Galaxy S26 Ultra May Use New High-Strength Gorilla Glass, Screen Protectors Could Be Less Necessary

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TL; DR
  • Leaks suggest the Galaxy S26 Ultra will use a next-generation high-strength Gorilla Glass designed to improve scratch and drop resistance.
  • Combined with Samsung’s anti-reflective coating and a rumored Privacy Display, the need for tempered glass or privacy protectors could drop for many users.
  • This remains an early rumor, with final confirmation expected closer to Samsung’s Unpacked event in 2026.

According to leaks shared by Ice Universe, Samsung is planning to equip the Galaxy S26 Ultra with a new generation of high-strength Corning Gorilla Glass. The material is said to offer a noticeable jump in durability over current solutions, with better resistance to scratches and drops without adding extra layers on top of the display.

The leaker claims this glass could make tempered glass screen protectors largely unnecessary for everyday use. The idea is that the base display itself would be durable enough to handle common wear, including keys in pockets, minor drops, and surface contact, while maintaining clarity and touch responsiveness.

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This rumor builds on Samsung’s recent display choices. The Galaxy S24 Ultra and S25 Ultra featured an anti-reflective coating that significantly reduced glare in bright environments, a feature that already removed one common reason users apply matte or glare-reducing protectors. That coating is expected to continue on the S26 Ultra.

There is also talk of a Privacy Display feature that limits side-angle visibility. If included, it would reduce the need for separate privacy screen protectors, which are typically used to block onlookers in public spaces. With glare reduction, viewing-angle control, and stronger glass handled at the panel level, a separate screen protector becomes less essential for many users.

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Early expectations for the Galaxy S26 Ultra place its launch around late February 2026, following Samsung’s usual schedule. The phone is expected to run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in most regions, with display brightness rumored to remain in the 2,600 to 3,000 Nits range. The specific panel to be used could be the M14.

As with all pre-launch leaks, details can change. Screen protectors will still appeal to users who want extra insurance or prefer a specific texture. Still, if this high-strength Gorilla Glass makes it to the final product, the Galaxy S26 Ultra could ship with one of the more self-sufficient display stacks seen on a flagship phone.

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Mehtab AnsariMehtab Ansari
Mehtab Ansari is the Assistant Editor – Features & Reviews at Smartprix, where he writes about smartphones, laptops, audio gear, and everything in between. A computer science student by degree but a tech nerd by heart, he’s been into consumer tech for years and started reviewing products professionally in February 2024. He’s especially into photography and audio, often spending more time testing a smartphone’s camera than he probably should. For him, tech isn’t just work, it’s what he’s always thinking about.

Expertise 

Smartphones, laptops, tablets, monitors, smartwatches, photography, and audio gear. I’ve reviewed over 60 products across these categories on Smartprix in the past year and a half.

Education - Bachelor of Computer Applications – Nizam College, Hyderabad (2022–2025) | Joined Smartprix -February 2024 | Published Reviews & Stories - 723

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