Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Leak: Is It Better Than iPhone 17 Pro Max?

A Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leak has surfaced days before Samsung's next Unpacked event, after YouTuber Sahil Karoul claimed he bought the handset early in Dubai and posted hands-on clips and images online.​

The material offers an unusually detailed look at Samsung's next flagship, including a new 'Privacy Display' setting, while also showing the phone placed next to Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Max in side-by-side photos shared on social media.​

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Leak Shows 'Privacy Display' Feature

Karoul's posts, highlighted by Android Central and 9to5Google, show the Galaxy S26 Ultra being unboxed and handled, with shots of the retail packaging that appears broadly similar to last year's. Android Central reported that Karoul said he paid $3,300 for early access to a retail unit, adding that the figure 'likely will not reflect the final retail price'.​

The most prominent new feature shown in the clips is 'Privacy Display', which appears to reduce viewing angles so the screen darkens when seen from the side, resembling the effect of third-party privacy screen protectors. Android Central said Karoul's video shows the display turning 'noticeably darker when viewed from the side', with a settings option labelled 'Maximum privacy protection' also visible.​

Samsung has previously teased the feature ahead of launch, with SamMobile reporting that the company presented it as a built-in way to reduce the risk of onlookers seeing what is on the screen in public settings. The 9to5Google report said it remains unclear from the leaked footage whether the effect can be applied to only parts of the display, though it can be enabled across the whole screen.​​

Comparisons With iPhone 17 Pro Max

Photos shared by Karoul also show the Galaxy S26 Ultra placed directly alongside Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Max, highlighting their contrasting design philosophies. The iPhone's rounded edges and titanium frame stand in contrast to Samsung's squared design, while the S26 Ultra's signature curved display appears slightly flatter than its predecessor's.

The comparison has reignited discussion online about how the two devices will compete at the high end of the smartphone market. While the iPhone continues to emphasise performance and camera consistency, Samsung appears to be leaning toward display innovation and productivity features — areas that often define the distinction between Android and iOS ecosystems.

Performance benchmarks or camera samples from the leaked unit have yet to be verified. Although Karoul shared several photos reportedly taken with the S26 Ultra, early impressions suggest little visible difference in image quality compared with last year's Galaxy model. Analysts note that meaningful camera and performance comparisons will only be possible once retail reviewers receive production units after launch.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Leak Renews Focus On S Pen Bluetooth Cut

One detail likely to draw attention among existing Ultra users is that the S Pen appears to remain without Bluetooth, based on Karoul's demonstration. Android Central said a clip shows Karoul pressing the S Pen button to try to trigger the camera shutter, but the phone does not respond, which the outlet said suggests Bluetooth support is still missing.​

9to5Google also reported that 'there's no Bluetooth in the S Pen after it was removed last year', noting a separate quirk shown in one post where the stylus protrudes oddly if inserted backwards. GSMArena, reporting separately on the S26 Ultra leak, said an early hands-on video indicates the stylus 'will once again lack Bluetooth functionality' and will 'simply function as a stylus'.​​

Samsung removed Bluetooth connectivity from the S Pen on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which in turn eliminated remote features that had been available for years, 9to5Google reported in January 2025. That report said Samsung's stated rationale was that very few users were making use of those remote controls, even though core stylus functions were unaffected.​

Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy S26 line-up at an Unpacked event on 25 February, according to 9to5Google's coverage and reporting on Samsung's upcoming launch schedule. Until Samsung confirms final specifications, pricing and availability, the leak remains an early look at the phone rather than a complete, official product brief.