Galaxy S26 Ultra: 48 hours later! @9to5Google

Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

Favorites for the S26 Ultra: shop.spigen.com/S26UltraFavorites
Spigen's Entire Galaxy Collection: shop.spigen.com/9to5GalaxyStorefront

I’ve spent 48 hours with the Galaxy S26 Ultra, and this isn’t a review — just honest early impressions. From the best phone display I’ve ever used, to privacy features that actually matter, Galaxy AI that’s still finding its footing, and growing concerns around the S Pen’s future, there’s a lot to unpack...

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- Godox SL-60W: amzn.to/3wnmUu4
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Timestamps
--
00:00 - First 48 Hours Impressions
00:33 - What This Isn’t (Camera Talk Later)
00:49 - Design Tweaks & Missing Magnets
01:35 - Spigen Sponsor Segment
03:47 - Best Phone Display Ever?
04:30 - Privacy Display Downsides
04:59 - Performance & One UI 8.5 Reality
05:30 - Galaxy AI: Useful or Forgettable?
06:02 - S Pen: Is the End Near?
06:24 - Battery, Charging & Upgrade Advice
--

Pixel Tag hands-on: Google finally makes an AirTag.

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$Android 17 Beta 1 is HERE: Everything new! Go to our partner (https://mint-mobile.58dp.net/c/126147/3761078/7915) to get premium wireless for a fraction of the cost - make the switch today and start saving money without sacrificing quality! Get 3, 6, or 12 months of Unlimited for $15/month with upfront payment¹. Or take $15 off any 3-month plan with code 15NOW². Thinking about a new phone? Grab a Pixel 10 Pro XL with a full year of Unlimited for $879, or a Pixel 10 with a year of Unlimited for $729—all in³. _¹Limited time offer. Upfront payment of: $45 for 3-mo., $90 for 6-mo., or $180 for 12-mo. plan req’d ($15/mo. equiv.). Taxes & fees extra. Initial plan term only. 50GB+ may slow when network is busy. Includes 20GB mobile hotspot. See terms._ _²Limited time offer ends 2/04/26, for new customers only. One-time $15 discount applied at time of purchase & for initial 3-month term only. Taxes & fees extra. Limit 1 discount per transaction. Not combinable/available with certain other promotions/offers. See full terms._ _³Limited time offer, while supplies last. Get $500 off the Pixel 10 Pro XL (SRP $1199; discounted price $699) or $250 off the Pixel 10 (SRP $799; discounted price $549) with purchase of 12-month plan bundle (plan purchase required & sold separately) on mintmobile.com. for new customers; phone must be activated on Mint line. Limit 4 per customer. Device locked to Mint for 60 days. Returns, cancellations or early plan termination may void discount. See terms._ Android 17 Beta 1 is finally here! 🎉 In this video, we break down everything new — from UI tweaks and Material 3 Expressive updates to the new Canary development channel and the full Android 17 release timeline. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://bit.ly/Join9to5Google Love podcasts? Try Pixelated: A 9to5Google Podcast - https://pca.st/nj4u Subscribe ► https://bit.ly/9to5G | Read full article ► https://9to5google.com/2026/02/13/android-17-beta-1-pixel/ FTC: We use income-earning auto-affiliate links: https://9to5mac.com/about/#affiliate Want to sponsor the next 9to5Google video? Get in touch: partnerships@9to5g.com ## Follow us https://www.instagram.com/9to5google/ https://twitter.com/9to5Google/ https://facebook.com/9to5Google/ Damien: https://www.threads.net/@damienwildeyt Jordan: https://twitter.com/JordanInTheKnow 🎥 Other channels 🎥 https://youtube.com/9to5Mac/ https://youtube.com/electrekco/ https://youtube.com/9to5Toys/ https://youtube.com/dronedj/ Damiens favorite gear: - Panasonic Lumix S5 II X: https://amzn.to/3Vqce8E - Panasonic 85mm f1.8: https://amzn.to/3rkwHdQ - Sigma 28-70mm f2.8: https://amzn.to/4ahsoW2 - Godox SL-60W: https://amzn.to/3exGWGA - RODE NTG-3: https://amzn.to/3iidwNu Jordans favorite gear: - Canon R8: https://amzn.to/3URdIIN - Canon RF 50mm F1.8: https://amzn.to/3UGwIti - Audio-Technica AT2020 USB Microphone: https://amzn.to/3SIO6ej - MacBook Pro 14-inch: https://amzn.to/3I6ZDPA - Godox SL-60W: https://amzn.to/3wnmUu4 - NEEWER 72 Inch Tripod: https://amzn.to/49FZqP7 Timestamps 00:00 - Android 17 Beta 1 Officially Rolling Out 00:26 - Mint Mobile Pixel Deals 01:24 - Canary Channel Replaces Developer Preview 02:37 - Android 17 Release Timeline (Beta → Stable) 03:46 - Eligible Devices & Beta Program Warning 05:02 - Disable At-a-Glance + UI Tweaks 05:45 - Gemini Animation & Charging Diagnostics 06:28 - Volume Panel & Brightness Slider Changes 07:57 - Customizable Home Search Bar 08:42 - New Pixel Setup Flow 09:01 - Missing Features (Blur, Split Panel, Screen Recorder) 09:38 - Final Thoughts on Beta 1$

Folding Tablets and Other MWC Wishes with Ben Schoon