Samsung Defends Galaxy S26 Ultra Privacy Display with New Survey Data

The Galaxy S26 Ultra‘s Privacy Display feature has sparked some debate. While it clearly improves on-screen privacy in public, users have complained of reduced peak brightness and eye strain. Now, Samsung is pushing back on the criticism with new survey data that underscores just how relevant and necessary this feature could be.

Survey reveals the importance of the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s Privacy Display

Samsung partnered with Censuswide to survey 1,000 smartphone users in the UK. The company aimed to determine how people behave with their phones in public and how often privacy is compromised. The findings are telling.

• 57% of respondents admitted they’ve unintentionally looked at someone else’s phone
• Another 26% said they’ve done it out of curiosity, with 7% admitting that they continued to look discreetly
• 61% pointed to public transport as the most common place this happens
• 59% agreed it’s easy to see someone else’s screen in crowded places

Most notably, only 12% believe smartphone use in public is truly private. In other words, people always knew the risk existed, but they had no choice. The Galaxy S26 Ultra finally gives them a choice. With its Privacy Display, you can block people from peeking at your screen with a single tap. Privacy Display dramatically reduces screen visibility from side angles, protecting your data from strangers, without affecting your own viewing experience.

Your phone is one of the most personal things you own, housing your photos, your bank details, your messages, and more. I use public transport almost every day, and the last thing I want is the person next to me seeing what’s on my screen. That’s why we built the Privacy Display into the Galaxy S26 Ultra, so what’s on your screen stays yours. — Benjamin Braun, Chief Marketing Officer at Samsung Europe

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is available to purchase worldwide in three storage variants: 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. Prices start at $1,299, with Samsung currently offering a $150 instant credit that you can redeem against accessories. You can also score a couple of free accessories if you buy the device through our rewards program.