Galaxy S26 Ultra Beats iPhone 17 Pro Max, Pixel 10 Pro XL in 2,420-Nit Outdoor Test
Updated
Updated · PhoneArena · Jun 6
Galaxy S26 Ultra Beats iPhone 17 Pro Max, Pixel 10 Pro XL in 2,420-Nit Outdoor Test
3 articles · Updated · PhoneArena · Jun 6
Summary
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra stayed the most legible in direct sunlight, beating the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Pixel 10 Pro XL especially at moderate and steep viewing angles.
Lab testing showed the 6.9-inch display reached 2,420 nits at 20% APL, easing concerns that the new Privacy Display would reduce brightness even when switched off.
Head-on, all three phones looked similarly bright, but Samsung’s anti-glare coating cut reflections more effectively as the viewing angle widened.
At the sharpest angle, the Pixel 10 Pro XL lost readability in the upper screen and the iPhone 17 Pro Max also became hard to read, while the S26 Ultra remained clear.
The result suggests Samsung improved outdoor visibility over the S25 Ultra and turned the Privacy Display and anti-reflective coating into a practical everyday advantage.