Overview
- Early buyers and reviewers report pixelation, rough text edges and eye strain on the S26 Ultra’s display, prompting noticeable cancellations and returns.
- Lab testing cited by BILD measured brightness dropping from about 2471 nits to 1156 nits with Privacy Display active, while frontal sharpness issues were not confirmed in that test.
- User feedback points to unit-to-unit variability, with some devices showing only warmer color tuning and others displaying more pronounced artifacts.
- Despite complaints, demand indicators remain strong with roughly 1.35 million preorders reported and about 70% for the Ultra, alongside a double‑storage preorder upgrade running through March 10 and retailer discounts on S26 models.
- Separate analyses indicate a redesigned 5x telephoto likely using an ALoP-style layout that improves light intake but nearly doubles the minimum focus distance from around 26 cm to roughly 52 cm.