The Galaxy S26 Ultra is currently 25% off at Amazon.
That puts the unlocked 256GB model at $977. The standard list price is $1,299.9. Samsung just finished its big Unpacked event in San Francisco. Everyone is talking about the new Galaxy Z Fold 8 and the wider Ultra variant. The Z Flip 8 is there too. Plus, updated Galaxy Watches and the first-ever smart glasses powered by Gemini AI.
Foldables launch Aug. 7. The glasses come this fall.
But here is the thing you might miss if you are chasing the shiny new foldables. The non-folding flagship is having a quiet moment. It is down to $977. That is a 25% discount.
If you prefer a proven slate over a first-generation foldable screen, now is the window. Prices usually climb back up once the hype fades. Grabbing the Galaxy S26 Ultra while it’s discounted makes sense. It is a solid deal for the specs you get.
Mashable tested this phone at the first Unpacked. Chris Taylor, a longtime iPhone switcher, noticed something specific. The privacy screen. It’s not just a filter. You can limit the privacy mode strictly to notifications.
Think about that anxiety. You’re showing someone a picture. A message pops up. Usually, you panic. With this screen, the notification stays hidden while the rest is visible. It solves a real social stress.
Camera tricks and AI editing
The camera does more than take photos. It uses Galaxy AI to edit them. Photo Assist lets you type or tap to add objects. You can restore missing details. You can apply new styles to the shot. It takes seconds.
Low light? Nightography handles that. It keeps photos clear. No grain. Whether you are at a concert or shooting city lights after dark, the output stays sharp.
The hardware is fresh. The software is mature.
Why wait for the foldables to stabilize when this device is already refined? The price drop lowers the barrier to entry. You get top-tier specs for significantly less money.
Should you buy the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra during the sale?
It depends on your current setup. If your phone is dying or slow, this is a strong candidate. The discount brings the price within range of competitors. The privacy screen adds a unique utility. The AI editing tools save time.
The ability to limit the privacy screen specifically to notifications saves you from the anxiety of showing your screen while worrying about a message pop-up.
Amazon is the place to find this deal. The unlocked version starts at $977 for the base 256GB storage. Other carriers might have their own promos. But the unlocked route gives you freedom.
The Z Fold 8 looks cool. I’m sure of it. But does it offer better daily value for everyone? Probably not yet. The S26 Ultra is ready to go. It’s just sitting there, marked down.
Sign up for the Mashable Deals newsletter if you want these alerts. Text alerts are available too. You can opt out anytime. But deals like this don’t last forever.
The screen goes dark. The battery dies. The phone gets replaced. Or you just keep using what you have until the price jumps back to $1,299. Which path feels right for you?
Share your screen. Keep your secrets. Take the 25% cut.
