The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated smartphones of the next year, with fans eagerly speculating about its release, pricing, and upgrades. Samsung has gradually moved its Galaxy S series announcements earlier each year, aiming to gain momentum before competitors launch their flagship devices.
Traditionally, the Galaxy S series has been unveiled in early January, with shipments following a few weeks later in February. However, rumors suggest Samsung may attempt to push the Galaxy S26 Ultra release even earlier, potentially offering pre-orders as soon as December 2025 to capitalize on the holiday shopping season.
While ambitious, this strategy would also bring the Galaxy S series closer to Apple’s iPhone launches, heightening competition in the premium smartphone market.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to feature cutting-edge hardware and camera improvements, continuing Samsung’s tradition of combining performance with photography excellence. Rumors indicate a major camera upgrade, with a 200 MP main wide sensor, a 50 MP ultra-wide lens, a 200 MP 4x zoom camera, and a 12 MP front-facing selfie camera.
The main sensor may utilize a larger 1/1.1-inch Sony sensor, which could allow for better light capture and natural bokeh effects. Additionally, a variable aperture might make a return, a feature last seen in the Galaxy S9, to provide more control over light and focus. Video capture may also see improvements, as Samsung aims to close the gap with Apple’s cinematic capabilities.
The S26 Ultra is expected to retain storage options ranging from 256 GB to 1 TB, catering to both average users and those who record large amounts of media. In terms of design, the recent Galaxy S25 Ultra redesign introduced flat sides and rounded corners, and this aesthetic is likely to remain, though minor refinements may be applied to address criticisms of bulky camera rings.
Rumors of a hidden under-display selfie camera have been debunked, so a small punch-hole is expected to remain, while speculation about the potential removal of the S Pen remains unconfirmed. Some reports suggest Samsung could implement a new S Pen system with magnetic attachment and Qi2 wireless charging, but details are scarce.
The display of the S26 Ultra is rumored to include a 6.9-inch CoE OLED panel with improved color separation and anti-reflection properties, delivering vibrant visuals while being more energy-efficient. Peak brightness may reach 3,000 nits, making it one of the brightest displays on the market.
Battery capacity is expected to remain at 5,000 mAh, though minor efficiency improvements and a slightly smaller form factor may allow for a thinner device. Fast charging could see an upgrade to 60 W, up from 45 W.
Hardware-wise, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is likely to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, potentially manufactured on a 3 nm process, and paired with 12 GB of RAM. The device will feature the latest Adreno 840 GPU, which could offer up to 30% improved performance over its predecessor, alongside a new 5G modem promising faster speeds and better AI-based efficiency.
Software will come in the form of Samsung’s One UI 8, based on Android 16, likely including AI enhancements and continued support for Samsung’s ecosystem of apps, with long-term updates promised for years to come.
For buyers, the Galaxy S26 Ultra represents a compelling upgrade for those currently using older Galaxy Ultra models, while users of the S24 or S25 Ultra may choose to wait and evaluate the device once it officially launches. Overall, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is shaping up to combine high-end performance, advanced photography, and innovative display technology, solidifying Samsung’s position in the premium smartphone segment.
