Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: The privacy screen is brilliant, but it comes at a cost – here's what's new

Alright, let's be honest: usually when I hear about a new Samsung release, I just shrug. But what's been coming out about the Galaxy S26 Ultra over the past few weeks is enough to get even me, a dyed-in-the-wool iPhone user, reaching for my wallet. The S26 Ultra leaks are getting more frequent, and one detail in particular is causing a proper stir (and plenty of arguments) on the forums: the new screen with a built-in privacy mode.

I still remember being on the Luas years ago, trying to read an important document while the fella next to me kept trying to sneak a peek. Ever since then, I've thought it was mad that you had to stick on those privacy screen protectors that absolutely kill the brightness. Samsung seems to have solved it their own way, but with a compromise not everyone is ready to accept. They're calling it “Privacy Display”, and fundamentally, it's class: with a tap, the screen selectively narrows the viewing angle, so anyone looking from the left or right sees only a black or blurry screen. Some on the specialist forums are complaining about the brightness, but the truth is, those who've got their hands on a prototype say you barely notice it.

The screen paradox: genius but pricey

From what I've heard from a couple of sources close to the assembly line, the tech is impressive. It's no longer an external physical filter, but a layer integrated directly into the panel. The problem? The price you pay for this built-in privacy is a slight reduction in maximum brightness in standard mode, and a bit more battery drain when the feature is active. For a flagship that's supposed to be a powerhouse all day long, that's a detail that matters. But here's my take: if you're dropping nearly two grand on a Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G, you probably prefer having this level of control without having to stick some cheap film over that ridiculously expensive Gorilla Glass. Makes sense to me.

The best part? The accessories market has already exploded

The funny thing is that while everyone's debating the software and display, accessory makers are already on the front foot. I don't know about you, but I'm a stickler for detail, and it made me smile to already see things like the Hsmy For Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G Wallet Case with Flip Cover, GKK Frosted Series. A bit old-school? Maybe, but for anyone who travels a lot and wants to keep their cards and phone together without the bulk, it's the perfect solution.

Then there's the flip side, the one that appeals to the purists. The Speck Presidio2 Grip Magnet Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra MagSafe Case. Finally, Samsung is getting on board with MagSafe without having to use those sticky rings that fall off after three weeks. This case with the built-in magnet is one of the smartest things you could pick up, especially if you want to attach a magnetic wallet or a power bank without cables.

• Privacy integrated into the panel: Say goodbye to privacy screen films; activate it with a tap. The viewing angle narrows instantly.
• Native MagSafe compatibility: Finally, official and third-party cases that use the magnet without any hassle.
• Reduced brightness: The compromise for having the filter is a slight sacrifice in nits, but only when viewed from a perfect front-on angle.
• Accessories already ready: Leather and magnetic cases are already on the list, a sign that the launch is closer than we think.

More than just a phone: the lifestyle around the brand

And here's the part that really does my head in. Usually, when a phone comes out, that's it. End of story. But with this S26 Ultra, I came across a niche I wasn't expecting: the world of foil and wingsurfing. You know the Naish Hover Carbon Ultra S26 Foil Board? Yep, there's a foil board with practically the same name as the phone. I don't know if it's a coincidence or a clever bit of positioning, but the message is clear: this device isn't just for office workers, it's for people who live for speed, the water, and carbon fibre. It's like saying: if you've got the money for a Naish foil setup, you've got the money and the mindset for a phone that pulls no punches on privacy while you're in a café checking wind maps.

Some will turn their noses up at it, and I get it. I've heard people say: “Yeah, the privacy screen is nice, but why wouldn't I just get an iPhone with its ready-made ecosystem?”. The truth is, Samsung has chosen a different path: instead of locking you in a walled garden, they give you ultra-specific tools to manage your digital life in an almost obsessive way. This is a phone for people who can't stand others looking at their screen, for those who want to carry just one device without giving up a wallet and accessories, and for those who maybe go for a foil session after work and want a phone that can keep up with their day.

I don't know if I'll make the jump and ditch iOS, but I'll tell you this: after years of boring launches, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is the first one that's actually made me want to go back to Android. And that's saying something.