Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: All CONFIRMED Leaks & Upgrades – Samsung’s Redemption Phone?

Expected Launch: January 2026 Unpacked Event | Release Date: Mid-February 2026 | Price: $1,299 (Expected)

After the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s lukewarm reception, Samsung is preparing what looks like a proper apology letter to frustrated fans. The S25 Ultra was criticized for being overly safe, recycled, and frankly disappointing for a phone carrying the “Ultra” badge. But the leaked details about the S26 Ultra suggest Samsung heard the criticism loud and clear – and they’re coming back swinging.

With confirmed leaks flooding in as we approach the official unveiling, the picture is finally becoming clear. From a complete design overhaul to long-overdue charging upgrades and a definitive answer to the Snapdragon vs. Exynos debate, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is shaping up to be the flagship Samsung should have released in 2025.

Let’s dive into everything we know about Samsung’s upcoming redemption flagship.

Quick Verdict: Is the S26 Ultra Worth the Upgrade?

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5 – Based on Leaks)

Major Upgrades:

• Complete design overhaul with refined ergonomics
• Faster 60W wired charging (finally!)
• Qi2 wireless charging with MagSafe-style magnets
• Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 globally (no Exynos for Ultra)
• Significantly improved camera apertures
• New M14 OLED display with better efficiency
• Thinner (7.9mm) and lighter build

Disappointments:

• Same 5,000 mAh battery capacity
• 3x telephoto lens unchanged (still 10MP)
• Price remains at $1,299 (no reduction despite competition)

Bottom Line: The S26 Ultra addresses almost every complaint about the S25 Ultra. If you skipped the S25 because it felt too incremental, the S26 looks like the meaningful upgrade you’ve been waiting for.

Design Revolution: Samsung Finally Ditches the Brick

The End of Sharp Corners

One of the most persistent complaints about Samsung’s Ultra series has been the uncomfortable, brick-like design with sharp corners that dig into your palm during extended use. The S26 Ultra is Samsung’s answer to years of user feedback.

Key Design Changes:

1. Thinner Profile

• New Thickness: 7.9mm (down from 8.6mm on S25 Ultra)
• Weight Reduction: Expected to be noticeably lighter
• In-Hand Feel: More premium, less like holding a metal brick

2. Rounded Corners & Chamfered Edges The sharp, angular corners are gone. Samsung is introducing:

• Gently rounded corners for improved grip
• Chamfered edges that blend into the frame
• More comfortable palm feel during one-handed use
• Reduced hand fatigue during extended gaming or video watching

This might seem like a minor change on paper, but anyone who’s held an Ultra phone for hours knows how much those sharp edges can fatigue your hands. The move to rounded corners aligns Samsung with competitors like the iPhone 16 Pro Max and brings the design language closer to what users actually want.

Camera Island: Unified and Premium

The Old Design Problem: The S25 Ultra featured separate, floating camera rings – a design choice that divided opinion. Some found it distinctive, others thought it looked disjointed and less premium than competitors.

The S26 Ultra Solution: Samsung is returning to a prominent raised camera island that houses all lenses in a unified module.

Benefits:

• Cleaner visual aesthetic – looks more professional and cohesive
• Better protection – unified bump protects all lenses equally
• Reduced table wobble – single island design is more stable
• Premium appearance – matches flagship designs from Apple and Google

The camera island isn’t just cosmetic – it houses significant hardware upgrades that we’ll explore next.

Camera Upgrades: Great News and Stubborn Decisions

Samsung’s approach to the S26 Ultra camera system is a mixed bag. There are genuinely impressive upgrades alongside some baffling decisions that leave you wondering what Samsung is thinking.

The Great News: Aperture Upgrades

1. Main 200MP Camera: f/1.4 Aperture

This is huge. The main sensor is getting a massive lens upgrade:

• Previous (S25 Ultra): f/1.7 aperture
• New (S26 Ultra): f/1.4 aperture
• Light Intake Increase: 47% more light compared to S25 Ultra

What This Means in Real-World Use:

Nighttime Photography: That 47% increase in light gathering translates to:

• Brighter night shots without aggressive AI processing
• Less noise in low-light environments
• Faster shutter speeds in dim conditions (less motion blur)
• Better dynamic range in challenging lighting

Portrait Photography: The wider f/1.4 aperture delivers:

• More natural background blur (bokeh)
• Better subject isolation
• Creamier, more professional-looking portraits
• Greater control over depth of field

This puts the S26 Ultra’s main camera in the same league as dedicated mirrorless cameras when it comes to aperture. For context, many professional lenses operate at f/1.4 or wider, and this is now in your pocket.

