The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is set to redefine flagships in 2026. Rumoured for a February 25 launch, it features the powerhouse Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip and a massive 6.9-inch M14 OLED display with a new built-in privacy coating.
The headline upgrade? 60W fast charging, finally outpacing previous models. Expect a refined 200MP camera and stunning new colors like Cobalt Violet and Pink Gold. Prices are tipped to start at $1,299 / ₹1,29,999, with open sales beginning March 11.
Charging & Battery
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra finally ends years of 45W stagnation with the debut of Super Fast Charging 3.0.
Internal tests reveal the new 60W system can juice your battery from 0 to 75% in just 30 minutes. While rivals chase higher numbers, Samsung’s upgrade targets a sustained, cooler charging curve for long-term health.
Branded as “Level 4” charging in One UI 8.5, this requires a certified 5A USB-C cable and a 60W GaN adapter. It also brings a significant jump to 25W Qi2 wireless charging.
To power the 6.9-inch display, rumours point to a capacity increase, potentially a 5,200mAh or 5,400mAh cell, breaking the 5,000mAh ceiling held since 2020.
Display & Design
Samsung is ditching the sharp, rectangular edges of the past for rounded corners and a slimmer profile, significantly improving one-handed ergonomics.
The new M14 OLED panel is a visual powerhouse, rumoured to hit a staggering 3,000 nits peak brightness while consuming less power.
It also introduces “Flex Magic Pixel” technology, A built-in privacy feature that shields your screen from prying eyes at side angles without needing a physical protector.
For aesthetics, the lineup features the stunning Cobalt Violet (2026 “hero” colour) and the elegant Pink Gold online exclusives.
Performance
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 powers the Galaxy S26 Ultra, utilizing an advanced 3nm architecture (TSMC N3P) that pushes clock speeds to a record 4.6GHz.
The new Hexagon NPU delivers a 37% boost in AI performance, enabling “Agentic AI” that can navigate apps and perform complex tasks locally.
To support these multimodal Galaxy AI features, Samsung has made 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM the global standard. This ensures seamless multitasking and enough overhead for future on-device generative AI tools.
Camera Upgrades
The Galaxy S26 Ultra retains its 200MP main sensor but pairs it with a massive hardware leap: an f/1.4 aperture lens.
This wider opening allows for nearly 50% more light intake, dramatically reducing noise and blur in low-light and night photography.
While the 5x optical reach remains, the periscope lens jumps to an f/2.9 aperture. This ensures that zoomed-in shots stay crisp even in challenging indoor lighting.
New Next-gen ProVisual algorithms and AI Clear Zoom use the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s NPU to reconstruct textures at high magnifications.
A new AI engine predicts the best composition, subtly adjusting the frame before you even hit the shutter.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra release date?
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to be officially unveiled at a Samsung Unpacked event on February 25, 2026, with global shipping likely starting on March 11, 2026.
How fast is the new 60W charging?
The move to Super Fast Charging 3.0 (60W) allows the device to reach 75% in just 30 minutes. For the best results, you will need a compatible 5A USB-C cable and a 60W GaN power adapter.
What are the new colour options for 2026?
Alongside standard shades like Black Shadow and White Shadow, Samsung is introducing two standout “hero” colours: Cobalt Violet and Pink Gold (available as online exclusives).
Is the S26 Ultra better for photography than the S25 Ultra?
Yes. While both feature 200MP sensors, the S26 Ultra upgrades to a wider f/1.4 aperture for 50% better low-light intake and uses AI Clear Zoom to sharpen long-range shots.
How much will the Galaxy S26 Ultra cost?
Due to the increased costs of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and the new 16GB RAM standard, prices are expected to start at $1,299 / £1,249 / ₹1,29,999.
