Yes, that is a fairly accurate statement. Keep in mind that ubuntu has a
root user, like all unixes, but the way ubuntu is set up by default,
nobody actually logs in as root. Instead, those who are in the admin
group are eligible to be granted root powers via the sudo command, in
order to make system changes.

No sudo, no root privileges. (note that sudo can be invoked for you by a
GUI but the tipoff is that you will be asked for your password)