2. 5x Telephoto: f/2.9 Aperture

The periscope telephoto lens is also getting an upgrade:

• Previous (S25 Ultra): f/3.4 aperture
• New (S26 Ultra): f/2.9 aperture
• Light Intake Increase: 38% more light

Benefits:

• Significantly better 5x zoom shots in low light
• Cleaner images at maximum optical zoom
• Improved concert, sports, and event photography
• Less reliance on computational photography for exposure

The Disappointment: 3x Telephoto Stays Put

Here’s where Samsung’s decision-making gets questionable:

The Problem: According to the latest leaks:

• 3x telephoto lens remains at 10MP
• Some reports suggest an even smaller sensor than S25 Ultra
• No aperture upgrade mentioned

Why This Matters:

The 3x focal length is arguably the most used telephoto zoom for everyday photography:

• Portrait shots (3x is perfect for flattering facial proportions)
• Street photography
• Architectural details
• Food photography
• Everyday zoom needs

While competitors are pushing telephoto technology forward, Samsung appears to be playing it dangerously safe with the 3x lens. This is particularly frustrating because:

1. Competitors are improving: Google’s Pixel and Apple’s iPhone Pro Max have excellent 3x-5x range performance
2. User complaints: The S25 Ultra’s 3x lens received criticism for noise and detail loss
3. It’s a heavily used focal length: Most users zoom to 3x far more often than 10x

Samsung’s Possible Reasoning:

• Cost savings on the sensor
• Space constraints in the thinner body
• Focus on main camera and 5x improvements
• AI enhancement to compensate for hardware limitations

Regardless of the reasoning, this feels like a missed opportunity. When you’re charging $1,299 for a flagship, users expect improvements across the board, not just selective upgrades.

Display: Efficiency Over Size

Screen Specifications

Samsung is making smart improvements to the display without changing its physical size:

Key Display Details:

• Size: 6.9 inches (same as S25 Ultra)
• Technology: New M14 OLED panel
• Innovation: COE (Color Filter on Encapsulation) technology
• Resolution: QHD+ (expected, not officially confirmed)
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz adaptive (expected)

What’s New: M14 OLED with COE Technology

M14 OLED Advantages:

1. Improved Color Accuracy

• Better color reproduction across the spectrum
• More accurate whites and blacks
• Enhanced contrast ratios
• Professional-grade color calibration

2. Power Efficiency (The Real Game-Changer)

• Reduced power consumption for same brightness
• Longer screen-on time
• Less heat generation during extended use
• Better battery optimization

COE Technology Explained:

Color Filter on Encapsulation is Samsung’s proprietary display technology that:

• Places color filters directly on the encapsulation layer
• Improves light transmission efficiency
• Reduces power consumption by up to 25%
• Maintains vibrant colors while using less energy

Why Efficiency Matters More Than Size

Samsung’s decision to focus on display efficiency rather than increasing size makes sense when you consider:

1. Battery Life: More efficient display = longer battery life without increasing capacity
2. Heat Management: Less power draw = cooler phone during intensive tasks
3. User Preference: The 6.9″ display is already at the upper limit of comfortable one-handed use
4. Ergonomics: Maintaining size while reducing thickness improves overall feel

The M14 OLED with COE technology is Samsung’s way of improving the user experience without making the phone larger or heavier – a smart compromise.

Battery & Charging: Finally Catching Up

The Battery Capacity Debate

Capacity: 5,000 mAh (unchanged from S25 Ultra)

The Reaction: Many users were hoping for a battery capacity increase to 5,500 or even 6,000 mAh, especially given competitors pushing larger batteries. Samsung’s decision to stick with 5,000 mAh initially seems disappointing.

Why Samsung Made This Choice:

1. Display Efficiency: The M14 OLED panel’s improved efficiency effectively increases battery life without adding capacity
2. Thinner Design: The 7.9mm profile requires space optimization
3. Weight Management: Larger battery = heavier phone
4. Thermal Design: More battery = more heat management challenges
5. Performance Optimization: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is more power-efficient

Real-World Impact: While the capacity number hasn’t changed, the combination of:

• More efficient display (25% power reduction)
• More efficient processor (8 Elite Gen 5 on 3nm)
• Improved thermal management

Could actually result in better battery life than S25 Ultra despite identical battery size.

