Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: What We Know So Far (Leaked Specs, Rumors & Highlights)

Expected Launch & Pricing

Launch timeframe: Samsung traditionally reveals its new S‑series models in January. Leaks suggest the S26 series (including the Ultra) could debut between January 14 and 25, 2026.
Pricing (India / global): Early estimates place the base variant price in India at ₹1,59,990 (for the Ultra). However, pricing may vary by region depending on taxes, import duties, and local market positioning.

Design & Display

Slimmer, Rounder, More Minimalist

The S26 Ultra is rumored to adopt a rounder, softer-edge design compared to prior sharp-cornered models.
Thickness may be reduced: some leaks suggest dimensions around 7.9 mm, trimming the profile versus the S25 Ultra.
A reworked camera island is expected. Case renders hint at three vertically aligned sensors in a new housing, pairing with a sleeker rear look.
There’s speculation that Samsung may borrow an under‑display selfie camera technology from its folding devices, removing visible cutouts altogether.

Display Technology & Upgrades

A standout rumor is the adoption of Color-on-Encapsulation (CoE) display tech, which would allow removal of polarizers, improving light transmittance, brightness, and reducing thickness — a method already used in Samsung’s foldables.
The display may be around 6.89 inches, slightly up from previous models, with extremely narrow bezels (possibly as thin as ~1.15 mm).
Some leaks also refer to a next-generation M14 OLED panel combined with a “Flex Magic Pixel” mode for privacy, which could narrow viewing angles to guard against side glances.

Performance & Hardware

Chipset & Memory

Samsung may employ a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (or a Samsung-customized variant) for many regions.
For markets favoring in-house silicon, an Exynos 2600, built on a 2nm process, is rumored as a variant.
Leaks suggest 16 GB RAM may become standard across variants, paired with 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB of internal storage.
To manage heat, the S26 Ultra is also expected to feature an improved vapor chamber cooling system, larger than that of its predecessor.

Battery, Charging & Power

Battery size rumors vary. Many leaks hold that Samsung will maintain a 5,000 mAh cell, which is consistent with past Ultra models.
On the charging front, improvements are anticipated: 60 W wired charging is a strong possibility (up from 45 W in earlier models).
Wireless/fast charging might adopt Qi2 magnetic charging support (a feature that’s gaining traction) in future models.

Camera & Imaging

Main & Telephoto Upgrades

The primary sensor is expected to be a 200 MP unit (likely ISOCELL HP2 or a newer variant), possibly with a wider aperture (e.g. f/1.4) to improve low-light performance.
A 200 MP periscope telephoto lens is under evaluation and could enhance long-distance zoom capabilities.
The camera setup likely will include:
- 50 MP ultrawide sensor
- 50 MP or 200 MP periscope telephoto for 5x zoom
- 12 MP or 10 MP telephoto lens for intermediate zoom
Another intriguing possibility is the return of variable aperture on the main camera, a feature Samsung had used in earlier generations like the Galaxy S9.

Video & Imaging Features

Samsung may push a new “Advanced Professional Video (APV)” codec, optimized for creators and pro-level workflows.
With enhanced optics and software tuning, improvements in low-light photography, noise reduction, and dynamic range are widely expected.

Software & Longevity

The S26 Ultra may ship with Android 16, customized via One UI 8.5.
Samsung is rumored to offer seven years of OS and security updates, reinforcing its commitment to longevity in its top-tier devices.
Privacy features may step up: code leaks suggest a “Private Display” mode and enhanced viewing‑angle control to protect against side‑glance viewing.

Features & Connectivity

S Pen integration looks likely to continue, though it may sport a new curved/stylized design.
Connectivity could include advanced features like Wi-Fi 7 and improved 5G modems.
The phone is expected to maintain an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

Risks, Uncertainties & What to Watch

As of now, all details are rumors and leaks. Actual specs may change before launch.
Battery capacity and charging gains are modest rather than dramatic in many leaks, which may disappoint users expecting large jumps.
The shift to new display tech (CoE, under-display camera) carries engineering challenges; early samples may underperform compared to expectations.
Changes in S Pen integration or layout could impact accessory compatibility or user experience.

Verdict & Who Should Wait (or Upgrade)

At present, the Galaxy S26 Ultra looks like an iterative yet refined evolution of Samsung’s flagship line: sleeker design, more efficient displays, stronger optics, and smarter features. It may not be a radical overhaul, but it could offer meaningful upgrades for photography enthusiasts, power users, and Samsung loyalists.