The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is largely an iterative update, with slight improvements across the board in processing speed, battery life, and cameras. But there are two features in particular that stand out on this phone that you don’t get in previous generation models, and in fact, don’t find on any other widely available phone either.
They are designed to assist in two very different ways. One, called Privacy Display, helps keep sensitive and personal data for your eyes only without requiring separate hardware or accessories. The second is Horizontal Lock, or Horizon Lock, a super clever feature that can enhance and improve adventure video capture for both pro and amateur content creators.
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Privacy Display
For your eyes only
A practical yet useful feature, Privacy Display is built right into the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. Similar to a privacy screen film you might buy for your laptop or one built into a screen protector accessory for a phone, the privacy screen prevents nosy individuals from being able to view your screen offside. Normally, if you’re standing in a crowded room, someone to the left or right can see your phone screen and what you’re doing. They could be close enough to read your messages, even see your banking information or other sensitive data. When Privacy Display is turned on in settings, anyone looking offside will only see a black screen, or at least a heavily faded-out one.
What I especially love about Privacy Display, alongside the fact that it works well, is that you can manually turn it on and off as needed without having to physically remove a piece of film or cover. You can also set it to only activate when needed, like only when you access apps that require a PIN, pattern, or password, like your banking or social media, only when notifications appear on-screen, or only for certain apps you choose, like work-related ones or social media. There’s a maximum privacy protection option, too, though this does slightly impede your view while looking straight on as well. If you have the phone flat on a table and want to manipulate it, maximum privacy protection makes this challenging when looking even slightly offside. But it’s great for extra security, like when you’re in a coffee shop with your phone beside you while you work, or others are with you. Android phones have tons of privacy settings you should adjust for added security, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra has a leg up with this one.
Horizontal Lock
It’ll blow you away
Horizontal Lock, which some also refer to as Horizon Lock, is the type of feature you’ll want to try immediately once unboxing the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. It enhances the existing Super Steady Mode for video capture and functions similarly to a gimbal without you needing a gimbal, or any other hardware, for that matter. Instead, it leverages Samsung’s internal image signal processing. Turn this feature on, and as you record, the video remains stable, and the subject locked in place. Most impressively, this is not only if you’re navigating a bumpy road, for example, with the phone jerking up and down or side to side, but even if you rotate the phone a full 360°. You might begin recording with the phone horizontally, held with two hands, for example, but realize it would be easier to hold it one-handed in portrait orientation. Do this and the final video remains the same: no one will ever know you turned the phone.
This feature is a marvel, and while it isn’t one most people will often use aside from wanting to test it and show their friends and family how cool it is, it’s one that will be a game changer for content creators and adventurers. Some reviewers have noted a trade-off with overall video quality when you rotate the phone while recording, but it isn’t major. And the result will be more than acceptable for social media creators.
Every phone should have these
Unique innovations that stand out
These two features represent truly unique innovations for this phone, something I haven’t seen in other smartphones. Privacy Display is so useful; it’s a wonder every phone doesn’t have it. While it won’t stop prying eyes from looking over your shoulder while standing behind you in line, it’s a great way to ensure privacy when in crowded places or while commuting. Whether you’re sending a confidential message to a client from the subway, viewing personal information like addresses or credentials, or filling out a form, others can’t glean private information by glancing over.
Horizon Lock falls more into the cool but not essential realm as one of the best ways to stabilize your smartphone video. It’s a feature that anyone who creates content will use often. Capturing a fleeting moment, you don’t have to worry that it will be bumpy and tough to watch because you’re running alongside your child as they get that winning soccer goal or the video of your pup playing in the park will give someone a headache because of how much the camera is moving. Switch the phone to one-handed to throw the ball or grab your sunglasses, and the video will continue as if you never moved. It’s likely other brands will come up with their own iterations of these functions in the future. For now, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a solid premium Android phone that stands out for these two unique and differentiating features.
SoC
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
Display
6.9-inch Dynamic Super AMOLED 2X
RAM
12 or 16 GB
Storage
256GB, 512GB, or 1TB
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra isn’t a massive leap in specs compared to the previous generation Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, but it boasts improvements in every aspect. The major differentiators are two features that will appeal to power users and content creators, called Privacy Display and Horizontal Lock.