Charging: The Long-Overdue Upgrade

This is where Samsung is finally addressing a major frustration.

Wired Charging: 60W

• Previous (S25 Ultra): 45W
• New (S26 Ultra): 60W
• Improvement: 33% faster charging speed

Charging Time Estimates:

• 0-50%: Approximately 20-25 minutes
• 0-100%: Approximately 45-55 minutes
• 15-minute charge: Approximately 35-40% capacity

Why This Matters:

For years, Samsung has lagged behind competitors in charging speed:

• OnePlus: 100W+ charging
• Xiaomi: 120W charging
• Oppo: 80W+ charging
• Even mid-range Chinese phones: 60-80W

While 60W still isn’t class-leading, it’s a significant step forward and brings Samsung closer to competitive standards.

Wireless Charging: Qi2 with MagSafe-Style Magnets

This might be even bigger news than the wired charging upgrade:

Qi2 Wireless Charging:

• Standard: Qi2 (latest wireless charging standard)
• Power: 15W (expected)
• Innovation: Built-in magnets for alignment

What This Means: Samsung is essentially implementing its version of MagSafe:

• Magnetic alignment ensures perfect coil positioning
• Accessory ecosystem – MagSafe-compatible accessories should work
• Car mounts – magnetic phone holders become incredibly convenient
• Charging stands – no more fumbling to align the phone
• Wireless battery packs – snap-on portable chargers

Why This Is Overdue:

Apple introduced MagSafe with the iPhone 12 in 2020. It’s taken Samsung until 2026 to implement a competitive solution. The delay is frustrating, but the implementation looks solid based on leaks.

Potential Issues:

• Will existing Qi chargers work? (Likely yes, but without magnetic alignment)
• Accessory pricing (MagSafe accessories are expensive)
• Case compatibility (will third-party cases support magnets?)

Performance: The Snapdragon vs. Exynos Debate – SETTLED

The History of Samsung’s Chipset Problem

For years, Samsung’s approach to processors has frustrated users:

The Dual-Chip Strategy:

• US Market: Qualcomm Snapdragon (superior performance)
• International Markets: Samsung Exynos (inferior performance)

The Problems:

1. Performance gap: Exynos chips consistently underperformed Snapdragon
2. Thermal issues: Exynos models ran hotter
3. Battery life: Exynos versions had worse battery efficiency
4. Gaming performance: Significant GPU performance differences
5. Customer frustration: Paying the same price for inferior hardware

With the S25 Ultra, Samsung attempted to use Exynos widely but faced such backlash that they pivoted back to Snapdragon for most markets.

S26 Ultra: Global Snapdragon Commitment

The Confirmed News:

Galaxy S26 Ultra: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 GLOBALLY

• United States: ✅ Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
• Europe: ✅ Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
• Asia: ✅ Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
• Rest of World: ✅ Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

NO EXYNOS FOR THE ULTRA MODEL

What About S26 and S26 Plus? Base Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus might still receive Exynos chips in some regions, but the Ultra guarantees Snapdragon worldwide.

Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5: What to Expect

Manufacturing Process: 3nm (improved efficiency)

Expected Performance:

• CPU Performance: 15-20% improvement over Gen 4
• GPU Performance: 25-30% improvement (critical for gaming)
• AI Processing: Significantly enhanced NPU for on-device AI
• Power Efficiency: 20% better power consumption
• 5G Modem: Latest X80 modem for faster connectivity

Samsung’s Thermal Solution: Heat Path Blocker

Samsung is implementing upgraded thermal technology called “Heat Path Blocker”:

Benefits:

• More efficient heat dissipation
• Sustained peak performance during gaming
• Reduced thermal throttling
• Cooler surface temperatures during intensive tasks
• Better battery preservation during high-power use

Real-World Impact:

Gaming:

• Sustained 60fps+ in demanding games
• Less frame rate drops during extended sessions
• Cooler phone during Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile, etc.

Video Recording:

• Stable 8K video recording without overheating warnings
• Extended 4K 60fps recording capability
• Professional video workflows possible

Daily Performance:

• Snappier app launches
• Smoother multitasking
• Better camera processing speed
• Instant AI feature responses

Why Global Snapdragon Matters for Premium Buyers

Consistency: Every S26 Ultra buyer gets the same flagship experience regardless of location. No more “lottery” based on where you buy.

