Updated
Updated · PhoneArena · Jun 2
Galaxy S26 Ultra Posts 3.9% Reflectivity as Privacy Display Slightly Erodes Anti-Glare Edge
Updated
Updated · PhoneArena · Jun 2

Galaxy S26 Ultra Posts 3.9% Reflectivity as Privacy Display Slightly Erodes Anti-Glare Edge

1 articles · Updated · PhoneArena · Jun 2

Summary

  • PhoneArena measured the Galaxy S26 Ultra at 3.9% reflectivity across three lighting setups, indicating Samsung’s new integrated Privacy Display did not knock it off the top spot.
  • That result is slightly worse than the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 3.1%, supporting earlier concerns that adding the privacy layer would trim some of Gorilla Armor 2’s anti-reflective performance.
  • Even so, the S26 Ultra still beat the iPhone 17 Pro Max at 4.6% and far outperformed the Pixel 10 Pro XL and Galaxy S26, both at 7.1%.
  • Gorilla Armor 2 remains exclusive to Samsung’s Ultra line because Corning built the glass specifically for Samsung, embedding anti-glare properties into the glass structure rather than applying a surface coating.
  • In practical use, PhoneArena said the difference versus the S25 Ultra was hard to spot with the screen on, suggesting Samsung preserved most of the display’s real-world anti-glare advantage.

Insights

Samsung's new privacy screen makes its display slightly more reflective. Is this a necessary compromise for the future of mobile privacy?
With Gorilla Armor 2 exclusive to Samsung, how can rivals like Apple and Google ever catch up on screen anti-glare technology?
The S26 Ultra's advanced screen is harder to scratch, but what is the hidden cost when it comes time to repair it?