5 phones you should seriously consider instead of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

ZDNET's latest analysis, led by staff writer Cesar Cadenas, presents five compelling smartphone alternatives for consumers hesitant about the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra's $1,399 starting price. While acknowledging the S26 Ultra's meaningful upgrades—including a slimmer 7.9mm chassis, a unique Privacy Display to limit side-angle visibility, and the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset—the report argues its steep cost warrants considering other flagship options. The article positions this as a buyer's guide for the premium smartphone market in early 2026, following Samsung's latest Unpacked event.

Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Max tops the alternative list, cited for its significant redesign featuring an aluminum frame for better heat dissipation, a new vapor chamber cooling system, and a 5,088mAh battery capable of 39 hours of video playback. Powered by the A19 Pro processor with upgraded Neural Accelerators and 12GB of RAM, it represents a major generational leap for Apple. The implication is clear: the high-end smartphone market is fiercely competitive, with several devices offering cutting-edge AI features, premium materials, and robust performance at potentially lower price points than Samsung's latest Ultra model, empowering consumers to make more informed, value-conscious decisions.