A leaked hands-on video has offered an early glimpse of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, weeks before its official launch. The footage, which has been widely shared online, shows a device that looks familiar at first glance but brings some notable changes under the surface.
The phone is due to be unveiled on March 11, 2026. For now, it is running on test software, which means the final version may look and feel slightly different.
A screen built with privacy in mind
One of the standout features is a new privacy display. The screen dims when viewed from sharp side angles. This makes it harder for people nearby to see what is on the phone.
For users who often check messages or emails on buses, trains or in busy cafés, this could be useful. The feature appears to work automatically and does not need extra steps to switch on.
Samsung has not yet confirmed full details, but the early look suggests the company is putting more focus on user privacy.
Softer design, small trade-offs
The Galaxy S26 Ultra also moves away from the sharp edges seen on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The new model has more rounded corners and a smoother frame. It looks slimmer and may feel more comfortable in the hand.
However, the softer shape may bring small changes in how the S Pen fits. The rounded body means users might need to line it up more carefully when sliding it back into place. There have also been industry rumours that Samsung could remove the built-in S Pen slot in future versions, though nothing has been confirmed.
For now, the design appears to strike a balance between style and function.
Strong early performance results
Early benchmark tests show the phone delivering high scores. It recorded an Antutu score of 3.72 million. On Geekbench 6, it scored 3,648 in single-core tests and 10,898 in multi-core tests.
These figures suggest the device should handle gaming, video editing and heavy multitasking with ease.
But there is a catch. During stress tests, the handset reportedly reached temperatures of up to 44°C. That led to a small drop in stability compared with the previous model. Such issues are not unusual in devices running pre-launch software. Manufacturers often fine-tune performance and heat control before release.
Samsung is expected to improve this through software updates ahead of launch.
Final polish still to come
As the phone is still using early firmware, some rough edges remain. Test software can contain minor bugs or slower responses. This stage is part of the normal process before a flagship device goes on sale.
With the launch set for March 11, Samsung still has time to adjust performance and improve stability.
The leaked video has already sparked interest among tech fans. If the final version lives up to these early signs, the Galaxy S26 Ultra could become one of the most talked-about smartphones of the year.
