Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra India launch: Updated design, camera and everything else we know

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Samsung is preparing for the global debut of its next flagship, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, expected in early 2025. Industry reports indicate the smartphone could first launch globally in January, followed by an India release around March. The device is tipped to bring several key hardware changes, including a redesigned camera module, a brighter OLED display, and Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to retain a design language similar to its predecessor but with refinements to the camera module. Leaks suggest the rear camera layout will appear more enclosed and symmetrical, replacing the floating island look of the S25 Ultra. The device may feature a 6.9-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 3000 nits of peak brightness. Reports also indicate a flatter panel and more rounded corners, aiming for improved grip and comfort.

Samsung is reportedly continuing its focus on high-resolution imaging with a 200MP primary camera at the helm of the quad-camera setup. It may include a 50MP ultra-wide lens, a 50MP periscope telephoto lens, and a 10MP telephoto sensor. The front camera is expected to remain at 12MP, optimized for better low-light selfies and stable video calls.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra will likely run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, paired with 12GB RAM and 256GB internal storage. The processor is designed to enhance performance, power efficiency, and AI-driven tasks. While Samsung hasn’t confirmed battery capacity, improved power optimization and faster charging are expected.

Samsung typically unveils its Galaxy S series in January. However, reports suggest a possible delay to February 25, 2025, as the company may streamline the lineup by discontinuing the Edge variant. Alongside the Ultra, the Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus are also expected to debut globally, offering distinct hardware upgrades across models.