Samsung Galaxy S26 announcement and owners

Forums › Android › Samsung Galaxy S26 announcement and owners

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

MyFriendAutism

337 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 107

ID Verified

#3471201 17-Mar-2026 20:58

networkn:

So after 24 hours the biggest difference I notice is the absolutely obscene camera bump. It's the worst it's ever been for being stable on a flat surface which is how I use it. I have never used a case in my 25+ years of smart phone ownership, and I am not keen to start now.

Other than that, I don't see much difference.

Yup, Samsung's new ALoP zoom module.

networkn

Networkn
33022 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 15610

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#3471539 18-Mar-2026 17:40

Well, colour me impressed. I took my phone off charge this morning at 7:45am. It's now 5:45pm and I am at 79% battery life. Last night, with reasonable gaming time, I finished my day at 59%

1eStar

1605 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 375

#3480785 14-Apr-2026 14:25

Got me a brand new S26u 512G off trademe. Loving it. Got a Pitaka case with the Aaron Buttons which trigger NFC, also the magnetic 🧲 ring they sell which makes it sit flat on a table. The case is proud of the camera. Come from an S22 so it all feels snappy.

nunasdream

211 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 75

#3488749 8-May-2026 14:12

My S23 is basically dead. I bought an S26 and I notice they don't even give tracking info nowadays? How bizarre. I hope it arrives today or tomorrow but I assume Monday now.

networkn

Networkn
33022 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 15610

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#3490988 14-May-2026 19:45

Update just downloaded and installed.

April 5th.

SanchoNZ

16 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 13

Trusted

#3491001 14-May-2026 20:49

I never finished my earlier post with my out of box failed S26 Ultra.

after more calls to 2degrees, a complaint email which was responded with AI, and me then complaining to TDR I ended up getting it refunded and buying another one exactly the same at another provider, which has lasted much longer.

however I noticed when they accidentally returned the original phone to me, which i had already been refunded by that stage - was not even sent in for repairs until i complained to TDR. (they had had it over a month by this stage)

still happy with it despite missing out on having it for over a month, and for my overseas trip.

Samsung

Shop now on Samsung phones, tablets, TVs and more (affiliate link).

networkn

Networkn
33022 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 15610

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#3491003 14-May-2026 20:56

That is apalling customer service or lack thereof.

Glad the new phone is now safe and sound in your hands.

roderickh

227 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 66

#3491143 15-May-2026 08:33

I saw a recent EPP sale that reduced the price pretty well for a S26U 256 - ended up trading my S25 base with a 699 top up. Pretty excited to get back into the S-pen regime since leaving the Note line.

Sharesies referral

roderickh

227 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 66

#3493392 18-May-2026 14:00

roderickh:

I saw a recent EPP sale that reduced the price pretty well for a S26U 256 - ended up trading my S25 base with a 699 top up. Pretty excited to get back into the S-pen regime since leaving the Note line.

Used the S26u over the weekend to get a feel of it coming from a S25 base. The S25 also obtained One UI 8.5 last week so both the interface felt identical really.

1) The size increase felt like a scare at first, but the extra rounded corners do make a difference and feels relatively wieldable. There is more adaptation required in the weight rather than the size in wielding.

2) I usually set things up from scratch, but opted to use smartswitch this time which went pretty good all things considered and is pretty straightforward and painless

3) The camera is a noticeable step up from the S25 base for telephoto, for 1X it is comparable, the 24MP setting is a welcome addition however

4) Processor speed is not a huge shift from SD 8 Elite, but still buttery smooth and runs cool, SD has produced a great chip!

5) S-pen is noticeably worse compared to one from the Note 9, it just doesn't feel as ergonomically designed, the non symmetrical cap is also annoying, but not enough to be a show stopper.

6) Camera bump is a monster! Thankfully the Torras case has prevented most of the topple when placed on a flat surface.

All in all very happy with upgrade

Sharesies referral

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7