Samsung is gearing up to unveil the Galaxy S26 Ultra early next year, likely in January, alongside the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Plus.
With months still to go before launch, leaks have already started surfacing online, giving us a closer look at what the flagship may offer.
According to recent reports, the S26 Ultra could bring major camera, RAM, and performance upgrades over its predecessor, the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Display
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to feature the same 6.9-inch display size as the Galaxy S25 Ultra, but with even slimmer bezels. This should offer a higher screen-to-body ratio and a more immersive viewing experience.
Samsung reportedly tested a digitiser-free setup to save internal space but was not satisfied with the results. As a result, the final version of the S26 Ultra may retain the S Pen and digitiser, keeping its Note-like productivity appeal intact.
Design
Leaks suggest that Samsung will ditch the protruding camera ring design used in the S25 Ultra for a more flush look. The phone is also expected to carry forward the IP68 water and dust resistance rating, ensuring durability for daily use.
Camera
This is where the Galaxy S26 Ultra is likely to shine. The main rear sensor could be a 200MP ISOCELL HP2 unit, but with a new and improved lens for better image quality.
Here’s a look at the rumored rear camera setup:
- 200MP primary sensor (ISOCELL HP2)
- 50MP ultra-wide-angle sensor
- 50MP periscope lens with 5x optical zoom
- 12MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom (upgraded from 10MP)
A new laser autofocus sensor is said to be included, enabling faster and more accurate focusing. The S26 Ultra is also tipped to feature a next-gen ProVisual Engine for improved image processing and better low-light performance. Samsung may also introduce a new front-facing selfie camera.
Performance
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is rumored to run on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 chipset, built on TSMC’s 3nm process.
Samsung is expected to use a custom version of the chipset with overclocked CPU cores and special Galaxy branding, promising flagship-grade performance.
Cooling is also getting an upgrade. The new vapor chamber cooling system is said to be 1.2 times larger than the one found in the Galaxy S25 Ultra, helping the phone handle heavy workloads with ease.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.9-inch, slim bezels |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 |
| RAM | 16GB (all variants) |
| Storage Options | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Main Camera | 200MP ISOCELL HP2 |
| Ultra-wide Camera | 50MP |
| Periscope Camera | 50MP, 5x optical zoom |
| Telephoto Camera | 12MP, 3x optical zoom |
| Front Camera | New selfie shooter (TBA) |
| IP Rating | IP68 |
| Stylus | S Pen with digitiser |
| Cooling System | Upgraded vapor chamber |
Storage
One of the most exciting upgrades is that the Galaxy S26 Ultra is rumored to come with 16GB of RAM across all variants, including:
- 256GB
- 512GB
- 1TB
This would be a big improvement over previous generations and would appeal to power users, gamers, and content creators alike.
Samsung appears to be doubling down on performance, camera innovation, and user experience with the Galaxy S26 Ultra. If the leaks turn out to be true, this could be one of the most feature-packed flagship smartphones to hit the market in 2025.
FAQs
What processor will Galaxy S26 Ultra use?
It will use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 chipset.
How many cameras will Galaxy S26 Ultra have?
Four rear cameras including a 200MP main sensor.
Will S26 Ultra include an S Pen?
Yes, it is expected to include an S Pen and digitiser.
How much RAM will Galaxy S26 Ultra offer?
All variants will come with 16GB RAM.
What is the expected launch date?
Samsung may launch the S26 Ultra in January 2026.
