Samsung’s Privacy Display feature isn’t worth the headache — literally

It’s not my intention to cause alarm, and most people will never experience a problem with the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra’s display.

However, if you’re among the minority affected by PWM dimming or motion sickness, such as what you get from VR goggles, you may want to pause before picking up a Galaxy S26 Ultra.

It’s an odd conversation to have because if you aren’t sensitive to PWM dimming, you’ll wonder what the rest of us are on about.

By most measures, the Galaxy S26 Ultra features an excellent display. It’s bright, vibrant, and saturated.

Still, I question whether the Privacy Display’s benefits outweigh the cost, especially if it’s giving some users a literal headache.

The Privacy Display isn’t a gimmick

There are legitimate uses

I’m not saying the Privacy Display shouldn’t exist. I was initially excited by the prospect. I love the idea of privacy screen protectors, but don’t wish to live with the compromises 24/7.

Samsung’s Privacy Display was to be the best of both worlds — protecting my information when I wanted, but out of the way when I didn’t.

If you live in an urban area or often use mass transportation, it’s ideal. Instead of people looking over your shoulder, getting a glance at sensitive conversations or banking information, Samsung provides a way to keep your data for your eyes only.

In the hand, the experience has fallen short of expectations.

I assumed I’d leave the Privacy Display on continuously, but that’s not practical. I don’t like the slight reduction in brightness and display quality when it is turned on.

You might think that’s a price worth paying, but for my usage, the effectiveness isn’t enough on the standard setting to justify any compromise to the viewing experience. You might weigh them differently, but I’m not sold.

It’s not a complete blackout

Maximum privacy needs to be turned on

I was shocked to realize that I could still view the display at a steep angle and see everything on the screen — even with the Privacy Display turned on.

Upping the setting to maximum helps, and it gives me the privacy I expected. However, it further compromises the display, and it looks like I’m viewing the screen through a foggy lens.

The effects are less noticeable outdoors, and the Privacy Display appears to work better when aided by sunlight, but that’s not when I’m most worried about people peeking at my display.

It’s not a setting you want to keep on all the time. Sure, you can limit it to sensitive notifications and banking apps, but I was hoping for more.

I wanted it to protect against someone reading messages or emails over my shoulder or across an aisle. I wanted to block out social media scrolls, Facebook names, and posts.

I’ve elected to turn it off across the board. I don’t deem it valuable enough to affect screen quality.

If I could just turn it off and have no other ill effects, that would be that. I’d have no reason to complain, and I could wait for Samsung to improve the technology in future generations.

Unfortunately, that’s not an option for some users. Everyone can turn it off, but the effects remain.

PWM dimming has never bothered me before

It’s similar to using VR goggles

The worst PWM dimming I’ve ever seen on a smartphone was on the OnePlus 11, and I never felt lightheaded while viewing it.

I have motion sickness, and I can’t enjoy VR goggles or any 3D technology for long without needing to take them off.

The same mild lightheadedness is exactly what I felt while using my Galaxy S26 Ultra for extended periods. It has reduced with more usage, but my eyes notice something different about the display.

Again, if you’re not affected by it, this is a non-issue.

Early reviews show the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s panel is every bit as sharp and vibrant as the one on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. To my eyes, the viewing angles are worse, but it’s a fantastic screen either way.

However, if you’re sensitive to PWM dimming, I highly recommend spending some time with a Galaxy S26 Ultra at a store to see if you notice any issues.

If your eyes are sensitive, I doubt the currently limited uses of the Privacy Display would be enough to overcome discomfort when using your phone casually, no matter how impressive the technology.

Since PWM refreshing is the same as in previous generations, I’m guessing it’s a combination of PWM dimming and how Samsung arranged the pixels that makes the Privacy Display work.

It’s not a showstopping issue, but it’s worth mentioning

I don’t think the Privacy Display will derail the Galaxy S26 Ultra in any meaningful way. It’s a small percentage of people who will likely be affected, and everyone’s eyes react differently.

What I don’t stand for is people defending the Privacy Display as a first-generation feature, with expected growing pains.

Samsung has held back on innovations, such as a silicon-carbon battery and improved cameras because it’s meticulous about what makes it into the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

Samsung has made it clear we aren’t beta testers for $1,300. I’d hate to see that change, even if it’s only at the expense of a minority of users.

8/10

SoC

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

RAM

12GB / 16GB

Storage

256GB / 512GB / 1TB

Battery

5,000mAh

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has a world-first new feature called the Privacy Display, which hides the phone screen from prying eyes. The phone is lighter, thinner, and more powerful than its predecessor.