Resale Value: Snapdragon models traditionally hold value better in secondary markets.

Developer Support: Apps and games are optimized for Snapdragon first, ensuring best compatibility.

Customer Trust: Samsung is finally acknowledging that Exynos in Ultra models damages brand perception.

Launch Timeline & Availability

Unpacked Event

Expected Date: January 2026 Location: TBD (likely virtual event with select in-person attendance) Announcement: Full S26 series (S26, S26+, S26 Ultra)

What to Expect at Unpacked:

• Official specifications confirmation
• Camera samples and demonstrations
• Galaxy AI features showcase
• Pricing and pre-order details
• Accessory ecosystem reveal (cases, chargers, MagSafe-style accessories)

Release Date

Expected Release: Mid-February 2026

Pre-Order Timeline:

• Announcement: Late January
• Pre-orders open: Immediately after announcement
• Pre-order bonuses: Likely free storage upgrade or accessory bundle
• General availability: 2-3 weeks after pre-orders

Regional Rollout:

• First wave: US, South Korea, major European markets
• Second wave: Rest of Europe, Asia, Middle East
• Third wave: Other markets

Rumored March Delay?

Some early leaks suggested a potential delay to March 2026. However, the most reliable sources (including supply chain leaks and Samsung’s historical launch patterns) point to the traditional January unveiling with February release.

Why January Remains Likely:

1. Samsung’s annual pattern (January Unpacked for S-series)
2. Component suppliers ramping production
3. Pre-Mobile World Congress timing
4. Competitive pressure from other Q1 2026 flagships

Pricing Strategy: Holding the Line at $1,299

Expected Pricing

Galaxy S26 Ultra Base Model: $1,299 (256GB storage – expected)

Storage Configurations (Expected):

• 256GB: $1,299
• 512GB: $1,399
• 1TB: $1,599

Price Comparison

Is $1,299 Justified?

Arguments FOR:

• Significant upgrades over S25 Ultra
• Global Snapdragon consistency
• Premium materials and build quality
• Best-in-class display technology
• Comprehensive camera system
• 60W charging brings it closer to competitors

Arguments AGAINST:

• Google Pixel 9 Pro XL offers similar features for $200 less
• No price reduction despite fierce competition
• Some camera specs unchanged (3x telephoto)
• Battery capacity not increased
• Still not the fastest charging in class

The Reality: Samsung is betting that the brand prestige, ecosystem integration (Galaxy Watch, Buds, etc.), and comprehensive upgrade package justify premium pricing. For loyal Samsung users already invested in the ecosystem, $1,299 may seem reasonable. For switchers from other brands, it’s a tough sell when competitors offer similar or better specs for less.

Pre-Order Incentives

Based on Samsung’s historical patterns, expect:

• Storage upgrades: Pay for 256GB, get 512GB
• Trade-in bonuses: Enhanced trade-in values for older Galaxy phones
• Accessory bundles: Free case, wireless charger, or Galaxy Buds
• Samsung Credit: $50-$200 Samsung Store credit
• Carrier deals: Aggressive promotions from carriers

S26 Ultra vs. S25 Ultra: Should You Upgrade?

If You Own an S25 Ultra

Reasons to Upgrade:

• Design preference (rounded vs. sharp corners)
• Want faster charging (60W vs. 45W)
• Need Qi2 wireless charging with magnets
• Better camera apertures matter to you
• Trade-in value is still high

Reasons to Skip:

• S25 Ultra is already excellent
• Incremental improvements don’t justify cost
• Trade-in value doesn’t cover upgrade cost
• No urgent need for new features
• S27 Ultra might be more revolutionary

Verdict: Skip unless you’re frustrated with S25 Ultra’s charging speed or design.

If You Own an S24 Ultra

Reasons to Upgrade:

• Significantly better design and ergonomics
• Much faster charging (60W vs. 45W)
• Qi2 wireless charging (game-changer)
• Better camera apertures
• More efficient display
• Newer processor (meaningful upgrade)

Reasons to Skip:

• S24 Ultra still performs excellently
• High upgrade cost
• S24 has good trade-in value, but still expensive upgrade
• Current battery life is fine

Verdict: Consider upgrading if charging speed and design are priorities. Otherwise, wait for S27.

