For years, I swore by Samsung’s displays. I used their phones exclusively for nearly six years, and the screen was always a highlight. But after switching to a Pixel 10 Pro last year and recently comparing it side-by-side with my wife’s new Galaxy S26 Ultra, I realized something: I couldn’t live with the S26 Ultra’s screen. The main culprit? Brightness. But it’s not just about a single spec—it’s how that lack of brightness affects everyday use. Here are five reasons why the S26 Ultra’s display fell short for me.
1. Inadequate Peak Brightness
The most glaring issue is peak brightness. The S26 Ultra’s screen, while still vibrant in dim environments, simply doesn’t get bright enough when you need it most. Outdoors on a sunny day, I found myself squinting to read notifications or see navigation directions. In contrast, my Pixel 10 Pro handles direct sunlight with ease, thanks to its higher peak brightness. Samsung has historically led the pack in display brightness, so this step backward is surprising. Whether you’re checking emails at a café patio or snapping photos in bright light, the S26 Ultra’s screen forces you to find shade. For a flagship in 2025, that’s a real letdown.
2. Disappointing Outdoor Visibility
Peak brightness isn’t just a number—it directly impacts outdoor usability. I tested both phones under the same midday sun. The Pixel 10 Pro remained readable with only a slight glare, while the S26 Ultra washed out, making text fuzzy and colors dull. Auto-brightness on the S26 Ultra tried to compensate, but it often maxed out too late or flickered as lighting changed. For someone who spends time outside, this makes the phone feel less capable. Even adjusting brightness manually didn’t fully solve the issue, as the hardware ceiling is simply lower. If you use your phone outdoors frequently, this difference is hard to ignore.
3. Auto-Brightness Inconsistency
Adding to the frustration, the S26 Ultra’s auto-brightness algorithm feels erratic. In mixed lighting—like moving from indoors to a shaded patio—the screen sometimes stayed too dim for several seconds, then suddenly jumped to a much higher level. This lag made reading content uncomfortable. The Pixel 10 Pro, by comparison, adjusts smoothly and quickly, matching ambient conditions almost instantly. While Samsung’s One UI includes a “Extra brightness” toggle, it still doesn’t match the Pixel’s seamless adaptation. For a phone that costs well over $1,000, such inconsistencies in a basic feature are disappointing, especially when rivals handle it better.
4. Side-by-Side Comparison with the Pixel 10 Pro
Seeing the two phones together made the S26 Ultra’s screen weaknesses undeniable. I placed them next to each other displaying the same HDR video. The Pixel 10 Pro rendered highlights with more punch and detail, while the S26 Ultra’s version looked flatter. In bright scenes, the S26 Ultra seemed to struggle to differentiate between light and dark areas. Even everyday tasks like browsing a news website felt more vibrant on the Pixel. This isn’t to say the S26 Ultra’s screen is bad—it’s good, but not great. When compared directly, the gap in brightness and contrast becomes a dealbreaker for anyone who values a premium display experience.
5. Why This Matters for Daily Use
Ultimately, a smartphone screen is something you interact with constantly—from waking up to check the time to streaming videos before bed. If it fails to perform in common scenarios like outdoor or mixed lighting, it affects your entire experience. I loved Samsung’s displays for years precisely because they excelled everywhere. The S26 Ultra, however, feels like a regression. It’s still sharp and colorful indoors, but its limitations outdoors and in varying light made me grateful I switched to the Pixel. For anyone considering the S26 Ultra, I’d strongly recommend testing its screen in bright sunlight before buying. Your eyes will thank you.
Conclusion
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is a powerful phone with many strengths, but its display—once Samsung’s crown jewel—no longer feels flagship-worthy. The lack of brightness, poor outdoor visibility, and inconsistent auto-brightness are hard to overlook, especially when compared side-by-side with a competitor like the Pixel 10 Pro. While I understand that personal preference plays a role, these issues are rooted in real-world usability. Samsung has set a high bar for itself, and the S26 Ultra’s screen doesn’t clear it. If you’re on the fence, take the time to test it in the conditions you use your phone most. For me, it was a clear no.