Khaberni - Samsung is preparing to launch its anticipated Galaxy S26 Ultra smartphone in just a few weeks, with an unveiling expected by the end of February.
Despite some new additions, such as an integrated digital screen protection claimed to be unique, the phone appears, according to leaks, to be a more conservative update rather than a true leap forward.
One of the main criticisms of the device is related to the battery, as Samsung continues to use a 5,000 mAh battery for the fifth consecutive year, while other Android companies have started offering batteries with capacities up to 7,000 mAh and more, according to a report published by "phonearena".
But the battery is not the only issue. There are five upgrades that users deem necessary, and yet Samsung seems unprepared to offer them in the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
1- 3D Face Unlock
So far, it does not seem that Samsung is interested in offering a true security-level 3D face unlock system, even though Apple has been offering it since 2017 with the iPhone X, and Chinese companies like Honor have successfully implemented it in their flagship phones.
The system has become today less space-consuming and technically mature, which raises a logical question: why doesn't Samsung offer the option to combine fingerprint and 3D Face ID in its top tier phone?
2- Return of microSD port
With the prevalence of 4K video recording and features like LOG and motion video, memory fills up quickly on modern phones.
Nevertheless, companies continue to charge high prices for internal storage upgrades.
The return of the microSD port would have given users more flexibility and reduced the cost of purchasing the phone, especially since memory cards have become faster and more reliable. However, it appears that Samsung has permanently closed this file.
3- An Ultra version without the S Pen
The S Pen is part of Samsung's identity, but the truth is that a large segment of users never uses it.
Its presence inside the phone consumes valuable space that could have been used for a bigger battery.
Some suggest the idea of offering two versions of Ultra: one with the pen, and another without it but with a larger battery.
It seems a logical choice, and perhaps more appealing to users, but it is not currently on the table.
4- Professional-level 3X lens
Samsung has long been known as the "zoom king," but its secondary 3X zoom lens has not seen real development in years and relies on a small sensor that offers mediocre results compared to the phone's price.
Despite earlier rumors of upgrading this lens in the S26 series, current indications suggest Samsung will repeat the same hardware for the new year.
5- Truly fast charging
Raising charging speed to 60 watts would be a welcome improvement compared to 45 watts, but it remains modest against leading Chinese phones that offer charging power of 80 watts and 100 watts, reaching 90% in just half an hour.
For users who rely on quick charging in the morning instead of overnight charging, it could indeed make a real difference.
It is clear that Samsung is following in Apple's footsteps: gradual improvements without radical change.
According to observers, the reason is the lack of competition in Western markets, where the competition is limited to Apple and Google, two companies that do not rush to adopt revolutionary hardware.
Although the Galaxy S26 Ultra will undoubtedly be a strong and distinctive phone, it still – for those who remember the "everything phone" philosophy embodied by the Galaxy Note series – remains a phone that feels like it holds more potential than it releases.