If You Own an S23 Ultra or Older

Reasons to Upgrade:

• Major design improvements
• Significant performance leap
• Much better charging (60W vs. 45W or less)
• Qi2 wireless charging
• Display technology improvements
• Camera aperture upgrades
• Better AI features
• Strong trade-in value for older phones

Reasons to Skip:

• Still works fine for your needs
• Budget constraints
• Prefer to wait one more generation

Verdict: This is a solid upgrade. Three generations of improvements make the jump worthwhile.

Coming from iPhone or Pixel

Reasons to Switch to S26 Ultra:

• Larger display (6.9″ vs. 6.7-6.8″)
• Better zoom cameras (5x periscope)
• S Pen functionality (unique to Samsung)
• More storage options
• Customization (Android + One UI)
• Better multitasking

Reasons to Stick with Current Phone:

• Ecosystem lock-in (iMessage, AirDrop, iCloud)
• Simpler software experience
• Better software update commitment (Apple)
• Lower price point (Pixel)
• Established accessory collection

Verdict: If you’re not locked into Apple’s ecosystem or prefer Android, S26 Ultra is a compelling alternative.

What We Still Don’t Know

Despite numerous leaks, some details remain unconfirmed:

Unanswered Questions

1. RAM Configuration

• Will base model have 12GB or 16GB?
• Will 1TB model include 16GB RAM?

2. S Pen Improvements

• Any latency improvements?
• New S Pen features?
• Battery life of S Pen?

3. Software

• One UI 7.1 features?
• New Galaxy AI capabilities?
• Software update commitment (how many years?)

4. Camera Specifics

• Exact sensor sizes?
• Video recording capabilities (8K 60fps?)
• New camera modes or features?

5. Accessory Ecosystem

• Which MagSafe accessories will be compatible?
• Official Samsung Qi2 accessories?
• Pricing for official cases?

6. Colors

• What color options?
• Any exclusive Samsung.com colors?
• Material finishes?

7. Regional Variations

• Will ALL markets get 60W charging or vary by region?
• Same storage configurations globally?
• Network band support differences?

These questions should be answered at the January Unpacked event.

Expert Predictions & Analysis

What Samsung Got Right

1. Design Evolution Finally addressing the brick-like feel shows Samsung is listening to user feedback. Rounded corners and thinner profile make this more user-friendly.

2. Charging Upgrade 60W wired and Qi2 wireless are long overdue. Samsung is catching up to the industry standard.

3. Global Snapdragon Ending the Exynos lottery for Ultra buyers is the right call. Consistency matters for premium devices.

4. Camera Aperture Improvements The f/1.4 main camera and f/2.9 telephoto upgrades will make noticeable real-world differences.

5. Display Efficiency Focusing on efficiency over size increase is smart – better battery life without bulk.

What Samsung Got Wrong

1. 3x Telephoto Neglect Not upgrading the most-used telephoto lens is baffling. This is a missed opportunity.

2. Battery Capacity While efficiency helps, users wanted a capacity increase. Competitors are pushing 5,500-6,000 mAh.

3. Pricing Maintaining $1,299 when competitors offer similar specs for less is risky in a price-sensitive market.

4. Charging Speed 60W is good but still lags OnePlus (100W+), Xiaomi (120W), and others. Samsung is catching up but not leading.

Market Position Analysis

Strengths:

• Brand recognition and trust
• Comprehensive ecosystem
• Best-in-class display technology
• Global availability and support
• Enterprise adoption

Weaknesses:

• Price premium over competitors
• Slower charging than Chinese brands
• Some camera specs unchanged
• Playing catch-up rather than leading in some areas

Market Reality: The S26 Ultra will likely sell well to existing Samsung users and brand loyalists. Converting users from iPhone or Pixel will be challenging at $1,299 when alternatives exist at lower prices with comparable features.

The Verdict: Samsung’s Redemption Arc?

Final Assessment

The Galaxy S26 Ultra represents Samsung’s acknowledgment that the S25 Ultra didn’t live up to expectations. This isn’t just an incremental update – it’s a course correction.

