Every year, Samsung’s Ultra model sets the tone for the Android flagship space. After the buzz around the Galaxy S25 Ultra, attention has now shifted to its successor. The latest Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leaks have sparked discussions about design changes, camera updates, and potential performance upgrades. While nothing is official yet, the steady stream of rumors and news leaks has given us a pretty good idea of what to expect.
In this article, we’ll walk through the most reliable rumours, separating strong possibilities from speculation.
Release Date
Samsung has been consistent with its flagship release cycle, usually hosting its “Unpacked” event in January. Most leaks suggest the Galaxy S26 Ultra will follow the same timeline, with a launch window around January 2026. While there have been whispers about an earlier debut in December, trusted reports indicate that January remains the safe bet.
Design and Build
One of the most noticeable shifts could be in the design. The S25 Ultra had a boxy shape with individually cut camera rings, but early renders of the new model hint at:
- Rounded corners instead of sharp edges
- A thinner profile compared to its predecessor
- A larger, more pronounced camera bump, possibly merging lenses into a raised island
Some leaks even suggest the frame will be slightly wider, giving the phone a more substantial feel. The S Pen, a staple of the Ultra line, is almost certain to stay, ensuring Samsung maintains its productivity edge.
Display Upgrades
Samsung’s displays are already among the best in the market, and the new model will likely push that reputation further. Leaks suggest a 6.89-inch screen, almost the same size as the S25 Ultra but with slightly slimmer bezels.
One interesting rumour points to a new “Flex Magic Pixel” technology. This feature would make it harder for people sitting next to you to view your screen — a kind of built-in privacy filter. If true, it could be a game-changer for professionals who often work on sensitive documents in public spaces.
Performance
Performance leaks have been mixed, and this is where things get tricky. Some sources claim Samsung is planning to bring the Exynos 2600 processor to all regions, including the Ultra model. Others believe the Ultra will still feature Qualcomm’s next high-end chip — possibly the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 — in select markets like the U.S.
This uncertainty has caused some debate among fans. Snapdragon chips have traditionally offered better performance and efficiency, but Samsung has been working hard to improve its Exynos line. If the company does go all-in with Exynos globally, it would be a bold move.
Cameras
No Ultra device is complete without camera talk, and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leaks here are particularly interesting. Reports suggest:
- A 200MP main sensor, possibly switching to a Sony-made sensor rather than Samsung’s ISOCELL.
- A 50MP ultra-wide camera, similar to the S25 Ultra.
- A 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 5× zoom, carried over from the S24 and S25 Ultra.
- A slightly improved 3× telephoto lens, rumoured to jump from 10MP to around 12MP.
Perhaps the most surprising detail is that some sensors may be reused rather than upgraded. This would suggest Samsung is focusing more on software processing, aperture size, and AI enhancements rather than raw hardware changes. A bigger aperture across lenses could improve low-light performance, even without a huge jump in megapixel count.
Battery and Charging
Battery rumours are conflicting. Most reports point to a 5,000mAh battery, the same as the S25 Ultra. However, some insiders believe Samsung may try to fit in a slightly larger cell thanks to a thinner but more efficient design.
As for charging, leaks are split. Certifications suggest the Ultra will stick with 45W wired charging, while others claim Samsung may finally push to 60W fast charging. If Samsung does stick to 45W, it would feel like a missed opportunity, especially when Chinese competitors are offering 100W or more.
Software and Features
The device is expected to launch with the latest version of One UI on top of Android 16. Improvements in cooling systems, such as a larger vapour chamber, have also been mentioned in several leaks. This should help the phone maintain stable performance during gaming or heavy multitasking.
In addition, Samsung might add AI-driven features to photography, productivity, and even on-device privacy. Given the company’s push toward AI integration in the S24 and S25 series, the Ultra should build on that foundation.
Expected Price
Leaks suggest the Galaxy S26 Ultra will cost about $1,199–$1,299 in the U.S. and €1,299–€1,399 in Europe, keeping it in line with the S25 Ultra’s launch range.
