early impressions suggest minimal visible differences in image quality compared to last year’s Galaxy model. Analysts indicate that conclusive camera and performance comparisons will only become available once retail reviewers receive production units post-launch.
One notable detail that may concern current Ultra users is the apparent absence of Bluetooth functionality in the S Pen, as demonstrated by Karoul. A clip shows him pressing the S Pen button in an attempt to trigger the camera shutter, but the phone did not respond, suggesting that Bluetooth support remains absent. Reports confirm that the S Pen lacks Bluetooth capabilities after this feature was removed in the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Samsung’s rationale for this decision was that few users were utilizing the remote control features previously available, although the core stylus functions remain intact. This absence of Bluetooth means the stylus will function merely as a traditional input tool.
Samsung is expected to officially unveil the Galaxy S26 lineup at an Unpacked event on February 25, 2024. Until the company releases final specifications, pricing, and availability details, the current leak serves as an early look rather than a complete overview of the product.