What Makes This a Redemption Phone:

✅ Design: Complete overhaul addresses major comfort complaints
✅ Charging: Finally competitive with industry standards
✅ Performance: Global Snapdragon ends regional inequality
✅ Display: Cutting-edge efficiency improvements
✅ Cameras: Meaningful aperture upgrades (mostly)

What Holds It Back:

❌ Price: No reduction despite fierce competition
❌ Battery: Same capacity when bigger was expected
❌ 3x Camera: Inexplicable neglect of important lens
❌ Playing Catch-Up: Still not leading in charging speed

Who Should Buy the S26 Ultra?

Perfect For:

• S23 Ultra or older owners ready to upgrade
• Users frustrated with S25 Ultra’s design
• Samsung ecosystem loyalists
• Professionals needing S Pen functionality
• Photography enthusiasts (main camera upgrade is significant)
• Anyone wanting the best Samsung phone

Skip If:

• You own an S25 Ultra (incremental upgrade)
• Budget is primary concern (Pixel 9 Pro XL offers more value)
• You prioritize fastest possible charging
• You’re happy with current phone

Is It Enough to Make You Upgrade?

That depends on what you’re upgrading from and what matters most to you:

From S25 Ultra: Probably not – wait for S27
From S24 Ultra: Maybe – if design and charging matter
From S23 Ultra or older: Yes – meaningful improvements across the board
From iPhone/Pixel: Consider it – competitive alternative if not ecosystem-locked

Pre-Order Strategy & Buying Tips

How to Get the Best Deal

1. Pre-Order Benefits

• Samsung typically offers the best incentives at launch
• Trade-in values are highest during pre-order period
• Storage upgrade deals (pay for 256GB, get 512GB)

2. Trade-In Maximization

• Clean your current phone thoroughly
• Ensure all functions work (especially screen and cameras)
• Keep original box and accessories if possible
• Compare trade-in values: Samsung vs. carrier vs. third-party

3. Carrier vs. Unlocked

• Carrier: Often better financing, bundled with plan discounts
• Unlocked: More flexibility, easier to sell later, no bloatware
• Consider: Carrier deals can save hundreds if you’re staying long-term

4. Timing Considerations

• Pre-order immediately: Best bonuses and guaranteed launch-day delivery
• Wait 3-4 weeks: Early reviews reveal any issues
• Wait 3-6 months: Price drops and better deals appear

5. Accessory Planning

• Don’t buy overpriced Samsung accessories at checkout
• Wait for third-party Qi2 magnetic accessories
• Budget for screen protector and case (essential)

Red Flags to Watch For

Launch Issues to Monitor:

• Screen defects or manufacturing flaws
• Battery drain reports
• Overheating during normal use
• Software bugs in One UI
• Wireless charging compatibility problems

Check Reddit (r/GalaxyS26Ultra likely to be created), XDA Developers, and tech review sites for early adopter experiences before committing.

Conclusion: Wait for January, But Expect a Winner

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra represents exactly what the S25 Ultra should have been – a meaningful generational leap rather than an incremental refresh. The design overhaul, charging improvements, global Snapdragon commitment, and camera upgrades show Samsung is taking user feedback seriously.

Is it perfect? No. The unchanged 3x telephoto lens, same battery capacity, and unchanged premium pricing are disappointments that keep this from being an unqualified slam dunk.

But is it a significant improvement over the S25 Ultra? Absolutely. Samsung is clearly trying to win back trust after a lackluster previous generation.

My Recommendation:

• S25 Ultra owners: Wait for S27 Ultra
• S24 Ultra owners: Consider it if charging/design matter
• S23 Ultra or older: This is your upgrade
• New to Samsung: Strong contender if you can afford $1,299

The Galaxy S26 Ultra won’t reinvent smartphones, but it will deliver a refined, premium experience that justifies the Ultra name – something the S25 struggled to do.

Official confirmation comes in January 2026. Until then, these leaks paint a picture of a phone that’s finally worthy of your upgrade dollars.

What do you think about the Galaxy S26 Ultra leaks? Are the upgrades enough to make you switch? Will you pre-order or wait for reviews? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Stay tuned for:

• Full specifications once officially announced
• Hands-on impressions from Unpacked event
• Camera comparison tests vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max and Pixel 9 Pro XL
• Long-term review after 30 days of use

Related Articles:

• Galaxy S25 Ultra Review: Why It Disappointed
• Best Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Cases and Accessories
• S26 Ultra vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: Which Should You Buy?
• Complete Guide to Trading In Your Old Samsung Phone

All information based on confirmed leaks as of January 2026. Official specifications, pricing, and features subject to change at launch.