Galaxy S26 Ultra red tint reports put Samsung on watch

Some $1,300 Galaxy S26 Ultra owners say their displays are developing a reddish tint over time, according to Newsway, Reddit posts, and reports on Samsung’s community forum.

The reported discoloration often appears near the center of the screen. In some cases, users describe a “rectangular red mark” that shows up after two to three months of use. CNET said it contacted Samsung for comment, while Newsway reported that the company is investigating the issue.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is notable for its built-in Privacy Display, which works at the pixel level to obscure certain notifications when viewed off-axis or limit visibility of the full screen from side angles. Some owners say the tint is more noticeable when that feature is turned on.

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So far, the cause is still unclear. Reports cited by CNET point to several possibilities, including environmental factors, a manufacturing defect, or a software issue.

Owners who are affected should have repair options. Samsung’s one-year warranty covers repairs during that period, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra went on sale on March 11, meaning affected devices should still be within warranty.

CNET noted that the phone earned strong marks in Abrar Al-Heeti’s review and also won a CNET Lab Award for the fastest wired charging speed among the 33 other phones the outlet reviewed in 2025 and 2026.