As the expected window for Samsung’s first major hardware event of the year approaches, a comprehensive series of leaks and supply-chain reports have surfaced regarding the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.
These latest details, sourced from retail listings and regulatory filings, provide a high-fidelity preview of the device’s core specifications ahead of its official debut.
The 2026 flagship seems to focus on easier handling and noticeable improvements in internal performance. The main changes include a new Qualcomm chipset, a slightly larger display, and an updated design for the built-in S Pen.
Although these details come from reports that largely agree with each other, they are still unofficial and have not yet been confirmed by Samsung.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Camera System
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to retain a quad-camera array, though with notable sensor-level refinements. While the 200MP primary sensor (ISOCELL HP2) is likely to return, reports suggest it will be paired with an improved image signal processor (ISP) to enhance low-light performance and dynamic range.
The primary hardware changes are tipped for the secondary lenses:
Periscope Telephoto: A 50MP sensor with 5x optical zoom, reportedly utilizing the Sony IMX854, aiming for better clarity in mid-to-long-range shots.
Ultra-Wide: An upgrade to a 50MP Samsung JN3 sensor, providing higher resolution for wide-angle captures compared to previous models.
Telephoto: A 10MP (or potentially 12MP) 3x optical zoom lens, intended for portrait photography and short-range magnification.
Computational photography remains a pillar of the Ultra experience. New AI-driven “Nightography” features are expected to leverage the hardware’s wider f/1.4 aperture (on some modules) to reduce noise in video and still images.
Performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
The device is slated to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 globally. Built on a 3nm fabrication process, this chipset introduces Qualcomm’s latest Oryon V3 CPU architecture.
Processing Power: Early expectations point to a significant jump in multi-core performance, designed to handle the increasing demands of on-device generative AI.
Thermal Efficiency: Samsung is rumored to have enlarged the internal vapor cooling chamber to mitigate throttling during intensive gaming or high-resolution video rendering.
Memory: For the first time, base models may start with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM, with a high-tier 16GB variant available for the 1TB storage configuration to support multitasking and AI processing.
Display, Battery, and Build
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to feature a 6.9-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display, a slight increase from the 6.8-inch panel used in previous years. This change is achieved primarily through further reduction of the bezels, maintaining a similar overall device footprint.
Display Quality: The screen is tipped for a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, aimed at improving outdoor legibility.
Battery and Charging: While the battery capacity is expected to remain at 5,000mAh, reports indicate a potential jump to 60W wired fast charging, allowing for a 75% charge in approximately 30 minutes.
Materials: A Grade 5 Titanium frame and Corning Gorilla Armor 2 are expected to be the standard materials, focusing on durability and reflection reduction.
Display Quality: The screen is tipped for a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, aimed at improving outdoor legibility.
Battery and Charging: While the battery capacity is expected to remain at 5,000mAh, reports indicate a potential jump to 60W wired fast charging, allowing for a 75% charge in approximately 30 minutes.
Materials: A Grade 5 Titanium frame and Corning Gorilla Armor 2 are expected to be the standard materials, focusing on durability and reflection reduction.
Software and AI Features
The handset will likely launch with Android 16 and Samsung’s One UI 8.5 overlay. Software support is expected to remain consistent with Samsung’s current policy, offering seven years of major OS and security updates.
New software features are expected to focus on privacy and productivity:
Privacy Display Mode: A rumored software-hardware integration that limits viewing angles to prevent “visual hacking” in public spaces.
Galaxy AI: Enhanced on-device translation, advanced photo editing, and improved S Pen latency for a more natural writing experience.
Launch Timeline and Expected Price
Historical patterns and recent leaks suggest that Samsung will host its Galaxy Unpacked event on February 25, 2026. General retail availability is anticipated to follow in early March.
While final pricing depends on regional taxes and storage configurations, the expected global pricing is:
- United States: Starting at approximately $1,299.
- India: Expected starting price of ₹1,29,999 to ₹139,999.
- Europe: Predicted base price of €1,449 to €1,499.
What’s Still Unconfirmed
Even with many leaks, some details are still unclear. Reports are mixed on whether Qi2 magnetic wireless charging will be included. A “dual-tone” S Pen design has appeared in renders, but its final features are not confirmed, including whether Bluetooth-based Air Actions will fully return. Like all pre-launch information, these specifications may change as Samsung completes the final production units.
