Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to launch in early 2026 with a refined design, upgraded M14 AMOLED display, 200MP quad-camera system, Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip, and Galaxy AI 2.0. While rumors of 8000mAh battery and 24GB RAM circulate, credible leaks suggest more modest upgrades.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Leaks, Rumors & What to Expect in 2026
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra may launch in early 2026 with 200MP camera, M14 AMOLED, and Galaxy AI 2.0.
Focus On: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy S26 Ultra specs, S26 Ultra vs S25 Ultra, Galaxy AI 2.0, 2026 flagship phones, Samsung S26 Ultra price
A Flagship Refined, Not Reinvented
As the Galaxy S26 Ultra inches closer to its anticipated launch, the tech world is buzzing with speculation. Samsung’s next flagship is expected to build on the solid foundation of the S25 Ultra, offering incremental but meaningful upgrades in display technology, AI integration, and charging speeds. While some rumors hint at wild specs like 8000mAh batteries and 24GB RAM, credible sources suggest a more refined evolution rather than a radical overhaul.
Let’s break down the most reliable leaks and what they tell us about the Galaxy S26 Ultra as of October 25, 2025.
Release Date & Pricing: January or March 2026?
Samsung traditionally unveils its Galaxy S series at Galaxy Unpacked events in late January or early February. However, Korean outlet Newsis and multiple leakers suggest a possible delay to March 2026, citing issues with the Exynos 2600 chipset and AI feature optimization.
Expected Timeline:
- Announcement: January 21, 2026 (tentative)
- Sales Start: February 4, 2026 (or March if delayed)
- Models: Galaxy S26, S26 Pro, and S26 Ultra (Edge variant may be discontinued)
Pricing (Rumored):
- Base (256GB): ~$1,299 / ₹1,59,999
- 512GB/1TB Variants: $1,499–$1,699 depending on region and features
- India Launch: Expected within 2 weeks of global debut
Design & Build: Slimmer, Softer, Smarter
The S26 Ultra is rumored to feature a flatter 6.9-inch display, rounded corners, and a slimmer profile under 8mm—a shift from the “cheese grater” aesthetic of the S25 Ultra. Some insiders describe it as iPhone-inspired, with uniform bezels and a stealthier camera module.
Design Highlights:
- Frame: Titanium alloy for durability
- Water/Dust Resistance: IP68 certified
- Qi2 Wireless Charging: Built-in magnets for MagSafe accessory compatibility
- Colors: Titanium Black, Gray, and a bold new Cosmic Orange
Display: M14 OLED, Privacy Mode & 10-Bit Color
Samsung’s display game is already top-tier, but the S26 Ultra is expected to raise the bar with a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel using M14 OLED material. This promises thinner panels, better glare resistance, and improved power efficiency.
Display Specs:
- Resolution: QHD+ (3120 x 1440), ~505 PPI
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz adaptive
- Peak Brightness: Up to 2600 nits
- Color Depth: True 10-bit (up from 8-bit on S25 Ultra)
- Privacy Feature: Rumored “Magic Pixel” tech for auto-dimming off-angle viewing
This could make the S26 Ultra’s display brighter and more vibrant than even the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 & Galaxy AI 2.0
The S26 Ultra is expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 globally, with a custom “for Galaxy” variant offering higher clock speeds. Select regions like Europe may receive the Exynos 2600, though development delays could impact rollout.
Performance Highlights:
- Process Node: 3nm (2nm yields still low)
- AI Integration: Galaxy AI 2.0 for real-time translation, smart photo editing, and contextual search
- Software: Android 16 with One UI 8.5
- Updates: 7 years of OS and security patches
RAM & Storage: 24GB RAM? Not Likely
While some leaks claim 24GB RAM, most credible sources suggest 12GB or 16GB LPDDR5X. The 24GB figure likely stems from prototype testing or regional variants.
