Samsung is gearing up to launch its next flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, and fresh leaks are beginning to paint a detailed picture of what to expect from one of 2026’s most anticipated devices. From a confirmed release date to battery specifications and design previews, here’s everything we know so far about Samsung’s upcoming premium smartphone.
Confirmed Launch Timeline: Galaxy Unpacked 2026
Multiple reliable sources now point to February 25, 2026 as the date Samsung will unveil the Galaxy S26 series — including the Ultra model — at its annual Galaxy Unpacked event. This leak comes from trusted industry tipsters and insiders who have historically shared accurate launch timing information, suggesting that the late-February launch date is now all but official.
Samsung typically follows its Unpacked event with a pre-order period that begins immediately after the announcement and a broader sale rollout in early March, though official confirmation from the company is still pending.
Design and Display — Refined, But Familiar
Renders and leaked images circulating online suggest that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will maintain Samsung’s signature premium design language, with a large 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED display at the forefront. The screen is expected to offer vibrant colours, high resolution and a smooth refresh rate, making it ideal for everything from gaming to HDR video streaming.
Visually, the device is said to come in multiple colour options — including variants like Cobalt Violet and Black — and feature minimal bezels around the expansive screen. While Samsung may refine the camera island and overall chassis compared with the previous S25 Ultra, the overall aesthetic is anticipated to stay rooted in Samsung’s modern flagship style.
Battery Capacity and Performance Expectations
One of the most discussed aspects of the Galaxy S26 Ultra leaks concerns its battery specifications. According to recent leaks, the device will come equipped with a roughly 5,000mAh battery, which is in line with many previous Ultra-series flagships. For some consumers, this has been considered “underwhelming” compared with recent advances from competitors and expectations for larger cells.
Despite the similar capacity, Samsung is expected to refine charging capabilities. Reports suggest the S26 Ultra may support robust wired fast charging (around 60W) and wireless charging improvements with next-generation Qi2 standards. Though official details are unconfirmed, these enhancements could result in quicker top-ups and better efficiency during heavy use.
Camera System and Photography Upgrades
Samsung’s Ultra models are known for their camera prowess, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra appears poised to continue that legacy. Leaks point toward a quad-lens camera setup led by a 200MP primary sensor, paired with advanced telephoto and ultra-wide lenses. This configuration aims to deliver everything from professional-level portrait shots to detailed night photography.
Additionally, rumours suggest software enhancements — including AI processing and improved autofocus — will further boost image quality across lighting conditions. Samsung’s continued emphasis on computational photography could make the S26 Ultra one of the year’s most capable camera phones.
Processor, RAM & Performance Expectations
Under the hood, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is widely expected to feature Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset in many markets, paired with up to 12GB or 16GB of RAM and generous internal storage options. This combination should deliver flagship-level multitasking performance, efficient power usage and responsive gaming experiences.
With Samsung’s One UI 8 based on Android 16 anticipated to be the software foundation, users can also expect a refined and intuitive interface with enhanced privacy features and Samsung AI enhancements integrated across apps and functions.
Price Expectations and Market Positioning
Although Samsung has not officially announced pricing, leaks indicate the Galaxy S26 Ultra could command a premium price tag similar to — or slightly higher than — its predecessor. Market analysts note that component cost increases and new flagship enhancements may contribute to a modest bump in retail pricing, though regional variations could apply.
Samsung’s positioning of the S26 Ultra as a top-tier device underscores its purpose: to compete head-to-head with other high-end smartphones, particularly those emphasizing advanced AI, camera excellence and long-term software support.
What’s Next?
As Samsung prepares to reveal the Galaxy S26 Ultra at Galaxy Unpacked 2026, additional leaks and official teasers are likely to emerge in the coming weeks. Prospective buyers should keep an eye on announcements from Samsung for official confirmations of specifications, pricing and availability.
With its blend of high-end hardware, refined software and premium design, the Galaxy S26 Ultra promises to be a flagship to watch — even as some leaked details spark debate among fans and tech critics alike.
