Samsung Galaxy 26 Ultra Tips & Tricks: Hidden Features & Settings
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has just hit the market, and it’s jam-packed with a slew of new features for users to explore. From productivity tools to creative apps and AI tricks, there’s a lot to discover on this latest flagship smartphone from Samsung.
For those who have decided to invest in the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, this article aims to guide you through making the most of its features. Whether you want to use them frequently or just occasionally, these tips will help you navigate and customize the new features on your device.
While this article focuses on the S26 Ultra, many of these tips can also be applied to the Galaxy S26 and S26+ models, with the exception of the privacy display and APV feature. Let’s dive in and explore how to maximize the potential of your Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.
### 1. Adjust the Privacy Display
The Privacy Display feature is a standout feature of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, offering a unique way to protect your screen from prying eyes. By enabling Privacy Display, you can prevent others from viewing your screen at an angle, ensuring your privacy is maintained.
However, it’s important to note that enabling Privacy Display may affect the display quality, as it utilizes only half of the available pixels, resulting in lower resolution, dimmer screen, and reduced contrast. To toggle Privacy Display on and off, simply access the settings menu and adjust the strength of the effect to suit your preferences.
You can also set conditions for Privacy Display to activate automatically, such as when opening specific apps or protecting notification pop-ups and password entry.
### 2. Reorganize the Quick Settings
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra offers extensive customization options for Quick Settings, allowing you to rearrange buttons, resize elements, and even switch between horizontal and vertical sliders. If you find yourself frequently accessing certain settings, you can move them to the top of the Quick Settings panel for easier access.
To customize Quick Settings, simply swipe down from the upper right-hand side of the screen, tap the pencil icon to enter editing mode, and adjust the layout to your liking.
### 3. Boost the Resolution
While the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra comes with a default display resolution of 1080p, you have the option to enhance it to QHD+ for improved image quality. By adjusting the screen resolution settings in the Display menu, you can select between HD+, FHD+, and QHD+ resolutions to suit your preferences.
### 4. Save Time with Now Nudge
Now Nudge is a handy feature integrated into Samsung’s keyboard, offering predictive replies and suggestions based on the context of your messages. By enabling Now Nudge in the Galaxy AI settings, you can streamline your messaging experience and quickly access relevant information or actions.
To utilize Now Nudge, ensure Samsung’s keyboard is set as your default input method and grant the necessary permissions for personalized suggestions.
### 5. Make Images with Creative Studio
Creative Studio is a new app that harnesses AI to generate custom stickers, wallpapers, invitations, and greeting cards based on your input. Simply type your idea or draw a doodle, and let Creative Studio bring your creations to life in minutes.
To access Creative Studio, enable the feature in the Galaxy AI settings and launch the app from your home screen to start designing personalized artwork.
### 6. Switch Up Your Voice Assistant
With the return of Bixby on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, users have the option to choose between Bixby, Gemini, or Perplexity as their voice assistant. While Bixby offers deeper integration with Samsung’s settings, Gemini may be preferred for information retrieval.
To switch your voice assistant, navigate to the Settings menu, select the preferred voice assistant app, and customize the settings to your liking.
### 7. Turn On Call Screening
The Call Screening feature on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra allows users to screen calls from unknown numbers by prompting an AI assistant to interact with the caller. This can help identify spam calls and provide a transcription of the conversation for review before answering.
To enable Call Screening, access the Call settings in the Samsung app settings and configure the desired screening options.
### 8. Use Audio Eraser on YouTube, Netflix, and Instagram
Audio Eraser, initially designed for cleaning up background noise in recorded videos, can now be applied to content on YouTube, Netflix, and Instagram. By reducing unwanted noise and enhancing voice clarity, Audio Eraser enhances the viewing experience for users.
To activate Audio Eraser, swipe down from the upper-right side of the screen while watching a video on a compatible app and toggle the feature on or off in the Quick Settings menu.
### 9. Create Smooth Videos with Horizontal Lock
The Horizontal Lock stabilization mode on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra ensures that videos maintain a level horizon, even when the phone is tilted or rotated. This feature is ideal for capturing steady footage and maintaining a professional look in your videos.
To enable Horizontal Lock, access the Camera app, switch to Video mode, and select the Horizontal Lock mode from the settings menu.
### 10. Use APV for Professional Video
For users looking to elevate their video production quality, the APV (Advanced Professional Video) codec on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra offers higher image fidelity and color accuracy for professional editing. While APV clips may result in larger file sizes, they retain quality through multiple edits, making them ideal for professional video projects.
To enable APV, access the Camera app settings, toggle on the APV option, and select the desired compression settings for your recordings.
By exploring and utilizing these features on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, users can enhance their smartphone experience and unlock the full potential of their device. Whether you’re a productivity enthusiast, creative aficionado, or videography enthusiast, these tips will help you make the most of your Samsung flagship smartphone.
