What was supposed to be a useful new privacy feature on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is now the reason some users are returning the device.

Unpacked 2026 was its display privacy, which protects a user’s screen from unwanted shoulder surfing.

At first glance, the feature seems useful, saving consumers from needing to buy a special anti-glare screen protector. However, some Galaxy S26 Ultra users report that they’re returning their phone because of it.

Reddit user @Exceedthecrystal shared that while overall they’re happy with their device, they noticed that it feels as if their eyes are “switching viewing modes.”

The user shared that while watching something on their phone and wanting to show it to someone next to them, they noticed “something in the perception changes.”

The same thing happens when they switch from watching content that has a privacy feature on to when it's off.

“I feel like there's a slight recalibration attempt in my eyes going on,” wrote the user, stating that such shifting is making them feel “funny,” thus they decided to return the phone.

received my S26U - it seems great, but i'll return it. Here's why. (tldr: Screen)
by u/Exceedthecrystal in samsunggalaxy

The discussion over whether the new feature would affect display quality began before the smartphone was even officially released.

Galaxy S26 Ultra display privacy feature divides users

Some users agreed with the original poster, sharing that they have the same “feeling” when looking at the screen, and others found other specifications, such as the camera, not worth the upgrade.

Nevertheless, many others couldn’t see the problem with the screen.

“I completely understand people saying the privacy mode is weird or unnatural, but it doesn't seem to bother me at all,” wrote one user, adding, “I have it on for texts then off for homescreen, and to me it just feels like the privacy dulls everything then when you go back to home it's boom back to vivid.”

“After using my s26U for two days now, I just don't get the screen rants. With privacy mode disabled, the screen looks fantastic regardless of viewing angle,” added another Redditor.

One netizen noted that “there's also the fact that many are complaining about blurriness. Wonder if those same people should try turning on the 1440p. It defaults to 1080p.”

Among the theories that could be causing an unsatisfactory display, one user noted that their phone could simply be broken. Nevertheless, those who had the same experience noted that the phone isn’t broken.

“I have mine as of yesterday, and the OP is definitely correct. It's just how the new screen works with the split between narrow and wide pixels,” wrote one user.

“This is not about seeing everything. The display is perfectly clear. It's about my eyes being in some sort of constant alertness, that I only have with his phone, nothing else,” noted the original poster.

“You’re too close:” learning how the display privacy feature works

Another Reddit user also posted about the Samsung privacy display feature, unsure whether it works as intended.

“In the videos, it is darker, and there are no ways to watch the screen from the sides. But testing it first is not full black, and second, I can still watch the content of the screen,” wrote the user.

Is this even normal?! Issue s26u screen
by u/THE-EXBLIUS in samsunggalaxy

Nevertheless, other netizens were quick to explain that the user is just too close to the screen to see the difference.

“That's because you're too close, just take a step back and pretend you're eavesdropping and you'll see it looks black,” wrote one user.

“I thought the same thing you did at first, but I tested it with some friends, and it works fine. The closer you are to the screen, the less effective it is,” added the Redditor.

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