Galaxy S20 Ultra to S26 Ultra: The Evolution of Samsung’s In-Box Experience

In 2020, Samsung reshaped its flagship strategy. With the launch of the Galaxy S20 series, the company introduced a new three-model structure: standard, Plus, and an Ultra model at the top. The Ultra wasn’t just another variant. It was positioned as the absolute best Samsung could offer, with cutting-edge cameras, massive batteries, and top-tier displays.

The Galaxy S20 Ultra laid the foundation for today’s Ultra identity. And while each generation since has refined the hardware and pushed innovation forward, Samsung also quietly streamlined what comes inside the box. What started as a premium, accessory-rich package has gradually evolved into a minimalist retail experience. Samsung calls it sustainability. Critics call it cost optimization. The truth likely sits somewhere in between.

Ahead of the Galaxy S26 Ultra launch next week, it’s a good time to look back at how the Ultra’s in-box experience has evolved from 2020 to 2026. The minimalist approach is here to stay, so don’t expect Samsung to bring back any of the removed accessories. However, our readers in the US can effectively get those essentials back through our Mystery Box program. Curious how it works? Read on.

The beginning: A fully loaded flagship

When the Galaxy S20 Ultra launched, unboxing it felt complete. Inside the box, you received:

• 25W USB-C fast charger
• Clear case (select markets)
• Pre-applied plastic screen protector (select markets)
• USB-C to USB-C cable
• AKG-tuned wired earphones
• Extra eartips for the earphones (multiple sizes)
• SIM ejector tool
• Documentation

Nothing felt missing. The experience aligned with the Ultra branding — premium phone, premium bundle. However, just a year later, things changed dramatically with the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. Samsung removed the charger, case, screen protector, and earphones. The company cited environmental goals to reduce e-waste and shrink packaging to lower carbon emissions. The retail box became noticeably thinner.

From this point onward, buyers only received a USB-C cable, SIM ejector tool, and paperwork. This was the moment Samsung officially embraced the minimalist box philosophy. With the Galaxy S22 Ultra, S23 Ultra, S24 Ultra, and S25 Ultra, Samsung didn’t remove additional major items, but it didn’t bring anything back either. The box now contains just the essentials.

In the meantime, Samsung also increased the use of recycled materials in packaging and the devices themselves, reinforcing its sustainability narrative. As such, there’s no way the company will restore any of the removed accessories to the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s retail box. That said, we’re bringing a bit of that original Ultra unboxing excitement back through our Mystery Box program for US readers.

Galaxy S26 Ultra’s Mystery Box program restores that “fully loaded” flagship experience

While it’s not an official in-box bundle, Mystery Box is our way of recreating some of that added value. It is available for the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra in the US. If you plan to buy any of these, you have to simply sign up for the program here and wait for the official launch on February 25. Once Samsung opens pre-orders, we will deliver a direct link to Samsung’s website to your inbox. Use that link to place your Galaxy S26 pre-order.

You must use that link (click on it or copy-paste it in a browser) to secure your Mystery Box — we verify every purchase using a verification form sent shortly afterward.

Once successfully verified, we will ship a free box containing a bunch of accessories to your address. Each box will contain a 65W GaN fast charger, a protective case, screen protector, cleaning kit, phone stand, and more — accessories that many users end up purchasing separately anyway. We will also include some random gift cards and other freebies in some boxes.

It may not be exactly like the S20 Ultra days, but it certainly brings you closer to that complete flagship experience. So hurry now — sign up here.

Pro Tip: Watch this Samsung page on launch day as the Galaxy S26 Ultra may pop up early for pre-order before Unpacked starts.