What’s new today
A fresh run of leaks suggests Samsung will keep the S Pen in the Galaxy S26 Ultra and round off the corners a bit compared to the S25 Ultra. That may improve comfort without ditching the Note-style identity. This comes from Ice Universe via multiple write-ups and mockups.
On performance, expect Qualcomm’s next “for Galaxy” class chip (often called Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 in current reporting), with some markets possibly seeing Exynos 2600 in non-Ultra models. For the Ultra, Snapdragon looks most likely.
Charging is the other headline: leaked One UI 8.5 firmware references 60W wired charging (up from 45W on S25 Ultra) while battery capacity likely stays 5,000 mAh. Treat this as promising but still pre-launch.
Camera talk has coalesced around three upgrades: a brighter aperture for the 200MP main, a new 12MP 3x telephoto replacing the old 10MP unit, and ongoing 50MP 5x periscope/50MP ultrawide support. These details appear across multiple reputable rumor roundups.
Key specs at a glance
| Area | S26 Ultra (status) |
|---|---|
| Display | ~6.9″ AMOLED, anti-reflective glass, more rounded corners (rumor). |
| SoC | Snapdragon “8 Elite Gen 2” for Ultra (leaked firmware); Exynos 2600 likely for some non-Ultra models (rumor). |
| RAM/Storage | 12–16GB; 256GB/512GB/1TB (pattern + rumor).e |
| Rear cameras | 200MP main (brighter aperture), 12MP 3x, 50MP 5x, 50MP ultrawide (rumor). |
| Front camera | Standard punch-hole likely; under-display is disputed (rumor). |
| Battery/Charging | 5,000 mAh; 60W wired in leaked code (rumor/firmware finding). |
| S Pen | Built-in S Pen remains (rumor from reliable leaker). |
| Software | Android 16 + One UI 8.5 at launch (firmware). |
Price and variants
No official pricing yet. If Samsung repeats 2025, the Ultra may start around the S25 Ultra’s tier and scale with storage. Hold this loosely until Samsung announces.
Availability and first sale date
Samsung’s cadence points to a late-January announcement and retail by mid-February 2026, similar to S24 (Jan 31 event) and S25 (Feb 7 on sale). Multiple outlets keep circling January–February.
Timeline
- Jul 29, 2025: One UI 8.5 firmware surfaces; Snapdragon “8 Elite Gen 2” string spotted; 60W charging referenced.
- Jul 2025: Early camera changes tipped (brighter main aperture; new 3x sensor).
- Sept 5–7, 2025: Mockups/dimensions show more rounded corners; S Pen presence reiterated.
How it compares
| Model | SoC | Display | Main cameras | Battery | Charging | OS/Updates | Starting price* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S26 Ultra (rumored) | Snapdragon “8 Elite Gen 2” | ~6.9″ AMOLED, rounded corners | 200MP main (brighter), 12MP 3x, 50MP 5x, 50MP UW | 5,000 mAh | 60W wired (leak) | Android 16 + One UI 8.5 | TBA |
| S25 Ultra (current) | Snapdragon 8 Elite | 6.9″ AMOLED | 200MP, 10MP 3x, 50MP 5x, 50MP UW | 5,000 mAh | 45W wired | Android 15 + One UI 7.1 | From $1,299 (varies) |
| Pixel 9 Pro XL | Google Tensor G4 | 6.8″ OLED | Triple rear (Google spec) | 5,060 mAh (typ) | 45W USB-C charge | Android w/ Google updates | Varies |
Upgrade context: If you own the S25 Ultra, the draws appear to be faster charging, a more comfortable shape, and a tidier camera package with a better 3x lens. Photography gains look iterative, not radical at least on paper.
What’s confirmed vs rumored
Confirmed (pre-announcement evidence):
- Android 16 + One UI 8.5 strings in firmware.
- Firmware hints toward Snapdragon “8 Elite Gen 2” for Ultra.
Strong rumors (credible/leaker + multiple outlets):
- 60W wired charging while staying at 5,000 mAh.
- More rounded corners; slightly different dimensions.
- S Pen remains built in.
- Camera set: 200MP main (brighter aperture), 12MP 3x, 50MP 5x, 50MP ultrawide.
Disputed/low-confidence:
- Under-display selfie camera replacing the punch-hole. (Mixed reporting; recent skepticism.)
Quick Answer
How much does Galaxy S26 Ultra cost in India?
Samsung hasn’t announced pricing. If Samsung mirrors 2025, expect an Ultra starting tier similar to S25 Ultra and scaling with 512GB/1TB. Treat any price you see before launch as a placeholder.
When is the first sale date?
Based on Samsung’s recent cadence, look for a late-January 2026 event and retail by mid-February 2026. Exact dates are unconfirmed.
What are the key specs?
Rumors point to a 6.9″ AMOLED, Snapdragon “8 Elite Gen 2” on Ultra, Android 16/One UI 8.5, 5,000 mAh battery with 60W wired charging, and a 200MP main camera with improved aperture plus upgraded 3x telephoto.
Is this an upgrade over S25 Ultra?
Likely yes for charging speed, handling (rounded corners), and the 3x telephoto. Battery size stays the same, and photography gains look incremental rather than dramatic.
Is 5G/OTA promised? Which bands/versions?
5G is a given for the flagship tier; specific band sheets and OTA promises will arrive at launch alongside regional SKUs. For now, only firmware-level clues are available.
FAQs
When will the Galaxy S26 Ultra launch?
Pattern and reporting point to a January reveal and mid-February 2026 sales. Exact dates are unannounced.
Will the S26 Ultra keep the S Pen?
Yes, the best leaks say the stylus and in-body slot stay.
What’s new with charging?
Leaked One UI 8.5 firmware flags 60W wired charging-up from 45W on S25 Ultra.
Are the cameras different?
Expect a brighter 200MP main and a higher-res 3x telephoto, with 50MP ultrawide and 5x periscope continuing.
Snapdragon or Exynos?
Ultra looks set for Qualcomm’s next flagship chip. Exynos may appear in some non-Ultra S26 models by region.
Source: Samsung Mobile Press | Samsung
