For years, I was a devoted Samsung user, convinced their displays were unrivaled. After nearly six years of exclusive reliance on Galaxy phones, the screen was always my favorite feature. That changed when I moved to a Pixel 10 Pro last year. Recently, my wife bought the Galaxy S26 Ultra, and seeing them side by side made me realize: I could never go back. The S26 Ultra's screen—particularly its brightness—simply didn't measure up. Here are five reasons why I couldn't live with it.
1. A Long-Held Love for Samsung Screens
For almost six years, I used Samsung phones exclusively. The displays were consistently excellent—vibrant, sharp, and color-rich. Every morning I would marvel at the AMOLED technology, watching content in vivid detail. The screen was the highlight of my daily usage, whether I was scrolling social media, editing photos, or watching movies. I grew so accustomed to that quality that I thought nothing else could compare. That long period of loyalty made the eventual switch feel almost disloyal, but it also set high expectations for any future device. The S26 Ultra, being the latest flagship, had big shoes to fill. Unfortunately, it stumbled right out of the gate.
2. The Tempting Shift to Pixel
Last year, I made the leap from Samsung to the Pixel 10 Pro. It wasn't an easy decision—I had heard great things about Pixel's camera and software experience. But the display was my primary concern. To my surprise, the Pixel's screen was just as stunning. It offered excellent brightness, accurate colors, and a smooth refresh rate. The transition felt seamless, and I quickly adapted to the new ecosystem. However, my wife's purchase of the S26 Ultra gave me a chance to compare the two directly. That comparison would prove eye-opening—and not in a good way for Samsung.
3. A Side-by-Side Reality Check
When my wife unboxed her Galaxy S26 Ultra, I was eager to see how it stacked up against my Pixel 10 Pro. I placed them side by side on the same table, both set to maximum brightness, displaying the same photos and web pages. The difference was immediate and unmistakable. The S26 Ultra's screen looked dimmer and less vibrant. It lacked the punchy contrast and outdoor visibility I had come to rely on with my Pixel. Even indoors, under normal lighting, the S26 Ultra seemed to struggle. This wasn't a minor nitpick—it was a fundamental flaw that affected every visual interaction.
4. The Glaring Brightness Gap
The core issue: brightness. The S26 Ultra's display simply isn't bright enough. When I use my Pixel 10 Pro outdoors on a sunny day, I can read the screen easily. The S26 Ultra forced me to squint. Side by side, the Pixel was visibly more luminous. Samsung has historically led in display technology, but with this generation, they fell behind. Brightness is not just a spec—it's a daily usability factor. Whether you're checking notifications in the park, navigating with GPS in your car, or watching a video on the porch, a dim screen ruins the experience. For me, that was the dealbreaker. No amount of other features could compensate for such a basic deficiency.
5. Why I Couldn't Go Back
After spending time with the S26 Ultra, I realized that my loyalty to Samsung was rooted in the past. The Pixel 10 Pro had spoiled me with its superior brightness and balanced color reproduction. Every time I picked up the S26 Ultra, the dimness reminded me why I left. It's not that the S26 Ultra is a bad phone—it has a great camera, fast performance, and a lovely design. But the screen is the one component you interact with constantly. Once you've experienced better, it's hard to accept less. And so, I couldn't live with the S26 Ultra's display. I'll stick with my Pixel, grateful that I made the switch before committing to a new Galaxy.
Conclusion: Displays are intensely personal. What works for one person may not work for another. For me, the Galaxy S26 Ultra's lackluster brightness was a non-negotiable flaw. If you prioritize outdoor readability and vividness, you might want to compare it against the Pixel 10 Pro before buying. Sometimes the best upgrade isn't the newest model—it's the one that shines brightest in your daily life.