Major Galaxy S26 Ultra Details Emerge Ahead of Official Announcement
Leaked specifications and renders of Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra have surfaced online, revealing what appears to be a significant upgrade over the current Galaxy S25 Ultra. The leaks, coming from multiple reliable sources, paint a picture of Samsung’s most ambitious flagship yet.
Revolutionary Camera System
The most significant upgrade appears to be the camera system. The Galaxy S26 Ultra will reportedly feature a new 200MP main sensor with a variable aperture ranging from f/1.4 to f/4.0, allowing unprecedented control over depth of field and low-light performance.
The periscope telephoto lens is also getting a major upgrade, with sources indicating a 10x optical zoom capability with improved optical image stabilization. The ultrawide camera is expected to feature a larger 50MP sensor with autofocus.
Samsung is also introducing computational photography features powered by on-device AI, including:
- Real-time scene optimization with generative AI enhancement
- Night video mode with frame interpolation
- AI-powered object removal and background replacement
- Professional-grade color science profiles
Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Performance
The Galaxy S26 Ultra will be powered by Qualcomm’s next-generation Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, built on TSMC’s 2nm process. Early benchmarks suggest a 30% improvement in CPU performance and 40% improvement in GPU performance over the current generation.
The new chip also features an advanced NPU capable of running large language models locally, enabling AI features that work without internet connectivity.
Display and Design Updates
Samsung is reportedly implementing a new display technology with peak brightness exceeding 4000 nits and improved power efficiency. The 6.9-inch display will feature reduced bezels and a more symmetrical design.
The S Pen, which remains integrated into the body, will gain new AI-powered features including real-time handwriting translation and improved palm rejection.
Battery and Charging
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to feature a 6000mAh silicon-carbon battery, a significant increase from the current 5000mAh capacity. Fast charging speeds will reportedly reach 65W wired and 25W wireless.
Expected Announcement and Pricing
Samsung typically announces its Galaxy S series in late January or early February, with the Galaxy S26 Ultra expected to debut at an Unpacked event in January 2027. However, some reports suggest Samsung may push the announcement earlier to compete with Apple’s iPhone 17.
Pricing is expected to remain in line with the current generation, with the Galaxy S26 Ultra starting at $1,299 for the base 256GB model.
Competition Heats Up
The Galaxy S26 Ultra will face stiff competition from Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max, Google’s Pixel 11 Pro, and OnePlus’s upcoming flagship. Samsung’s continued focus on camera innovation and AI features suggests the company sees these areas as key differentiators in an increasingly competitive market.
With these leaked specifications, the Galaxy S26 Ultra appears positioned to maintain Samsung’s status as a leader in the premium smartphone segment, though final details will only be confirmed at the official announcement.
