# Hardening the privacy and security of a Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

**URL:** https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/hardening-the-privacy-and-security-of-a-samsung-galaxy-s26-ultra/40011
**Category:** Questions
**Tags:** please-eli5
**Created:** 2026-08-19T01:30:42Z
**Posts:** 4

## Post 1 by @polyester_apricot650 — 2026-08-19T01:30:42Z

I know Samsung phones are horrible when it comes to privacy, but is using NextDNS, RethinkDNS, and disabling the boatware enough for an S26 Ultra? I really prefer Samsung’s hardware for photography and videography. I already have a Pixel that I’ll eventually flash ri GrapheneOS. The S26 Ultra is more for travel, photos, and videos.

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## Post 2 by @iluvprivacy — 2026-08-20T16:10:43Z

Maybe @ignoramous will know?

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## Post 3 by @Expert4870 — 2026-08-20T16:48:35Z

Even on GrapheneOS, there’s a few connections that go outside the VPN tunnel. I imagine it’s more on a Samsung.

I don’t think those things will meaningfully improve security.

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## Post 4 by @iluvprivacy — 2026-08-20T20:22:43Z

Why won’t it meaningfully improve security? I’ve Googled this topic myself and it seems like a lot of assumptions are made without any specifics provided. What if the Samsung device is behind a router with a VPN enabled? What is being sent back to the mothership? From which app?