Samsung's S26 Ultra: Time for a Fresh Approach

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is on the horizon, and it's time to talk about what's missing. Samsung has been a big name in phones for years, but that doesn't mean they can't step up their game. Let's dive into what needs to change to make the next Ultra phone truly stand out.

Cameras

Samsung's phones have always been great at taking photos, especially at night and with zoom. But lately, they've been a bit lazy. Other phones, like the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, have bigger sensors that capture more light and detail. Samsung needs to catch up and put a bigger sensor in the S26 Ultra. This would not only make the photos better but also help the S26 Ultra stand out from other Samsung phones like the S25 Edge and Z Fold 7.

Filter Options

Speaking of cameras, Samsung needs to give us more filter options. Right now, you can tweak the colors and tones of your photos, but you can't share your custom settings with others. Imagine if photographers could share their favorite filters with the world. That would create a community of Samsung camera lovers. Fujifilm does this with their cameras, and it's a big part of why people love them. Samsung should take note.

Size

The S25 Ultra is huge. It's tough to use with one hand, and it's a pain to fit in your pocket. Samsung should offer a smaller version of the Ultra phone with all the same great features. Apple does this with their iPhones, and it works well. Plus, not everyone needs the S Pen. Dropping it could make the phone more compact.

Design

And while we're on the topic of design, let's talk color. Samsung's recent phones have been boring. They're all black, silver, or some other muted shade. Phones should be fun! Remember the hot pink Motorola Razr V3? That was a statement. Samsung should take a page from Motorola's book and offer some vibrant, eye-catching colors.

Battery Life

Battery life is another area where Samsung needs to improve. The S25 Ultra's battery is good, but it's the same as the S22 Ultra from four years ago. Other phones now use faster-charging technology and bigger batteries. Samsung needs to update the Ultra's battery to keep up.

Price

Finally, there's the price. Samsung is asking for a lot with the S26 Ultra, and that might mean a higher price tag. But let's hope they don't go overboard. The latest tech should be accessible to everyone, not just the super-rich.