Samsung is gearing up to launch its next flagship series at the Galaxy Unpacked event scheduled for February 25, 2026. The company is expected to launch three models: Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus, and Ultra variants. Among them, the focus is still on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which will succeed the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Early reports suggest that the new Ultra model will focus on improving the overall experience rather than introducing a major design shift.
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design and build
Leaks suggest Samsung may introduce rounded bezels instead of the sharp edges found on the S25 Ultra. The thickness can be reduced from 8.2mm to 7.9mm, and the weight can be reduced from 218g to 214g.
Another reported change involves frame materials. The company may switch from titanium to aluminum, which could reduce weight and affect the overall feel.
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Display upgrade focuses on panel quality
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to feature a 6.89-inch display, which is slightly larger than the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 6.86-inch screen. In everyday use, the size difference may not be noticeable.
However, there are reports that Samsung may switch from M13 panels to M14 panels. Newer models may also support 10-bit color instead of 8-bit. This change improves color transitions and provides better output when viewing HDR content.
Samsung may also introduce third-generation anti-reflective coating and privacy display features, both of which were not available on previous Ultra models.
Performance and memory improvements
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, which is likely to replace the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip used in the S25 Ultra. Processor changes may lead to efficiency gains and better sustained performance.
RAM speed can also be increased from 9.6Gbps to 10.7Gbps. While users may not notice a huge jump in raw speed right away, the higher memory bandwidth supports smoother multitasking and long-term performance stability.
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Batteries and charging
The battery capacity may still be 5,000mAh, similar to the S25 Ultra. However, charging speed may be improved. Reports suggest that wired charging may increase from 45W to 60W, while wireless charging may increase from 15W to 25W.
If these changes come to fruition, users may spend less time connected to a charger during the day.
camera adjustments
Samsung is expected to retain the 200MP HP2 main sensor but widen the aperture from f/1.7 to f/1.4. A wider aperture lets more light into the sensor, which may help improve low-light photography.
The 50MP 5x telephoto camera may also come with a brighter f/2.9 aperture compared to the f/3.4 of the previous model. However, the 10MP 3x telephoto camera may come with a slightly smaller sensor.
Price still unclear
Some reports suggest that the Galaxy S26 Ultra may launch at a lower price than its predecessor. However, Samsung has not yet confirmed the price. Final details may be revealed in an official announcement.
