S26 Ultra - My Use and Tests

[dk001]

Recently traded in my Edge for an Ultra. I needed a bit more than the Edge provided especially in the camera area.
Got a set of the latest Galaxy Buds too 😮

I’ll be posting a bit over the next few weeks / months.

Got the Black with 512gb and a burgundy Thinborne case.

Transferred my Edge to the Ultra (including eSim). Took about 30 minutes - much much faster than transferring iPhone to iPhone.

So far I am liking the Ultra. Yes, the privacy feature is really cool. Nice for public and travel 👍!
The new Buds on the Ultra put the latest AirPod Pro to shame. Sound is not even close. Functionality is top notch too.

Anyway, much more to come. If anyone has questions or comments, please feel free to post.

 

[aggie99]

Did you try the Buds 3 Pro? I've been checking out the new ones and very tempted but the 3 Pros sound great and pretty comfortable.

 

[dk001]

Did you try the Buds 3 Pro? I've been checking out the new ones and very tempted but the 3 Pros sound great and pretty comfortable.

I have the 3FE version and they are good. The 4s are a good bit better.

 

[AppleFanatic10]

Did you try the Buds 3 Pro? I've been checking out the new ones and very tempted but the 3 Pros sound great and pretty comfortable.

The Buds 3 pro are pretty good IMO. I tried the regular Buds 3 and I hated them so much.

 

[dk001]

Been using for a week now. It’s nice. Really nice.

First off, setup was easy. Just had the OS transfer all from my Edge to the Ultra. 30 minutes. Complete setup including background was done the same afternoon. The updating from Display Assistant took the longest time. eSIM transfer via Mint was quick and easy.

The device is fast. Speed feels the same as the OnePlus 15. UI is better. For those not having access to OneUI 8.5, it is really good.

Like usual, you have to redo/relogin into all the passworded apps and do the needed. Pain but was really straight forward. Having Proton Pass was a big help. Have not run into any glaring bugs with any of the apps I have.

Setup and tried out the new Privacy feature. It works really well. I am setting it for specific apps - like financial.
Transferred my watch (8) to it. Simple and with no legacy data loss.

Battery I have not pushed yet. Been putting in 4-6 hours a day SOT and have yet to see it drop below 50%.

Calls have been first rate whether I use the built in speakers or the AB4. Can say the for WiFI and Wireless data that connections are quick with no noticeable speed or connection issues. Running WiFi 6 at home. Wireless connection and printing (I work from home) has been flawless.

Camera has been really nice. Just started doing some shots, Did a few videos.

Will start posting more details (work has been crazy). If anyone has any specific questions let me know. I’ll do my best to answer.

 

[dk001]

Been doing some playing around with the camera for the last few days.

Have read so much saying it is mediocre, no real update, same ol’ same ol’ … but I am finding it to be really very good. And after using the Edge for a year, I have to say having a telephoto back is sooooooo nice.

Been doing a number of shots from smaller multi floor buildings to the mountains outside my front door (valley too - I live on the slope of a mountain). Shots have been clear, sharp, great color, and closely matches what I see by eye. The tele has done really well. It is by far the best of the devices I currently have or have used in the last couple of years - iPhone 15PM, iPhone Air, S25 Edge, S25 Plus, OnePlus 15, OnePlus 12, ZFold7, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel 10 Pro.

Close ups, low light, night sky, daylight, inside light, they are all coming out great. Playing with Portrait mode atm.

Next up will be some video.