Here is why Galaxy S26 Ultra doesn't have a titanium frame

Samsung’s latest flagship non-foldable smartphone, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, brings many upgrades over its predecessor, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, such as an improved screen with Privacy Display, a more powerful processor, newer lenses for rear cameras, and faster charging speeds.

However, it also comes with a downgrade, which is the usage of an aluminium frame as opposed to a titanium one in the previous model. 

We asked Samsung why the brand ditched the titanium frame so soon, and here’s what the company had to say: 

“The choice of materials in each Galaxy device reflects Samsung’s effort to balance strength, comfort and design intent. For Galaxy S26, our goal was to create the slimmest S series Ultra device yet, while still meeting the premium standards for strength and reliability users expect from a Galaxy experience. Armor Aluminum was the ideal material to support a thinner and lighter form factor without compromising Galaxy S26’s everyday durability.“

In other words, Samsung says that aluminium was the best choice of material to offer the Galaxy S26 Ultra with a balance of strength, comfort, and design, as well as to make it the slimmest and lightest Galaxy S Ultra phone to date. We find Samsung’s reasoning unconvincing.

Titanium is costlier and not as good as aluminium in terms of heat dissipation. Those could be the two reasons why Samsung chose to go with aluminium for the Galaxy S26 Ultra's frame instead of titanium, but it chose not to go into specifics.

However, if it is any consolation for you, Samsung isn't the only one that backtracked on titanium. Apple also made a shift from titanium on the iPhone 16 Pro series to aluminum on the iPhone 17 Pro lineup, which may or may not be the inspiration for Samsung to do the same.