Samsung is preparing its next flagship lineup, with the Galaxy S26 Ultra positioned as the most feature-focused model in the series. Recent industry leaks suggest notable changes to the launch schedule, hardware strategy, and overall design approach compared to recent Galaxy S generations.
Launch timeline and availability
According to reports originating from South Korea, Samsung Electronics may host its next Galaxy Unpacked event in late February 2026. This would mark a shift away from the early January launches seen in recent years. The event is expected to take place around February 25, with retail availability likely starting in early March. The reported delay is said to give Samsung additional time to stabilise its next-generation 2nm chip production and finalise market-specific configurations.
Design and display changes
Leaks suggest the Galaxy S26 Ultra could move away from the sharp, squared-off edges of earlier Ultra models. The updated design reportedly focuses on rounded corners and improved in-hand comfort. Despite a slimmer 7.9mm profile, the phone is tipped to feature a larger 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. The panel may support peak brightness levels of up to 3,000 nits and include a new privacy-focused “Flex Magic Pixel” technology. Another visible change could be the shift from individual camera rings to a single pill-shaped rear camera module.
Performance, battery and charging
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor globally. Leaks indicate improvements across CPU and AI workloads, with a significant boost in on-device Galaxy AI processing. The phone may also introduce Qi2 magnetic wireless charging and satellite connectivity. Battery capacity is tipped at either 5,000mAh or 5,200mAh, paired with 60W wired fast charging, up from the current 45W limit.
Camera and software features
On the camera front, Samsung is likely to retain a 200MP main sensor, this time with a wider f/1.4 aperture for better low-light output. A 50MP ultra-wide and a 50MP 5x periscope telephoto lens are also expected. Software-wise, the device may debut with One UI 8.5 based on Android 16, bringing new AI-driven tools such as predictive “Now Nudges” and advanced text-to-image editing features.
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