Storage Options:
- Base: 256GB UFS 4.0
- Mid: 512GB
- Top: 1TB
Battery & Charging: 8000mAh? Probably Not
The S26 Ultra is expected to retain the 5,000mAh battery, with some leaks hinting at a 5,400mAh upgrade. The rumored 8000mAh battery would require a complete chassis redesign, making it unlikely for this generation.
Charging Upgrades:
- Wired: 60W (up from 45W)
- Wireless: 25W
- Reverse Wireless: 15W (Qi2 compatible)
Camera: 200MP Sensor & AI Zoom
Samsung is sticking with its 200MP ISOCELL HP2 sensor, now rumored to feature an f/1.4 aperture for 47% better low-light performance. The quad-camera setup includes:
- Main: 200MP, f/1.4, OIS
- Ultrawide: 50MP
- Telephoto: 12MP 3x optical zoom
- Periscope: 50MP 5x optical, up to 100x Space Zoom (AI-enhanced)
180x Zoom?
Some rumors mention 180x digital zoom, but this is likely AI-enhanced marketing speak rather than true optical capability.Front Camera: 12MP with AI enhancements for video calls and portraits
S Pen & Other Features
- S Pen: Integrated, no major changes; Bluetooth support still absent
- Audio: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos
- Security: Ultrasonic fingerprint scanner
- Smart Features: Deeper Perplexity AI integration for smarter search and productivity
S26 Ultra vs. S25 Ultra: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Galaxy S26 Ultra (Rumored) | Galaxy S25 Ultra (Actual) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.9" AMOLED, 10-bit, M14 OLED, 2600 nits | 6.8" AMOLED, 8-bit, 2600 nits |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 / Exynos 2600 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 / Exynos 2500 |
| RAM/Storage | 12–16GB / 256GB–1TB | 12–16GB / 256GB–1TB |
| Battery | 5,000–5,400mAh, 60W wired | 5,000mAh, 45W wired |
| Camera | 200MP + 50MP UW + 12MP 3x + 50MP 5x | 200MP + 50MP UW + 10MP 3x + 50MP 5x |
| Zoom | Up to 100x (AI-enhanced) | Up to 100x (AI-enhanced) |
| Charging | Qi2 wireless (15W) | Qi wireless (15W) |
| Price | ~$1,299 | $1,299 |
Price & Availability
| Variant | Storage | Expected Price (USD) | Expected Price (India) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | 256GB | $1,299–$1,400 | ₹1,29,999–₹1,39,999 |
| Mid | 512GB | ~$1,500 | ₹1,44,999 |
| Top | 1TB | ~$1,700 | ₹1,49,999–₹1,59,999 |
Pre-orders: Start January 21, 2026
Availability: February 4, 2026 globally
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs S25 Ultra: Key Upgrades
| Feature | S25 Ultra | S26 Ultra (Rumored) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.9" AMOLED, 2,600 nits | 6.9" AMOLED, 3,000 nits |
| Camera | 200MP + 12MP front | 200MP + 12MP (under-display) |
| Charging | 45W wired | 60W wired |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 |
| RAM | Up to 12GB | Up to 16GB LPDDR5X |
| AI | Galaxy AI 1.0 | Galaxy AI 2.0 |
| Software | Android 15 | Android 16 |
iPhone 17 Pro Max Rumors vs Galaxy S26 Ultra
| Feature | iPhone 17 Pro Max (Rumored) | Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Camera | 48MP main, cinematic video | 200MP main, Space Zoom |
| Display | 6.7" LTPO OLED, 2,500 nits | 6.9" AMOLED, 3,000 nits |
| Charging | 35W wired | 60W wired |
| AI | Apple Intelligence | Galaxy AI 2.0 |
| Stylus | No | S Pen included |
Final Talk: Evolution Over Revolution
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra appears to be a refined evolution of the S25 Ultra, with smarter AI, better display tech, and faster charging. While rumors of 8000mAh batteries and 24GB RAM are exciting, they remain unverified and unlikely for this cycle.
If you’re using an S22 Ultra or older, the S26 Ultra could be a worthy upgrade. But if you already own the S25 Ultra, you might want to wait for the S27 series or a potential Galaxy Fold refresh.
