| Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (SM-S948B)
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Security Grade
Calculator v1
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Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Category: Smartphone • Model / Gen: 1st (S26 series) SM-S948B (global), SM-S948U (US), SM-S9480 (China)
Release Date: 2026-02-26 • Status: In sale
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Security Evaluation
1. Device Security
| Criterion
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Value
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Proof
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Comment
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| Known hardware tampering
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Rare
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[Knox Security Whitepaper Secured by Knox 🔗 Proof]
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Knox Verified Boot + Knox Warranty Bit + ARM TrustZone hardware isolation; bootloader locked by default, tampering detected and permanently flagged.
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| Known vulnerabilities
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Very common
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[Samsung Mobile Security Updates 🔗 Proof]
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Flagship Android device is a primary target; monthly security bulletins regularly disclose CVEs across Android framework, kernel, and vendor components.
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| Prior attacks
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Very common
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[Samsung Knox Journals 🔗 Proof]
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Galaxy series has been repeatedly targeted by spyware (Pegasus, Predator), jailbreak/root exploits, and supply-chain attacks throughout generations.
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| Updatability
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None
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[Samsung 7-year updates policy 🔗 Proof]
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S26 series entitled to 7 generations of OS upgrades + 7 years of security patches from launch (Feb 2026 → ~2033).
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| Category Score
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Score: 3 / 3
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2. System Security
| Criterion
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Value
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Proof
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Comment
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| Authentication with other systems
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Full
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🔗 Proof
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Full enterprise-grade auth: biometric (fingerprint + face), Samsung account, Google account, Knox Workspace container, Google Play Integrity API, hardware-backed keystore.
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| Communications
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Encrypted with up-to-date encryption
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🔗 Proof
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TLS 1.3, WPA3 Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 6.0 LE Secure Connections, USB-C secure mode; Knox Network Protection scans network traffic.
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| Storage
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Encrypted with up-to-date encryption
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🔗 Proof
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AES-256 file-based encryption with hardware-backed keystore; Knox Vault isolates credentials and biometric data in a separate secure processor.
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| Category Score
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Score: 1 / 3
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3. User Authentication
| Criterion
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Value
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Proof
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Comment
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| Account management
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Full
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🔗 Proof
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Full: Samsung account, Google account, Knox Workspace, multiple user profiles, enterprise enrollment (MEM/MDM).
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| Authentication
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Secure
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🔗 Proof
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Ultrasonic fingerprint + Intelligent Scan (face + depth) + alphanumeric password/PIN/pattern; biometrics stored in Knox Vault secure element.
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| Brute-force protection
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Exist
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🔗 Proof
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Increasing lockout delays after failed attempts; factory reset protection; Knox Warranty Bit triggers on tampering.
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| Event logging
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Access event logged
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🔗 Proof
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Knox audit logs, security dashboard, Google Play Protect scanning logs, enterprise EMM reporting.
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| Passwords
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Require change after setup with complexity requirements
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🔗 Proof
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On setup, user must create PIN/password; enterprise policies can enforce complexity, expiry, and history requirements via Knox.
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| Category Score
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Score: 1 / 3
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Technical Specifications
| Property
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Details
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| Operating System & App
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Android 16 (One UI 8.0) (Companion App: Samsung Members, Galaxy Wearable)
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| Hardware (CPU / GPU)
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CPU: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy (3nm), Octa-core (4.74GHz + 3.6GHz) • GPU: Adreno 835 (integrated)
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| Memory & Storage
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Memory: 12 GB / 16 GB RAM • Storage: 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB UFS 4.0
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| Power, Battery & Charging
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Battery: 5000 mAh (typical) • Power: 45W wired, 15W wireless • Charging: 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0, 15W Wireless PowerShare
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| Display & Camera
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Display: 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 1440×3120, 1–120Hz adaptive, 2600 nits peak • Camera: 200MP main (F1.4) + 50MP periscope telephoto + 50MP ultra-wide + 12MP front
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| Sound & Connectivity
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Sound: Stereo speakers (AKG tuned), Dolby Atmos • Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, USB-C 3.2
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| Physical (Dimensions & Mass)
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Dimensions: 162.3 × 79.0 × 8.2 mm • Mass: 214 g
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Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a 2026 flagship Android smartphone powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy (3nm). It features Samsung Knox Vault defense-grade security with hardware-backed keystore, Knox Verified Boot, and TrustZone isolation. The device is entitled to 7 years of OS upgrades and monthly security patches from launch (Feb 2026 → ~2033). Biometric authentication includes ultrasonic fingerprint and intelligent face unlock, both secured in the Knox Vault secure element. Communications are protected with TLS 1.3, WPA3, and Bluetooth 6.0 LE Secure Connections. Storage uses AES-256 file-based encryption. As a flagship Android device, it is a high-priority target for spyware and vulnerability research, but Samsung's monthly security update cadence and Knox platform provide strong mitigation.
